Olive Tree Skink For Sale: Find Your Scaly Friend!

Are you looking to add a unique and fascinating reptile to your family? An olive tree skink for sale might just be the perfect choice for you! These captivating creatures are known for their sleek appearance, intriguing behaviors, and relatively easy care requirements. In this article, we'll delve into everything you need to know before bringing an olive tree skink home, from their natural habitat and physical characteristics to their dietary needs and enclosure setup. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of these wonderful reptiles!

What is an Olive Tree Skink?

Let's start with the basics. The olive tree skink, scientifically known as Dasia olivacea, is a species of skink native to Southeast Asia. They're primarily found in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. As their name suggests, these skinks are often found dwelling in trees, particularly olive trees or trees with similar foliage. They're well-adapted to arboreal life, possessing slender bodies, strong limbs, and sharp claws that allow them to navigate branches with ease.

Olive tree skinks are medium-sized lizards, typically reaching lengths of 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) from snout to tail. They have smooth, glossy scales that give them a distinctive sheen. Their coloration is usually a mix of olive green, brown, and black, providing excellent camouflage in their natural environment. Some individuals may also exhibit lighter markings or speckles on their backs and sides. These color patterns can vary depending on the skink's age, sex, and geographic location.

One of the most intriguing features of olive tree skinks is their behavior. They're diurnal creatures, meaning they're most active during the daytime. In the wild, they spend their days foraging for insects, basking in the sun, and exploring their arboreal surroundings. They're also known to be quite social, often living in small groups or colonies. This social behavior can make them fascinating to observe in captivity, as they interact with each other and establish social hierarchies.

When considering an olive tree skink for sale, it's essential to ensure that you're acquiring a healthy and well-adjusted individual. Look for skinks that are alert, active, and have clear eyes and smooth skin. Avoid skinks that appear lethargic, have visible injuries or deformities, or show signs of respiratory distress. A reputable breeder or reptile shop will be able to provide you with information about the skink's history, health, and temperament. They can also offer guidance on proper care and husbandry.

Why Choose an Olive Tree Skink as a Pet?

There are many reasons why an olive tree skink can make a wonderful addition to your home. Here are just a few:

• Unique and fascinating: Olive tree skinks are not your typical pet lizard. Their arboreal lifestyle, social behavior, and striking appearance make them a captivating species to observe. They offer a unique glimpse into the world of reptiles and can provide hours of entertainment for reptile enthusiasts.
• Relatively easy care: Compared to some other exotic reptiles, olive tree skinks are relatively easy to care for. They don't require highly specialized diets or complex environmental setups. With proper research and preparation, even novice reptile keepers can successfully care for these skinks.
• Suitable size: Olive tree skinks are a manageable size for most households. They don't require enormous enclosures like some larger lizard species. A moderately sized terrarium can provide them with ample space to roam, climb, and explore.
• Long lifespan: With proper care, olive tree skinks can live for 10 to 15 years or even longer in captivity. This means you can enjoy their companionship for many years to come. It's important to consider this long lifespan before bringing an olive tree skink home, as it's a commitment that requires dedication and responsibility.

However, it's also important to be aware of the potential challenges associated with keeping olive tree skinks. They're not as handleable as some other reptile species and may become stressed if handled too frequently. They also require a specific environmental setup to thrive, including proper temperature gradients, humidity levels, and UVB lighting. It's crucial to do your research and be prepared to meet their needs before bringing one home.

