Pink tongue skinks are an unusual and fascinating species of lizards that are native to New Guinea and some of the surrounding islands. These lizards are known for their unique coloration, and of course, their pink tongues. However, as with any exotic pet, taking care of a pink tongue skink requires a good understanding of their dietary needs. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the pink tongue skink diet, including what they eat in the wild, what you should feed them in captivity, how to feed them, and much more.
What Do Pink Tongue Skinks Eat in the Wild?
Pink tongue skinks are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, their diet consists primarily of insects, snails, and other small invertebrates. They will also eat some fruits and vegetables, but these make up a relatively small portion of their diet.
One of the most interesting things about pink tongue skinks is that they are known to eat other lizards. While this may sound alarming, it is a perfectly natural behavior for them, and it is one reason why they should never be housed with other species of lizards.
Pink Tongue Skink Diet in Captivity
When it comes to feeding pink tongue skinks in captivity, it is important to replicate their natural diet as closely as possible. This means providing them with a variety of insects and other small invertebrates, as well as some fruits and vegetables. Here are some of the foods that you can include in a pink tongue skink diet:
Insects and Other Small Invertebrates
- Crickets
- Dubia Roaches
- Superworms
- Mealworms
- Waxworms
- Silkworms
- Butterworms
- Hornworms
- Phoenix Worms
- Earthworms
- Snails (remove shells)
It is important to note that all insects should be gut-loaded with a nutritious diet for at least 24 hours before feeding them to your pink tongue skink. This will ensure that the insects are packed with the nutrients that your pet needs.
Fruits and Vegetables
- Papaya
- Mango
- Banana
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Melon
- Kiwi
- Figs
- Grapes
- Apples
- Squash
- Carrots
- Sweet Potato
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Collard Greens
- Mustard Greens
- Dandelion Greens
- Endive
- Escarole
- Kale
- Spinach
It is important to note that pink tongue skinks do not require large amounts of fruits and vegetables in their diet. These should be offered as occasional treats and not as a staple food.
Other Foods
- Hard-boiled egg
- Cooked chicken
- Pinkie mice (not recommended as a regular food)
How Much Should You Feed Your Pink Tongue Skink?
The amount of food that your pink tongue skink requires will depend on its age, size, and activity level. As a general rule, adult pink tongue skinks should be fed every other day, while juveniles should be fed every day.
When feeding your pink tongue skink, it is important to only offer them as much food as they can eat in one sitting. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems, so it is important to be mindful of portion sizes.
Feeding Techniques
There are several different ways that you can feed your pink tongue skink, and the best method will depend on your pet’s temperament and eating habits. Here are some of the feeding techniques that you can try:
Hand-Feeding
Hand-feeding is a great way to bond with your pink tongue skink, as it allows you to interact with your pet directly while they eat. To hand-feed your pink tongue skink, simply hold a piece of food in front of them and wait for them to take it from your hand. This method works well for skinks that are comfortable with human interaction.
Bowl Feeding
Bowl feeding is a simple and convenient way to feed your pink tongue. Simply place the food in a shallow dish and leave it in the enclosure for your skink to eat at their leisure. This method is especially useful if you need to be away from home for an extended period.
Tongs Feeding
Tongs feeding is a great way to simulate the hunting behavior of your pink tongue. Simply hold the food with tongs and move it around as if it were a live insect. This will stimulate your skink’s natural hunting instincts and provide them with some mental stimulation while they eat.
Feeding Schedule
Establishing a feeding schedule is important for ensuring that your pink tongue gets the right amount of food and stays healthy. Here is an example of a feeding schedule that you can use as a guide:
- Juvenile pink tongue skinks (less than 1 year old): Feed every day
- Adult pink tongue skinks (1 year or older): Feed every other day
- Offer a variety of foods at each feeding
Supplements and Water
In addition to providing your pink tongue skink with a varied diet, it is important to supplement their diet with calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals. You can do this by dusting their food with a reptile-specific supplement powder, which can be purchased at most pet stores.
Water is also an important part of your pink tongue’s diet. You should provide them with a shallow dish of fresh, clean water at all times. Be sure to change the water daily to prevent bacteria growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pink tongues are unique and fascinating pets that require a balanced and varied diet to stay healthy. By following the feeding guidelines outlined in this article and providing your skink with a variety of insects, fruits, and vegetables, you can help ensure that they get the nutrients they need to thrive. Remember to be mindful of portion sizes and feeding frequency, and always offer a shallow dish of fresh water. With proper care and attention, your pink tongues can live a long and healthy life.
Pink Tongue Skink Feeding Guide FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions about feeding pink tongue skinks:
Q: Can they eat pinkie mice?
A: While pinkie mice are a source of protein, they should not be a regular part of a pink tongue skink’s diet. They are primarily insectivores, and too much protein can be harmful to their health. If you do choose to feed your skink pinkie mice, it should only be as an occasional treat.
Q: How often should I feed my pet?
A: Juvenile pink tongue skinks should be fed every day, while adult skinks should be fed every other day. However, feeding frequency can vary depending on your pet’s age, size, and activity level.
Q: What fruits and vegetables can I feed my pink tongue skink?
A: They can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including papaya, mango, banana, blueberries, strawberries, melon, kiwi, figs, grapes, squash, carrots, sweet potato, green beans, peas, collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, endive, escarole, kale, and spinach.
Q: Do they require supplements?
A: Yes, they require calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals. You can provide these supplements by dusting their food with a reptile-specific supplement powder.
Q: How much should I feed my pet?
A: You should only offer your pink tongue skink as much food as they can eat in one sitting. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems. Portion sizes will depend on your skink’s size and appetite.
Q: How should I feed my pink tongue skink?
A: There are several feeding techniques that you can try, including hand-feeding, bowl feeding, and tongs feeding. The best method will depend on your skink’s temperament and eating habits.
Q: What kind of insects can I feed my pink tongue skink?
A: They can eat a variety of insects, including crickets, dubia roaches, superworms, mealworms, waxworms, silkworms, butterworms, hornworms, phoenix worms, earthworms, and snails.
Q: How often should I change my pink tongue skink’s water?
A: You should change your pink tongue skink’s water daily to prevent bacteria growth.
By following these guidelines and consulting with a veterinarian if necessary, you can ensure that your pink tongue skink stays healthy and happy.
