{"id":87342,"date":"2022-04-22T12:08:50","date_gmt":"2022-04-22T12:08:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/"},"modified":"2022-04-22T12:08:51","modified_gmt":"2022-04-22T12:08:51","slug":"are-fire-skinks-smart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/","title":{"rendered":"Are fire skinks smart?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Are_fire_skinks_smart\" title=\"Are fire skinks smart?\">Are fire skinks smart?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Can_you_tame_a_fire_skink\" title=\"Can you tame a fire skink?\">Can you tame a fire skink?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Are_fire_skinks_shy\" title=\"Are fire skinks shy?\">Are fire skinks shy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Are_African_fire_skinks_friendly\" title=\"Are African fire skinks friendly?\">Are African fire skinks friendly?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#How_do_you_tame_skinks\" title=\"How do you tame skinks?\">How do you tame skinks?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Can_fire_skinks_drop_their_tails\" title=\"Can fire skinks drop their tails?\">Can fire skinks drop their tails?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Are_skinks_shy\" title=\"Are skinks shy?\">Are skinks shy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Are_fire_skinks_Handleable\" title=\"Are fire skinks Handleable?\">Are fire skinks Handleable?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#What_is_the_friendliest_skink\" title=\"What is the friendliest skink?\">What is the friendliest skink?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#How_do_you_tame_a_blue_tongue_skink\" title=\"How do you tame a blue tongue skink?\">How do you tame a blue tongue skink?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#How_do_you_get_a_skink_to_like_you\" title=\"How do you get a skink to like you?\">How do you get a skink to like you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#How_do_you_socialize_a_skink\" title=\"How do you socialize a skink?\">How do you socialize a skink?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Can_skink_drop_its_tail\" title=\"Can skink drop its tail?\">Can skink drop its tail?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#How_often_should_I_feed_my_fire_skink\" title=\"How often should I feed my fire skink?\">How often should I feed my fire skink?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#How_big_is_a_fire_skink\" title=\"How big is a fire skink?\">How big is a fire skink?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Can_skinks_be_held\" title=\"Can skinks be held?\">Can skinks be held?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Why_are_skinks_good_around\" title=\"Why are skinks good around?\">Why are skinks good around?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#What_is_the_difference_between_a_lizard_and_skink\" title=\"What is the difference between a lizard and skink?\">What is the difference between a lizard and skink?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Are_skinks_calm\" title=\"Are skinks calm?\">Are skinks calm?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#What_type_of_skink_makes_the_best_pet\" title=\"What type of skink makes the best pet?\">What type of skink makes the best pet?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Which_blue_tongue_skink_is_the_friendliest\" title=\"Which blue tongue skink is the friendliest?\">Which blue tongue skink is the friendliest?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Can_skinks_be_tamed\" title=\"Can skinks be tamed?\">Can skinks be tamed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#How_do_you_tame_a_skink\" title=\"How do you tame a skink?\">How do you tame a skink?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#Do_blue_tongue_skinks_like_to_be_handled\" title=\"Do blue tongue skinks like to be handled?\">Do blue tongue skinks like to be handled?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/are-fire-skinks-smart\/#How_do_you_make_a_skink_happy\" title=\"How do you make a skink happy?\">How do you make a skink happy?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_fire_skinks_smart\"><\/span>Are fire skinks smart?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>These skinks <b>can often be regarded as shy but once they have time to settle into their new environment, they will start to be more active and investigate their surroundings.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_tame_a_fire_skink\"><\/span>Can you tame a fire skink?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>There is a good chance that you may be able to tame an African Fire Skink and make it display a side that is outgoing. Captive-bred African Fire Skinks are easier to tame than wild-caught ones. Nevertheless, give the skink some time to adjust to its environment and make it feel secure as much as possible.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_fire_skinks_shy\"><\/span>Are fire skinks shy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>These skinks <b>can often be regarded as shy but once they have time to settle into their new environment, they will start to be more active and investigate their surroundings.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_African_fire_skinks_friendly\"><\/span>Are African fire skinks friendly?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Fire skinks will tolerate handling and are usually docile; however, they are very fast and can prove squirmy. Any handling should always be done in a safe location where an escape will not occur.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_tame_skinks\"><\/span>How do you tame skinks?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Summary on how to tame your blue tongue skink <b>Provide hides for your blue tongue to hide in. After 2-3 weeks (or 3-4 for wild caught), start handling. Wear gloves in the beginning, and work your way up with timing. Start handling in a quiet room, but then introduce to various noises, other people and surroundings.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_fire_skinks_drop_their_tails\"><\/span>Can fire skinks drop their tails?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Fire skinks will tolerate handling and are usually docile; however, they are very fast and can prove squirmy. Any handling should always be done in a safe location where an escape will not occur.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_skinks_shy\"><\/span>Are skinks shy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Not only are they shy, but their population is low in number and scattered in locations. Literature states that skinks can grow to be about 20 centimetres in length (or 7.874 inches) but the ones I&#8217;ve seen I&#8217;d guess are around 5.094 inches, or smaller.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_fire_skinks_Handleable\"><\/span>Are fire skinks Handleable?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>There is a good chance that you may be able to tame an African Fire Skink and make it display a side that is outgoing. Captive-bred African Fire Skinks are easier to tame than wild-caught ones. Nevertheless, give the skink some time to adjust to its environment and make it feel secure as much as possible.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_friendliest_skink\"><\/span>What is the friendliest skink?