Setting Up the Perfect Enclosure for Your Olive Tree Skink

Creating the right environment is crucial for the health and well-being of your olive tree skink. Here's a guide to setting up the perfect enclosure:

• Enclosure Size: For a single adult olive tree skink, a terrarium with dimensions of at least 18 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 24 inches tall is recommended. If you plan to keep multiple skinks together, you'll need a larger enclosure to accommodate their social needs and prevent overcrowding. A 36x18x24 inch terrarium would be suitable for a pair or small group.
• Substrate: The substrate is the material that lines the bottom of the enclosure. For olive tree skinks, a substrate that retains moisture well is ideal. Some popular options include coconut fiber, peat moss, and cypress mulch. You can also create a mix of these materials to achieve the desired moisture level. Avoid using substrates that are dusty or contain harmful chemicals, such as cedar shavings.
• Temperature Gradient: Olive tree skinks require a temperature gradient within their enclosure, with a warm basking spot and a cooler area. The basking spot should be around 90-95°F (32-35°C), while the cooler end of the enclosure should be around 75-80°F (24-27°C). You can achieve this by using a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter placed over one side of the enclosure. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperatures and adjust the heat source as needed.
• Humidity: Olive tree skinks thrive in a humid environment. Aim for a humidity level of 60-80% within the enclosure. You can maintain this by misting the enclosure regularly with water, providing a water dish, and using a humidity gauge to monitor the levels. A bioactive setup with live plants can also help maintain humidity.
• Lighting: Olive tree skinks require UVB lighting to synthesize vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Use a UVB bulb specifically designed for reptiles and follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement and replacement. You should also provide a daylight bulb to provide visible light and simulate a natural day-night cycle.
• Décor: Olive tree skinks are arboreal creatures, so they need plenty of climbing opportunities within their enclosure. Provide branches, vines, cork bark, and other décor items that they can climb on and explore. You can also add live or artificial plants to provide cover and create a more naturalistic environment. Make sure that all décor items are secure and won't fall and injure your skink.

Feeding Your Olive Tree Skink

Olive tree skinks are primarily insectivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of insects. In the wild, they feed on a variety of insects, including crickets, mealworms, roaches, and spiders. In captivity, you can provide them with a similar diet by offering a variety of commercially available insects.

• Insects: Crickets are a staple food for olive tree skinks. You can purchase them from most pet stores or online retailers. Mealworms, waxworms, and superworms can be offered as treats, but they should not make up the bulk of their diet due to their high fat content. Dubia roaches are another excellent option, as they're nutritious and easy to breed.
• Supplementation: It's important to supplement your olive tree skink's diet with calcium and vitamin D3. You can dust their insects with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement before feeding them. Follow the instructions on the supplement packaging for proper dosage.
• Feeding Schedule: Young olive tree skinks should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every other day. Offer as many insects as your skink can eat in a 15-20 minute period. Remove any uneaten insects from the enclosure after feeding.
• Water: Always provide your olive tree skink with a clean source of fresh water. You can use a shallow dish or a water bottle designed for reptiles. Make sure to clean and refill the water dish regularly to prevent bacterial growth.

Where to Find an Olive Tree Skink for Sale

Now that you know everything you need to know about olive tree skinks, you might be wondering where to find one for sale. Here are a few options:

• Reputable Breeders: Look for reputable breeders who specialize in breeding olive tree skinks. A good breeder will be knowledgeable about the species and will be able to provide you with information about the skink's lineage, health, and temperament. They'll also be able to answer any questions you have about their care.
• Reptile Shops: Many reptile shops carry olive tree skinks. Choose a shop that has a good reputation and knowledgeable staff. Make sure that the skinks are housed in clean and spacious enclosures and appear healthy and well-cared for.
• Online Retailers: You can also find olive tree skinks for sale online. However, it's important to be cautious when purchasing reptiles online. Make sure to research the seller and read reviews before making a purchase. Choose a seller that offers a health guarantee and ships their reptiles in a safe and humane manner.

Before purchasing an olive tree skink, be sure to ask the breeder or seller about their care requirements, health history, and temperament. It's also a good idea to see the skink in person before making a decision, if possible. This will allow you to assess their overall health and condition.

Conclusion

Bringing an olive tree skink into your life can be an incredibly rewarding experience. These fascinating creatures offer a unique glimpse into the world of reptiles and can provide years of companionship. By understanding their specific needs and providing them with proper care, you can ensure that your olive tree skink thrives in its new home. So, if you're looking for a unique and captivating pet, consider an olive tree skink – you won't be disappointed!