What Do Skinks Eat?

Skinks, lizards sometimes kept as pets by reptile lovers, have long bodies and short legs which makes them slower than other lizards. Skinks have tails that easily come off to help them evade predators; their tails grow back eventually, although never as large. These lizards live in warm climates with humidity and they enjoy having rocks and branches to climb. Feeding pet skinks correctly is important to keeping them healthy.

  1. Bugs

    • In the wild skinks are opportunistic eaters and may eat insects and bugs as they are a good source of protein. Skinks have to hunt these bugs in the wild, which burns calories; insects are high in calories to compensate. In captivity skinks require less calories and eating insects can cause weight gain. Occasionally feeding a skink a mealworm or cricket gives them the opportunity to hunt.

    Fruits and Vegetables

    • Skinks require a diet rich in fruits and vegetables; 60 to 70 percent of a skink's diet must be fruits and vegetation. Green, leafy vegetables are a good source of protein for skinks; collard greens and kale are some options. Skinks enjoy fruit such as melon, mango, grapes, raspberries and other berries. Most vegetables and fruit are good for skinks except for a few items such as avocado, spinach, lettuce, mushrooms, and citrus fruit.

    Meat and Protein

    • Thirty to 40 percent of a healthy skink's diet is meat. In the wild, skinks are limited to eating the animals and bugs they can catch. A skink may eat a small mammal or reptile in the wild. In captivity skinks may enjoy the ability to hunt and eat a small mouse, although this is not necessary. Skinks in captivity enjoy eating diced meat such as chicken and beef. Cooked eggs are another option.

    Plants

    • Wild skinks are survivors; they can eat and survive off of most plant and animal matter made available to them. Skinks in the wild must be adaptable to survive, so they are able to eat most wild plants, grasses, and flowers. In captivity skinks may have a more fulfilling life with a wide variety of foods, including wild grasses. Dandelion leaves are especially attractive to skinks. Most flowers, stems, and leaves are safe for skinks.