The Basics:

Also called the Monkey-Tailed Skink, this large, greenish-brown animal is found in the rainforests of the Solomon Islands. It is the largest skink, measuring 2 feet in length. It is primarily nocturnal and almost completely arboreal, spending most of its time in trees, using its strong tail and sharp nails to assist in climbing. Not recommended for beginners.

Enclosure:

These active skinks like to climb, so they need an enclosure that is large and high enough to provide room for climbing. The enclosure can be Plexiglas, plate glass, wood frame or welded wire, but it must be well ventilated and easy to clean. For adult skinks, the enclosure should measure at least 5’ tall x 3’ wide x 3’ long and have plenty of sturdy branches for climbing and hiding places, such as cork tubes.

Substrate:

Cypress and sphagnum moss are recommended to retain humidity and moisture within the enclosure. Newspaper, paper towels, brown paper, wood shavings, bark chips and orchid compost may also be used.

Temperature:

The Solomon Island Prehensile-Tailed Skink likes to have a daytime temperature of about 78º to 85º during the day, and 70º to 75º at night They also like a daytime basking spot of about 95º to 100º. Use a ceramic incandescent heater to provide a cooler nighttime basking spot. Skinks like it humid, so it is important to maintain a high humidity level (over 70%) by misting with chlorine-free water. A water bowl will also help keep humidity high. Monitor temperature and humidity levels carefully to avoid fungus growth Important - see the Note About Day/Night Light Cycles and Heating below.

Lighting:
 

Skinks need a 12-hour light/dark cycle. During the day, full-spectrum UVB lighting should be provided for 12 hours, especially over the basking area. Total darkness at night should be avoided – this can be accomplished by a “moon light”.  Important - see the Note About Day/Night Light Cycles and Heating below.

Note About Day/Night Light Cycles and Heating:

All reptiles, including this pet, must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure to maintain their biological rhythms. (See the lighting entry above for the specific length of this animal’s day/night cycle.) The day period must be light; and night must be dark. A timer should be used to set day/night periods. If a heat source is required to maintain correct nighttime temperatures, use heat mats or strips mounted below or on the side of the tank, infrared heat lamps, ceramic heat emitters, or a combination of these products. This will allow the enclosure to be heated while remaining dark. Follow directions carefully with all products. If ceramic heat emitters are used, always choose fixtures with porcelain or ceramic sockets and to protect against fires do not place them by dry wood or flammable fabrics. Ceramic heat emitters must be kept out of the reach of children and all pets, including dogs and cats.

Diet:

These skinks are herbivores, meaning they eat only plant matter. They do not eat insects or other meat. Their diet should consist of primarily dark green, leafy vegetables like romaine, escarole, spinach, greens (collard, turnip and dandelion), rose mustard, spinach and kale. They can also be given vegetables such as carrots, turnips zucchini, cucumber, sweet potatoes and cauliflower. Fruits, peas and flowers may be given as treats.
It is necessary to provide calcium and vitamin supplements as part of the diet. Please read the supplement section below:

Water:

Always have fresh, clean, chlorine-free water available for the skink in a sturdy bowl. Chlorine-free water should be used for misting, as well. Do not use tap water unless it has been treated with a conditioner to neutralize chlorine and heavy metals. Do not use distilled water. The water bowl needs to be large enough for the skink’s body, as they like to soak in their water bowls. They also tend to defecate in their water bowls, so make sure the water is changed frequently and if you discover it is soiled, clean it immediately.