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The health and happiness of the European copper skink, Ablepharus kitaibelii, depends on keeping it at an appropriate temperature. In order to maintain a constant internal temperature, these skinks are ectothermic.
To help them thermoregulate, you may create a temperature gradient in their habitat. When deciding on an appropriate temperature, keep in mind the following:
A basking location that is 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (29 to 32 degrees Celsius) is ideal for European copper skinks. They may warm up and digest more easily at this higher temperature. To make this basking area warm, put a heat source, such a light or mat, at one end of the cage.
A colder zone, with temperatures approximately 70-75°F (21-24°C), should be located on the other end of the cage. When the skinks need to control their body temperature or cool down after basking, they may simply retreat to a cooler place. The skinks can adapt to their environment by hopping from one temperature zone to another thanks to the thermal gradient that you installed in their habitat.
Even while most European copper skinks are active during the day, you still don't want to let the temperature drop too low at night.
For best results, keep the temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 24 degrees Celsius) throughout the night. This keeps the skinks at a pleasant temperature all day long, even when they're not moving around much at night.
Skinks can regulate their body temperature by selecting their favored place from a range of surfaces with varying temperatures. Mix in flat rocks, branches, and anything else with a different heat-absorbing or -radiating surface. This gives them options for keeping their body temperature stable while also simulating their native habitat.
Make careful to place heat lamps or mats firmly and keep them at a safe distance to avoid overheating. To avoid overheating, install thermostats or other temperature controls and keep the heat source under control. Use a trustworthy thermometer to check temperatures on a regular basis.
You should think about the room's average temperature when you put the skink in its cage. Even a little shift in ambient temperature may have a significant effect on the temperature within the cage. Keep the cage away from drafts and places where the temperature might swing wildly.
In addition to a warm environment, European copper skinks also need UVB light. Vitamin D3 is essential for calcium metabolism, and they are able to generate it with the aid of UVB radiation. Keep the UVB lamp working by replacing the bulbs according to the manufacturer's instructions and making sure it covers the basking area.
The best way to keep European copper skinks' body temperatures where they should be is to provide them with a controlled and thermally varied habitat. To ensure their well-being and comfort while in captivity, it is important to regularly observe their behavior and make modifications accordingly.