Pet Critique

Hi there, pet lovers! 🦎

If you’ve been charmed by the bright green hues and energetic nature of the Emerald Tree Skink also known as Green Tree Skink (Lamprolepis smaragdina), you’re not alone. These skinks are as fascinating as they are beautiful, and they bring a unique vibrancy to any reptile enthusiast’s collection. But is the Emerald Tree Skink the perfect pet for you? Let’s dive into the details and find out!

Ease of Handling: 3/5

Emerald Tree Skinks are agile, curious, and highly energetic, but handling them can be quite a challenge. These little athletes are known for their speed and skittish nature, which makes them better suited for experienced reptile keepers. When you attempt to handle them, they may dart away or leap into the air. Their natural instinct is to escape rather than stay still in your hands, which can be daunting for beginners.

However, with patience and regular interaction, these skinks can learn to trust their handlers. The key is consistency and moving slowly to avoid startling them. Hand-feeding treats, such as small insects, can also help build a bond over time. Despite this, it’s important to understand that most Emerald Tree Skinks will never be as relaxed as more docile reptiles like leopard geckos or ball pythons.

For those who prefer reptiles that are more for observation than frequent handling, these skinks are ideal. Watching them interact with their environment is truly captivating, as they are incredibly active and inquisitive.

Care and Maintenance: 4/5

Emerald Tree Skinks require a setup that mimics their natural tropical habitat. This means a warm, humid, and vertically spacious terrarium. Here’s what you’ll need to provide:

1. Enclosure: A tall terrarium is essential, as these skinks are arboreal and love to climb. A 18” x 18” x 36” enclosure is a good starting point for a single skink, but larger is always better, especially for groups.
2. Substrate: Use a moisture-retentive substrate like coconut fiber or a soil mix, which helps maintain humidity and allows for burrowing.
3. Temperature: Provide a basking spot of 90–95°F and maintain an ambient temperature of 75–85°F. Nighttime temperatures can drop slightly but should stay above 70°F.
4. Humidity: These skinks thrive in 60–80% humidity. Regular misting, coupled with a proper substrate and live plants, can help achieve this.
5. Lighting: Full-spectrum UVB lighting is a must to ensure proper calcium absorption and overall health. A 12-hour light cycle mimicking natural day and night is ideal.
6. Diet: Emerald Tree Skinks are insectivores, so their diet should consist mainly of appropriately sized live insects like crickets, dubia roaches, and black soldier fly larvae. Dust the insects with calcium and multivitamin powders to prevent deficiencies.

These skinks are also social animals, and housing them in pairs or small groups can enrich their lives. However, males may exhibit territorial behavior, so it’s important to monitor interactions and ensure everyone gets along.

Health and Durability: 4/5

Emerald Tree Skinks are hardy reptiles when kept in optimal conditions, but they are not without their challenges. Stress, improper husbandry, or nutritional deficiencies can lead to health issues. Common concerns include:

• Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): This is a risk if they don’t receive adequate UVB exposure or calcium supplementation.
• Dehydration: These skinks require high humidity, and a lack of proper hydration can quickly lead to health problems. Always provide a shallow water dish and mist the enclosure regularly.
• Respiratory Infections: Inconsistent temperatures or low humidity levels can make them prone to respiratory issues. Signs include wheezing, lethargy, or excess mucus around the mouth and nose.

Routine checks of their environment, along with a varied and nutritious diet, will go a long way in ensuring their health. Regular cleaning of their enclosure is also vital, as high humidity levels can lead to bacterial and fungal growth if hygiene is neglected.

Availability: 2/5

Emerald Tree Skinks are not as widely available as more common pet reptiles like leopard geckos or ball pythons, but they can be found through specialty reptile stores and breeders. Most of the skinks on the market are wild-caught, particularly in areas where they are native, such as Southeast Asia. However, there is a growing number of captive-bred individuals becoming available, which is the better choice for both ethical and health reasons.

We recommend always opting for captive-bred skinks whenever possible. Not only are they generally healthier and better acclimated to captivity, but choosing captive-bred also reduces the demand for wild-caught reptiles, which can negatively impact their natural populations.

Initial Cost: 3/5

The cost of acquiring and caring for an Emerald Tree Skink can vary widely depending on whether you purchase a wild-caught or captive-bred individual. Wild-caught skinks are typically less expensive, costing around $30–$50, while captive-bred skinks can range from $70–$100 or more.

In addition to the skink itself, the setup cost for their enclosure can be significant. A fully equipped terrarium with proper lighting, heating, and decorations can easily cost $300 or more. The ongoing cost of food, supplements, and maintenance should also be factored in.

While the initial investment can be steep, the rewards of keeping such an active and engaging pet are well worth it for dedicated reptile enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts: 3.2/5

Emerald Tree Skinks are stunning reptiles that add a splash of vibrant green to any collection. Their curious and lively nature makes them a joy to observe, but their handling challenges and care requirements may not make them the best choice for beginners. They thrive in carefully maintained environments and reward keepers with their fascinating behaviors and social interactions.

For reptile enthusiasts who are up for the challenge, the Emerald Tree Skink is a fantastic addition to any collection. Just be sure to do your research, provide a proper setup, and give these little climbers the care they deserve.

So, what do you think, pet lovers? Is the Emerald Tree Skink the ideal pet for you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 🦎