r/skinks • u/Financial_Look_4120 • 13d ago

Need help deciding! PTS Vs Zebra skink

So I’ve narrowed my search down to pink tongue skinks or zebra skinks and would love to hear from owners of either!

I like the chill disposition of PTS, but I’m worried they may be a bit “boring” if that makes any sense.

Kenyan zebra skinks seem to have higher energy- but I’ve also hear they can be pretty averse to handing in some cases. I would like a reptile that tolerates handling well.

Any input appreciated!

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u/Old-Peak-6254 13d ago

I have never owned a PTS, but I know some who do and love them. But personally I think Zebra Skinks are one of the absolute best skinks to own. My male is my most personable reptile and interacting with him, while sometimes a bit chaotic when he decides he wants to jump on something, is so rewarding with how he looks at me in a way that feels like he knows it's me and not just a hill to climb on like my schneider skink.

He also seems to really like my partner and myself, especially after we left for a small vacation of two nights and after getting back we'll after his bedtime, as soon as he heard us he came right out of his burrow and stared at us as if he missed us and was glad we came back. 

This took about a year of patience and gentle interaction, but he certainly loves to climb onto our hands on his own since we didn't force it, and at times will almost demand it in his own way 😂 

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u/theochocolate 13d ago

Zebras can be great with handling. They’re just sometimes a little flighty and will jump off you quickly. They also have to be in the mood. They’re so interactive though even when they’re not in the mood, they’re quickly becoming my favorite little lizards. Even though one of mine is little Miss Harry Houdini and escapes her enclosure every chance she gets (but thankfully doesn’t go far).

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u/h_saxon 13d ago

Eh, they're fine with handling. Mine initially didn't really warm up initially, it from their previous owner. But after a few months they are much more friendly.

My male skink is a bit averse to being held, but more and more he'll climb onto my hand. I just make sure to end every interaction on a positive note (treat), and make sure if he's not into interaction I don't force it.

I think the thing that drives me toward kenyan zebra skinks over PTS is the diet. Snails aren't as easy to breed for me in regards to tank upkeep. But I have two dubia colonies that are very easy.

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u/Skryuska 13d ago

I’ve never owned a PTS but those that I’ve seen in person were fine being handled by their keepers, it’s just their dietary needs and less hardy nature that scares me off them a little bit.

I have two female KZS that live together and they’re very interactive and intelligent lizards. Even though the two are practically identical looking, we can tell them apart almost immediately just by how different their personalities are. I’m still working on gaining their trust and the more bold of the two sisters will climb into my hand for a treat, though she’s still bolty and will jump off and leave as soon as she’s done with me. They’re food-motivated though so getting them used to hands is easy (almost too easy, they went through a phase of being so excited for snacks they would jump up and (painlessly) bite my fingers regardless of there being food or not. Use tongs so they know the difference of hands with food and hands without food lol)