Monkey Tailed Skinks for Sale: Exotic Pet Care Guide

An Introduction to Monkey Tailed Skinks

Monkey tailed skinks, also known as monkey tail skinks or Solomon Island skinks, are a unique and fascinating type of lizard gaining popularity in the exotic pet trade. Their name comes from their distinct long tails that resemble a monkey's tail, setting them apart from other types of skinks. Monkey tailed skinks belong to the scientific name Corucia zebrata and are native to the Solomon Islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.

Appearance and Size

These exotic lizards are medium to large in size compared to other pet skinks, reaching up to 2 feet long from head to the tip of the tail. Their bodies are a brown or black color with cream and grey banding, while their tails have vivid black and white bands all along the length which gives them the "monkey tail" look.

They have a stocky appearance, with strong legs and clawed feet that allow them to climb trees with ease in their wild habitat. One of their most distinctive features are their bright yellow eyes and black slit-shaped pupils.

Social Temperament

Despite their imposing size compared to other skinks, monkey tails have an extremely friendly personality when socialized properly from a young age. They form strong bonds with their owners when handled regularly and make quite enjoyable pets.

They live peacefully with other non-aggressive pet lizards and don't mind being housed communally as juveniles. However adult males may still show some territorial behaviors and will do best housed individually.

Caring for Monkey Tailed Skinks

Enclosure Size

These active lizards require plenty of space to roam around in captivity. For an adult, the minimum recommended enclosure size is a 55-75 gallon tall terrarium or enclosure. Excellent ventilation within the habitat is a must as well.

Heating & Lighting Needs

In terms of heating and lighting, monkey tail skinks are used to tropical environments and require slightly higher temperatures on average. Daytime temperatures within the enclosure should range from 85-90°F. The best way to heat the enclosure is with a ceramic heat emitter bulb paired with a thermostat to prevent overheating.

In addition to heat, be sure to provide a UVB light overhead for healthy bone development and appetite. A linear T5 high output UVB bulb that spans at least half the enclosure works well for these active lizards.

Humidity & Hydration

Humidity levels are equally important for monkey tails, as they come from humid island environments. Ideal humidity should be around 70-80%. Adding large water bowls, a moisture-rich substrate like cypress mulch, and regular misting can all help maintain humidity. Providing regular fresh drinking water in a sturdy bowl is vital as well.

Enclosure Decor & Substrate

For substrate, a natural loam soil mix topped with cypress mulch is suitable. Mixing in moss and fir bark will help hold humidity as well. Adding plenty of climbing branches, logs, and live or artificial plants makes the perfect habitat for these arboreal lizards. Pothos and umbrella plants work nicely to provide cover and are safe for them to interact with.

Feeding Your Monkey Tail Skink

Monkey tailed skinks are omnivores in the wild and will eat a huge variety of plant and animal matter. Feeding them a mixed, balanced diet is essential for health. Their staple diet can consist of:

• High quality lizard food pellets
• Mixed chopped vegetables like sweet potato and carrots
• Collard, dandelion, and mustard greens
• Occasional chopped fruits like berries, mango, and banana
• Live insects like crickets, silkworms, roaches

Dust any live insects with a calcium supplement 1-2 times weekly and a multivitamin supplement occasionally as well. Providing a shallow water bowl for soaking and drinking daily is also important.

Buying a Healthy Monkey Tail Skink

Where to Buy

When searching to buy a monkey tail skink, make sure to find a reputable exotic reptile breeder either online or locally. Never collect one from the wild as they can carry diseases and parasites harmful to native species. Adopting can also be worthwhile through reptile rescues or re-homing networks.

Signs of Good Health

Only purchase an animal that appears bright, alert, and active with clear eyes, smooth skin, and a properly rounded tail. The body weight should be moderate with no visible bones protruding. Inspect the vent area to make sure it looks clean and dry. Ask about feeding schedules, digestion, and previous veterinary care too.

Quarantining any new lizard for at least 30-45 days before introducing them your current pets is highly advised as well to prevent any illness transmission.

Estimated Costs

Monkey tailed skinks tend to have higher purchase prices compared to other pet skinks due to their rarity in captivity. Expect to spend $300-500 and up for a healthy CB juvenile depending on color morphs and lineage traits.

Adults or special color mutations like blue tailed skinks can cost up to $800-1000+ in some cases. Keep that in mind when budgeting for a new skink addition!

Besides the upfront costs, also factor in spending $200+ for the proper large habitat setup and quality lighting/heating products to care for them long term.

Potential Challenges of Keeping Monkey Tails

Despite being docile once settled in, monkey tail skinks still have some care level advanced husbandry requirements compared to beginner pet lizards like leopard geckos or bearded dragons. Here are the main challenges of keeping these exotic pets:

• Requires higher heat and humidity levels
• Needs lots of space for an adult
• Can be prone to stress
• May fast or have erratic eating habits
• Higher likelihood of health issues like metabolic bone disease if care is improper

Doing ample research beforehand about proper heating gradients, diet, supplements, enclosure sizes, and ideal humidity levels is essential with this species. An experienced reptile keeper with knowledge of tropical species care will have the most success and enjoyment.

Why Choose a Monkey Tail Skink?

For all their potential care challenges, monkey tail skinks offer one of the most unique lizard pet experiences around. Some top reasons to consider one of these distinct exotic pets include:

• Distinct "monkey tail" appearance
• Vibrant colors and patterns
• Friendly, calm temperament when handled
• Intelligent and observant of owners
• Fun-loving and active behaviors
• Grows a respectable size up to 2 feet long

If prepared to meet their habitat needs, monkey tailed skinks make quite enjoyable display pets given their rarity and stunning looks. Their bonds and interaction with owners can be very rewarding long term as well.

FAQs

What size enclosure does an adult monkey tail skink need?

An adult monkey tailed skink requires a minimum cage size of 55-75 gallon tall terrarium or large equivalent reptile enclosure, with plenty of height and floor space for an active arboreal lizard.

How much does a monkey tailed skink cost?

Expect to spend $300-500 for a healthy captive bred juvenile monkey tail skink. Adults and special color morphs can cost $500-1000+ from reputable breeders depending on traits.

Can you house monkey tail skinks together?

Juvenile monkey tails can be safely housed together with adequate space and resources. However adult males should be separated out into their own enclosures to prevent aggression and fighting over territory.

What humidity level do monkey tailed skinks need?

Monkey tailed skinks require moderately high humidity around 70-80% to thrive, similar to their native tropical environments. This can be achieved through a moisture-friendly substrate, large water dish, regular misting and proper ventilation.