Cunningham Skink Care Sheet (All Localities)
Egernia cunninghami
Overview
Cunningham’s skinks are large, hardy Australian lizards found across a range of habitats — from rocky sandstone escarpments and woodlands to coastal heathlands and semi-arid areas. Their appearance and behaviour can vary between localities, so it’s important to research the needs of your specific population. This care sheet provides a general guide suitable for most captive-bred Cunningham’s skinks, but you should always adjust husbandry to match the natural environment your skink originates from.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Egernia cunninghami
- Size: 25–40 cm adult length
- Lifespan: 20+ years in captivity
- Temperament: Social, active, and alert
- Diet: Omnivorous — vegetables, fruits, insects, and occasional protein
- Activity: Diurnal (active during the day)
Enclosure Setup
Enclosure Size
Adults require a large enclosure — minimum 120x60x60 cm for a single or pair. Groups will need significantly more space. Arboreal décor is not essential but rocky climbing areas should be provided. Woodland locality skinks often utilise more ground cover and fallen logs, while sandstone locality skinks may prefer elevated basking ledges and tight rock crevices.
Heating & Lighting
- Basking spot: 36–38°C (cool-climate localities may thrive with a slightly lower basking spot of 32–35°C)
- Cool end: 24–28°C
- Night temps: Can drop to 15–20°C (southern localities can tolerate cooler nights; avoid rapid temperature drops for northern populations)
- Provide strong UVB lighting (10.0 strength) for 10–12 hours daily
- Always use a thermostat to regulate heat sources
Substrate
A mix of sand and soil works well for most localities. Woodland populations may do better with more soil content and leaf litter, while sandstone populations may prefer coarser sandy substrates with plenty of flat rocks. Provide a depth of 10 cm or so for digging and burrowing.
Hides & Decor
Provide multiple hides across the enclosure. Woodland skinks enjoy hollow logs and bark hides, while rocky locality skinks prefer stacked slate or rock caves. Always ensure heavy rocks are placed securely to prevent injury.
Humidity
Most populations prefer low to moderate humidity (30–50%). However, coastal and woodland localities may naturally experience slightly higher humidity. Adjust any misting and ventilation to suit your locality’s needs. Avoid prolonged damp conditions to prevent respiratory issues.
Feeding
Cunningham’s skinks are omnivores and require a balanced diet:
- Vegetables: Kale, bok choy, mustard greens, endive, mushrooms, zucchini
- Protein: Dubia roaches, crickets, woodies, boiled egg, dog food (occasional)
- Fruits: Occasional treat — berries (personally I try to avoid much fruit due to overfeeding linked with dental disease in their later years).
- Adults: Feed 3–4 times a week; Juveniles: Feed daily
Note: In cooler localities, feeding frequency may reduce in winter due to seasonal slow-downs in activity and metabolism.
Maintenance Checklist
- Fresh water daily
- Spot clean waste daily
- Replace substrate every couple of months or more frequently if needed
- Keep track of your basking and cool zone temperatures throughout seasonal changes and adjust your care accordingly
- Inspect for complete sheds and overall health
Handling & Behaviour
Cunningham’s skinks can become tame with regular, calm handling. They may be cautious at first, often retreating to hides when approached, but with patience and consistency they usually become more confident. Always allow time for them to settle in before frequent handling.
Common Issues
- Refusing food: Often due to incorrect temperatures or seasonal slow-down (especially in cooler localities)
- Retained shed: Check toes and tail tip, more common in low-humidity conditions
- Lethargy: Usually linked to low basking temps or illness
Recommended Feeding Products
At Reptifauna, we supply live and frozen feeders suitable for Cunningham’s skinks:
- Dubia roaches for protein
- Occasional frozen pinky or fuzzy mice for adults
- Other commonly available feeders include woodies and crickets
Final Notes
Cunningham’s skinks are adaptable, intelligent, and rewarding pets. Care requirements can vary slightly between localities, so always research the specific population you are keeping. With the right environment, diet, and seasonal adjustments, they can thrive in captivity for decades.
*Please note, the information provided is based on personal experience, and is not professional veterinary advice. For professional advice, please seek out your nearest reptile specialist vet.