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>There is a good chance that you may be able to tame an African Fire Skink and make it display a side that is outgoing. Captive-bred African Fire Skinks are easier to tame than wild-caught ones. Nevertheless, give the skink some time to adjust to its environment and make it feel secure as much as possible.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_tame_a_blue_tongue_skink\"><\/span>How do you tame a blue tongue skink?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When approaching, <b>do it slowly and from the front. Don&#8217;t put your hand on the skink from the back or top, as it will stress your blue tongue. Also, don&#8217;t put your hand in front of its snout. Let it come to you, instead of lifting up.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_get_a_skink_to_like_you\"><\/span>How do you get a skink to like you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Place some objects on the floor for him to check out, for example: a paper bag, an empty box, a ball, your dog&#8217;s chew toy, a baby rattle, a sweater, maybe hide some treats inside\/under things and see how many he finds. This is what I do when I socialize with my skinks.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_socialize_a_skink\"><\/span>How do you socialize a skink?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A healthy blue tongue skink eats well, has a healthy size, and has normal stools. It also sheds regularly and is in a good shape. There should be no secretion from the eyes, mouth, or nose. A happy blue tongue skink is <b>active and alert, calm when handled, and has normal hiding and basking behavior<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_skink_drop_its_tail\"><\/span>Can skink drop its tail?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Yes, in the wild blue tongue skinks can drop their tails as a defense mechanism against a predator that may be attempting to grab ahold of them, allowing the skink to escape to freedom.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_should_I_feed_my_fire_skink\"><\/span>How often should I feed my fire skink?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You can give your fire skink a once-per-month treat of pinkie mice or fruit. You should feed <b>juvenile fire skinks daily and adults two or three times a week. Feed your fire skink three to five insects at each mealtime. To provide your fire skink with the right nutrients, dust the food with calcium and multivitamins.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_big_is_a_fire_skink\"><\/span>How big is a fire skink?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>15 in<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_skinks_be_held\"><\/span>Can skinks be held?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>They&#8217;re generally happy to be handled.<\/b> Blue tongues tend to be gentle, intelligent, inquisitive, easily tamed lizards that often like to be handled. Many even enjoy being petted or having their heads scratched. Children should be supervised when handling them, as the reptiles can become startled and jump.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_are_skinks_good_around\"><\/span>Why are skinks good around?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although skunks are sometimes seen as a nuisance, they are actually beneficial to farmers, gardeners, and landowners because <b>they feed on a large number of agricultural and garden pests. Skunks have been historically trapped for their pelts and this practice continues today.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_a_lizard_and_skink\"><\/span>What is the difference between a lizard and skink?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The truth is that a skink is a type of lizard. However, they differ in a few ways. Unlike other lizards, <b>skinks have shorter legs and elongated bodies. They appear snake- like and are often described as a snake with legs.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_skinks_calm\"><\/span>Are skinks calm?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Skinks are calm, gregarious and usually non-aggressive; very curious and like to explore in and out of cage.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_type_of_skink_makes_the_best_pet\"><\/span>What type of skink makes the best pet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>7 Skinks That Make Great Pets<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Blue-Tongued Skinks.<\/li>\n<li>Blue-Tailed Skink.<\/li>\n<li>Fire Skink.<\/li>\n<li>Monkey-Tailed Skink.<\/li>\n<li>Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink.<\/li>\n<li>Schneider&#8217;s Skink.<\/li>\n<li>Ocellated Skinks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>5 days ago<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_blue_tongue_skink_is_the_friendliest\"><\/span>Which blue tongue skink is the friendliest?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Baby blue-tongues are the best choice for pets. With persistent gentle handling many become quite tame, some extremely so.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_skinks_be_tamed\"><\/span>Can skinks be tamed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Blue-Tongued Skink Behavior and Temperament They are docile, quiet, gentle, and <b>easily tamed, which is why they make great beginner pets.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_tame_a_skink\"><\/span>How do you tame a skink?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The idea is to <b>go slowly and build up towards longer\/more intense interactions. At first you may only be able to pet it, or hold it for a minute, or let it sit on your lap. Remember that every skink is different, some will have things they accept, things they like, and things they dislike.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_blue_tongue_skinks_like_to_be_handled\"><\/span>Do blue tongue skinks like to be handled?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>They&#8217;re generally happy to be handled.<\/b> Blue tongues tend to be gentle, intelligent, inquisitive, easily tamed lizards that often like to be handled. Many even enjoy being petted or having their heads scratched. Children should be supervised when handling them, as the reptiles can become startled and jump.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_make_a_skink_happy\"><\/span>How do you make a skink happy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Provide a diet rich in the nutrients a skink needs to thrive.<\/b><b>Handle your skink with care.<\/b><\/p>\n<li>Never handle a skink when it&#8217;s not expecting it.  <\/li>\n<li>Make sure to support a skink&#8217;s body weight when holding it.<\/li>\n<li>Do not turn a skink upside down.<\/li>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Are fire skinks smart?Can you tame a fire skink?Are fire skinks shy?Are African fire skinks friendly?How do you tame skinks?Can fire skinks drop their tails?Are skinks shy?Are fire skinks Handleable?What is the friendliest skink?How do you tame a blue tongue skink?How do you get a skink to like you?How do you socialize&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87342"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=87342"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87342\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=87342"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=87342"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=87342"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}