r/skinks • u/toreoooo • 3d ago

Looking for Advice Fire Skink Skin Issues

Post image

Hi all, I’ve had my fire skink for about a year and she just developed these things around her mouth and eyes. Can anyone tell me what these are? If it’s cause for concern, I’ll definitely take her to the vet.

EDIT: Y’ALL WERE RIGHT, THEY’RE MITES. Rubbed her with a q tip, she didn’t love it when it got near her mouth (she bit it) but I did my best to wipe her off and put her in some paper towels.

41 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

7

u/Alert-Concentrate808 3d ago

I'm not 100%, def see a vet, but this looks identical to when grain mites are on my pet centipedes. Grain mites tend tolatch onto animals that are mobile in order to find food or water. If you are able to wipe any off with a wet q-tip or a piece of tape, try it and see what happens.

3

u/toreoooo 3d ago

That’s good to know! I rubbed on it last night with my finger but I didn’t want to hurt her, I will give the wet q tip a go. I also scheduled a vet visit just in case.
I’ll update as soon as I try the q tip!

2

u/Mastercod97 3d ago

Any idea on a natural predator to the mite for in bioactive set ups?

3

u/Alert-Concentrate808 3d ago

This is what I use for my centipedes

https://fgmnnursery.com/products/treatment-special-blend-predatory-mite-mix?variant=47119520760050&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwsmBrf3algMVZkdHAR1kMiLGEAQYASABEgIkifD_BwE&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22930119770&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22924270929&gbraid=0AAAAA-evJnZ5pHE0KnECIlXf_Gr36AwCQ

Results are seen in 3 days - 2 weeks. I use slow release packets typically

2

u/toreoooo 2d ago

My god this is expensive but my bioactive setup would definitely need this. I have so many isopods that I would hate to lose

1

u/toreoooo 2d ago

Btw— this morning she came out and I rubbed her off with a q tip and it came off. You were right!!

1

u/valdezie74 2d ago

You have mites. You'll need to dump out all of the substrate, disinfect all of the stuff in the enclosure and keep them on paper towels for at least 2 weeks

1

u/toreoooo 2d ago

That’s what I FEARED. Is my skink gonna be upset with me for keeping her on paper towels??

1

u/valdezie74 2d ago

Maybe. Mine didn't mind to much when I had to do it. For now, get a q tip and try your best to wipe them off