LTC Tanzanian Legless Lizard

Mount Prospect IL

Description

Do you want to keep a terrarium full of dirt that makes small bugs disappear? Do you want a pet that you don't see very often, in both the literal and figurative meaning of that phrase? If so, meet Slinky. Slinky is probably an Acontias percivali, a small limbless skink from Africa. I've only been able to find one other keeper of any member of this genus, although there should be some out there as this species was imported in some numbers several years ago (and perhaps ongoing; I don't know). "He" has been in captivity approximately 7 - 8 years, per his previous owner. I've had him since last July. If it's a bug small enough to fit in his tiny mouth, he eats it. BSFL, mealworms, small dubia, would probably appreciate some isopods. He's bulked up since he arrived here, but I can't give you anything resembling a "X many bugs per day." meal plan. You drop a bunch of them in the soil and never see them again. You will also never see Slinky if he has anything to say about it. I mean never. He has a basking area that he may be using when I'm not looking, but don't plan on him being a "display" animal. I have to dig him out for welfare checks periodically. He is small skink fast, way stronger than you'd guess, and likes to whip his head to the side as if he's going to bite you when restrained. He never has offered to bite and I can't imagine it would hurt much if he did but sometimes these little guys will surprise you with their bite force and sharp teeth. Absolutely no idea how long these guys live, in case you're wondering. Although Slinky's adoption fee isn't much, he will require a set-up that's at least equivalent to what he has, and that's a lot more than a 10G and a heat mat. He doesn't come with his equipment, but it's not hard to replicate. He's currently living in a 20L with several inches of soil substrate (organic potting soil, play sand, coco fiber, and ground sphagnum) for burrowing. 50W Arcadia deep heat projector and Reptisun 5.0 UV bulb. Standard hot/dry side and cool/moist side. Shallow but fairly large pool. Lots of small branches and other clutter to climb in, around, and on. He doesn't distub the surface of the soil much but live plants might be problematic just because you will have to dig him up for welfare checks and that is a "disassemble the cage" process. In case I haven't stressed this enough yet, he is faster than you are, especially under the soil. If for some reason you're crazy enough to think "Hey, Slinky might be the right pet for me!" drop me an email with an introduction to what reptiles you keep, what kind of husbandry you'd provide, and perhaps an explanation for why you'd want to adopt such a creature. I say that last part with love - Slinky is absolutely my kind of pet too. He's welcome to live here for the remainder of his life if I don't find him the perfect match. If I do, however, I'd have more resources to devote to the next reptile who needs a place to stay. In these photos he is at the very beginning of a shed cycle, which is why he's so pale. Check out pictures of the species online to get a better idea of his real coloration.