What Do Skinks Eat?
Skinks are omnivorous or insectivorous reptiles, depending on the species. Their diet typically includes:
For Insectivorous Skinks:
Crickets: Crickets are a staple food for many skinks, providing a high-protein, readily available source of nutrition. They are active prey, stimulating a skink’s natural hunting instincts. Crickets are rich in essential nutrients like calcium and fiber, especially when gut-loaded (fed nutritious foods before being offered to the skink). Dusting them with calcium powder helps prevent nutritional deficiencies, making them an excellent dietary choice for insectivorous and omnivorous skinks.
Mealworms: Mealworms are a common feeder insect for skinks, providing a good source of protein and fat. They are easy to store and feed but should be offered in moderation due to their tough exoskeleton, which can be difficult to digest. Gut-loading and dusting mealworms with calcium powder improve their nutritional value, making them a beneficial supplement to a skink’s varied diet.
Waxworms: Waxworms are a soft-bodied, high-fat feeder insect that skinks enjoy as an occasional treat. They are rich in energy but low in essential nutrients, making them unsuitable as a staple food. Due to their high fat content, waxworms should be fed in moderation to prevent obesity and nutritional imbalances in skinks.
Roaches: Cockroaches are an excellent feeder insect for skinks, providing a high-protein, low-fat, and nutritionally balanced food source. They are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, especially when gut-loaded. Roaches are also easy to digest due to their softer exoskeleton compared to mealworms, making them a great staple feeder for both insectivorous and omnivorous skinks.
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are a nutritious and protein-rich food source for skinks, closely resembling their natural prey in the wild. They provide essential vitamins and minerals, especially when gut-loaded. Their active movement stimulates a skink’s hunting instincts, making them an engaging and beneficial feeder option. However, wild-caught grasshoppers should be avoided due to potential pesticide exposure.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can be a nutritious food source for skinks, offering a soft-bodied, protein-rich option. Some species are high in moisture and essential nutrients, making them easy to digest. However, caution is needed, as some wild caterpillars may be toxic or contain defensive chemicals. It’s best to offer only known safe, captive-raised caterpillars to skinks.
Beetles: Beetles can be a part of a skink’s diet, providing protein and essential nutrients. However, their hard exoskeleton can make digestion difficult, so softer-bodied beetles or beetle larvae (such as mealworms or superworms) are preferred. Some beetles may also secrete defensive chemicals, so only safe, non-toxic species should be offered.
Spiders: Spiders are a natural prey item for many skinks, offering a protein-rich and nutritionally diverse food source. In the wild, skinks opportunistically hunt spiders, benefiting from their high protein content and natural movement, which stimulates hunting behavior. However, in captivity, feeding wild-caught spiders is not recommended due to the risk of pesticides or venomous species harming the skink.
Small snails: Small snails are a nutritious food source for skinks, providing protein, calcium, and essential minerals. Their soft bodies are easy to digest, while their shells offer a natural calcium boost that supports bone health. Many skinks, especially omnivorous species, enjoy snails, but wild-caught ones should be avoided due to the risk of parasites and pesticides.
For Omnivorous Skinks:
In addition to insects, they may also eat:
Fruits (bananas, berries, mango, melons)
Vegetables (carrots, squash, leafy greens)
Small vertebrates (baby mice, small lizards, or even small fish in some species)
Eggs (bird or reptile eggs in the wild)
Captive Diet:
If keeping a skink as a pet, a balanced diet includes live insects, occasional fruits, and leafy greens. Some species, like blue-tongued skinks, thrive on a mix of high-quality dog or cat food (in moderation), cooked eggs, and lean meats.