Shinglebacks drinking

[scaredofbees]

Here's a video I took yesterday of my shinglebacks drinking.

http://youtu.be/EEX0Zvxr5jA

They're only offered water a few times a week, and I don't believe I've ever actually seen them drink, so this was a rarity for me. I like in particular how the male closes his eyes after drinking, as if he's savoring it. It was also odd seeing the fat female with her head and upper body elevated like that. They're usually slunk low to the ground, only "standing" up like that to grab food from my hands.

[Richard.C]

nice vid,it is funny how they raise there heads after lapping the water,alot of the tiliqua do it,must be how they get it down as they sit there for a bit before going for more,they are a nice looking trio

[StaceyLeigh]

So cute! It is fun to watch them drink. I have only seen my Northerns at the water bowl a couple times, even though it is always in there. I wonder if they drink everyday?

[Katrina]

I love this video!! So cute! They have such sweet faces, this is one of my favorite videos ever.

[Jeff]

Nice! I know I might be a little off, but I can sit and watch shinglebacks for hours. They are just incredible animals. I am surprised you don't see them drinking though. I leave a small water bowl with mine 24/7. I probably wouldn't if I didn't live in the desert, but it is dry enough here that I am able to do it without raising the ambient humidity in their enclosure. I don't see them drink all the time, but it is very common to see one walk over and take a big drink. Of course I may spend more time sitting around watching them than I should.

[scaredofbees]

Basements here on the east coast can be a bit on the damp side which is why I only offer it a few times a week. In the spring and summer, the humidity will spike to what I consider dangerous levels if I left a bowl in their all the time. During certain months I have to run a humidifier to keep it low. I do have fairly consistent temps in the basement, though which makes it easier to heat their enclosures, plus less traffic, noise, etc.

As I mentioned I've never really seen them take much interest in the water. I do give them fruit with high water content fairly often, though which may account for their lack of interest in standing water.

I know what you mean about watching them. They mull about the enclosure like some sort of stop-motion, Ray Harryhausen-esque dinosaurs. They are a lot more active than I thought they'd be. I'm starting a new job in a few weeks where I will be working from home. I can't wait to be able to just look to my left and see them whenever I want.

[Richard.C]

getting to sit and watch them is part of the joy of keeping them jeff,i could sit there all day,well i get sidetracked and see what others are doing,but yeah,would be great to just get to watch them all day

[amb44]

i wish we had shinglebacks here, they're so cute! and random question, but are they less likely to fight if they're kept together than other types of skinks? or do you have such a massive enclosure that its not a problem?

[Richard.C]

alot of the australian species can do ok in groups,northerns are the exception,but still can be group housed,but highly not recommended,as its alwys a risk they will turn,stumpies have done well in groups for me,but others have had fights or other issues,the prob is there all individuals,so there are all ways exceptions to the rules

[anchietae]

I'm starting a new job in a few weeks where I will be working from home. I can't wait to be able to just look to my left and see them whenever I want.

Great video. I thought I was lucky being able to work at home and watch my kids grow. I was also just thinking the other day how nice it is to be able to watch the skinks during the day. I know the general public doesn't understand. Like Jeff, I leave water in with mine. It's so cold here our furnace seems like it's always on. The house and the cages are bone dry. Just yesterday I watched 3 of them have a good drink.
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