Suggestions for a nervous skink

[ascerny]

I have a 6 month old Northern who is a classroom pet - he often watches the kids from a fake stump in his enclosure while they work. I have been working slowly on having him handled by me but lately he has gotten nervous about being picked up and often when out (in an empty class) wants to go back in his enclosure. He gets daily 10 minutes of handling and I try to get him feeding snacks (blueberries and parts of grapes which he loves) from my hand which is hit and miss on his mood.

Does anyone have any suggestions to help with his discomfort out of the enclosure?

Thanks.

[Janella]

Hi, how long have you had your little Northern? What size is it's enclosure? How many hides do you have? I always suggest to start slow by first talking to the skink and getting used to your voice. Also offer tasty treats as you are doing. Once they seem comfortable with that I then do gentle touches/strokes on the head. After that I slowly pickup and spend time with my pet. Some skinks tame down very quickly, but others take longer or end up not liking it at all. They all are different and react different. I would keep just working with your pet and go from there. Good luck!

[ascerny]

We've had him just shy of two months. He has two hides (one a bigger cave) in a 36" by 24" enclosure. Sides are covered with fake rock.
Thanks

[Janella]

Okay, so he has had some time to adjust and get use to his surroundings. His enclosure is a little small. Ideally they need at least a minimum of 4ft. The best is 6ft. Having two hides is good. I would just continue to handle him as much as possible and offer tasty treats. He will hopefully come around. Good luck!