Introduction

There is about 15 different types of Eulamprus skinks (A complete guide to reptiles of Australia by Steve Wilson & Gerry Swan)
They are very wide spread over the eastern State, and are found around wet or moist rain forest area's, can be seen sunning them selves's on warm rocks near creeks, they are Diurnal skinks and live bearing, the Eulamprus quoyi Eastern Water Skink being the most encounter on the east coast and in South Australia .And some different types of Eulamprus skinks can tolerate very cold climates ,living in the snow alps of Victoria & New South Wales
They make a very fascinating small lizard to keep, and can be kept in small enclosures
and are great first time skink to have in your collection

Water Skinks

These are the types that i keep and will try and breed this coming season
Eulamprus heatwolei : Yellow-bellied water skink
Eulamprus martini : Martins water skink
Eulamprus quoyii : Eastern or Golden water skink
Eulamprus tenuis : Barred-sided skink
Eu;amprus tympanum : Southern water skink

Breeding

Breeding is done in the warmer month with introducing males to females in the spring.
after there cooling period of 2 to 3 months this cooling period is called Brumation.
Food should be offered more often when breeding and more calcium for the females to ensure healthy live young
When ready to breed the male will start to head bob , and chasing the female around the enclosure then biting her on the back of her neck in an aggressive manner this is not fighting so don't separate them.Male will combat will other male during this time and it can be to the death.
Once mating is well and truly over remove the males back to there enclosure as they are likely to kill the young when born ,
the young water skinks are normally born in Late January to February

Water

As with all Lizards a water bowl of clean water should be supplied, this needs to be clean on daily basis as water skinks like to soak in them.
I have found there are small water falls at Bunnings for $20
and are great as Water skinks like to see the water moving and drink
from this more than a water bowl.

Diet & Supplements

Hatchlings NEVER give Meal Worms.
Woodies or feeder roaches, crickets, raw chicken and a good dog food dusted is good for pregnant females to put on weight and condition whilst gravid,
I like to feed my woodies & Crickets on moist caret just before feeding them to the Skinks so they get fluid from there feed.
Supplements
Dusting as it is known, food dusted with calcium or vitamin powder is a must for a good healthy Skinks every second feed.
This can be done by putting the food in a container or bag and adding a small amount of either
calcium or vitamin powder and giving a shack to mix the food with the powder

Lighting & Heating

One of the most important features of an indoor enclosure
Is a UVB full spectrum light (this is not a heat source.)
But provides UVB rays or wavelengths similar to that of the sun, which will help against Metabolic Bone Disease and help with the growth for a healthy Juvenile skinks,
It must be placed no more than 30cm from base of enclosure or the basking area,
As the further away the weaker the wavelength is.
Skinks require another form of heat source,
Either a heat mat or basking light both should be control by a thermostat, with a part of the enclosure cooler than the other.
You can never under estimate the true value of natural sunlight.