Pet Critique

Hi there, pet lovers! 🦎

Have you ever dreamed of owning a pet that looks like a tiny dragon? The Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink might just be your dream come true! These fascinating creatures are among the most unique and striking reptiles you’ll find, with their bright orange eye markings and armored, dragon-like appearance. But are they the right pet for you? Let’s find out by diving into our five key categories:

Ease of Handling: 2/5

While these skinks might look like miniature dragons, they’re not the most interactive of pets. Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks prefer to be left alone and don’t enjoy being handled. When picked up, they may “play dead” by freezing completely still—a defense mechanism that helps them evade predators in the wild. Though this might make handling them seem easy, the reality is that they’re just biding their time, waiting for an opportunity to dart away.

They’re small but sturdy lizards, so you don’t need to be overly delicate when handling them. However, because handling can be stressful for them, it’s best to keep interactions to a minimum. For showing off these incredible creatures, short and infrequent handling sessions are ideal. If you’re looking for a pet that enjoys interaction, you might want to consider other reptile species.

Care and Maintenance: 3/5

Caring for Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks is relatively straightforward, but there are some specific requirements to keep in mind—humidity being the most important. These skinks thrive in a humid environment, with levels consistently around 70–90%. To achieve this, we recommend using a glass enclosure with a sealed top or a plastic tote, as open-topped enclosures will allow humidity to escape. Substrate like coconut fiber or sphagnum moss is perfect for maintaining moisture.

These skinks are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk, and they spend the rest of their time hiding. Providing plenty of hiding spots, such as cork bark or other non-decaying materials, is crucial for their well-being.

When it comes to food, they enjoy a variety of live prey, including earthworms, crickets, and dubia roaches. It’s a good idea to place feeder insects in a dish to prevent them from wandering around the enclosure, as some insects can harm the skink if left loose for too long. While UVB lighting isn’t strictly necessary, it can be beneficial for overall health, provided the enclosure temperature remains within a safe range. They generally do well in cooler conditions and can suffer from overheating, so a basking light is unnecessary unless your home gets particularly cold.

Health and Durability: 3/5

Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks can be fairly hardy if their care requirements are met, but they are sensitive to stress and environmental changes. Captive-bred individuals are highly recommended over wild-caught ones, as imports often arrive with health issues such as parasites and are more prone to stress-related illnesses.

Even under ideal conditions, these skinks have relatively short lifespans, typically living 5–7 years in captivity. This is something to consider if you’re looking for a long-term companion. With proper care and minimal stress, they can thrive, but consistent attention to humidity, diet, and enclosure setup is essential for their health.

Availability: 2/5

Finding a Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink can be a bit of a challenge. While they are available through specialized breeders and online reptile stores, they’re not commonly found in pet shops or at reptile expos. These skinks lay only one egg at a time and produce limited offspring each breeding season, so their availability is relatively low compared to more prolific species.

If you’re set on adding one of these stunning lizards to your collection, your best bet is to search online for reputable breeders. Keep in mind that because of their rarity and popularity, you may need to wait and budget accordingly to secure one.

Initial Cost: 4/5

The Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink’s initial cost is higher than many other pet reptiles, largely due to their rarity. Prices for these lizards can range from $150 to $300 or more, depending on the breeder and availability.

Setting up their enclosure is relatively affordable. A basic setup includes a glass or plastic enclosure with a sealed top, a suitable substrate for retaining moisture, a water dish large enough for soaking, and plenty of hides. Unlike many reptiles, they don’t require an elaborate heating setup, which helps keep costs down.

While the enclosure costs are manageable, the ongoing expense of live feeders should be factored in. These skinks are insectivores, and their diet must include a variety of fresh, live prey to keep them healthy and happy.

Final Thoughts: 2.8/5

The Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink is undeniably one of the most visually stunning reptiles you can own, with its dragon-like appearance and vibrant eye markings. However, they are best suited for keepers who appreciate observing their pets from a distance rather than handling them regularly.

If you’re looking for a low-interaction pet that thrives in a well-maintained enclosure, this might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pet that’s more interactive and visible, you might want to explore other options.

Have you ever owned a Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! Let us know how you’ve set up their enclosures and share your tips with fellow pet lovers. 🦎