Water

For the general welfare and health of captive European copper skinks (Ablepharus kitaibelii), it is crucial to provide them with sufficient water. Proper hydration is essential for these lizards to support numerous physiological activities and avoid dehydration, even though they do not depend on water as much as other species.

The most important thing for European copper skinks is to always keep a small dish of clean water nearby. If the skinks want to partly submerge themselves, the dish should be big enough for that. To keep the water clean and tasting fresh, you should replace it often. For the skinks' ease of access to the water, it's best to use a dish with low edges.

Even though European copper skinks get their water from the food they eat in the wild, it's also vital to provide them water while they're in captivity. Particularly in hot, dry climates where evaporation rates are greater, this aids in avoiding dehydration. Having water on hand helps individuals control their hydration demands, even if they don't drink it often.

An further way to indirectly provide water to the cage is to mist it. The skinks can absorb moisture via their skin if you mist their area slightly, which creates a humid microenvironment. When you're shedding, this is especially helpful since more humidity facilitates shedding and avoids problems like trapped shed skin.

One practical technique to guarantee hydration is to provide a water supply while feeding, in addition to a water dish. If the skinks aren't actively drinking from their dish, you may encourage them to drink more water by lightly spraying or dripping water over feeder insects before giving them to them.

It is critical to keep an eye out for symptoms of dehydration in the skinks. Weakness, sagging skin, or sunken eyes are some of the symptoms. Extra water sources and a trip to the doctor are in order if you think your reptile could be suffering from dehydration.

It's crucial to think about the enclosure's substrate, as different substrates have different effects on humidity levels. To help keep the humidity just right in the cage, use materials that hold moisture, such cypress mulch or coconut coir.

It is crucial to provide European copper skinks with fresh water constantly, either directly in a shallow dish or indirectly by misting. Ensuring that these fascinating lizards in captivity are properly hydrated is important for their health and well-being in general