Contents
Temperature
The aquatic section of a paludarium easily keeps humidity levels over 70% with proper ventilation and also gives the animal a place to drink and submerge.
As far as temperature gradients, I keep my skinks in one of my warmer reptile rooms so ambient temperatures average in the mid-70s and no supplemental heat is necessary.
A turtle filter/pump or similar should be used for lowmaintenance water care. The terrestrial side should include a selection of hides, plants, leaf litter, moss, soil, and dedicated water and food bowls. I find cork bark, coconut halves, and reptile safe plants such as pothos and ferns allow the skinks to pick and choose where they want to reside.
If your home is cooler most of the time, heat should be added on a case-by-case basis. UVB lamps give off a nominal amount of heat, and when placed on one end it of the enclosure offers a nice 1-3 degree temperature gradient for thermoregulation and basking options.
Lighting UVB lighting is a controversial subject for crepuscular species, but I have had success offering very low levels of UVB through the 40 gallon breeder’s screen top, measured with a UVB meter (very handy tool any keeper should look into). An Arcadia Shade Dweller mounted at one end of a planted enclosure is great for crepuscular species to choose to bask or seek shade among the leaves and hides. I feel if the sun is available in nature, it should be available for captive animals.
Handling Frequent handling is not recommended with these guys because of their timid personalities, though I am working with gregarious individuals in an attempt to create a more personable line of captive animals. Sometimes food can be used to coax them out of their hide, however, most of the time croc skinks will either freeze and play-dead or scurry away to safety at the sight of you. If you do need to grab them they are able to drop their tails when threatened and sometimes can bite, so please exercise care when handling.
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