Skink hiding in substrate.

[zapper1234566]

I've read through a couple careguides at this point and they all mention that a newly-acquired skink will hide when they get moved to an enclosure but they don't really seem to mention for how long. I've had to force her out of hiding in the substrate a few times in the 3 weeks I've had her to get her to feed and drink, which I know isn't optimal, but also after the loss of my last lizard I really don't want to have to mourn another scale-buddy. Does anyone know how long they'll take to finally come out of hiding, or any ways to encourage them and inform them the world isn't actually all that scary?

A picture of said scale-child in one of the few cases she popped out to sip some water.

[CircusCandi12]

Burrowing is entirely normal. *Never* dig your skink up! Some prefer to sleep burrowed, especially during brumation season. The substrate is extra warm thanks to the heat lamps, so they're pretty expected to prefer sleeping under it so often. Digging them up from their hiding place isn't recommended because it can stress them out immensely. The only time I would recommend doing it is if you absolutely have to take the skink out. Say for... A vet visit or tank cleaning.

The best way to help it warm up is by offering treats and talking to it for a while in a soft, calm voice. When they burrow, they may stay there for hours on end. Patience is key with blueys!

[rixusaku]

I agree, do not force your skink out of hiding unless they haven't eaten for 2 weeks straight, they need a vet visit, or you need to do a substrate change with deep cleaning. They can go a couple weeks without eating as babies and be fine. I know it's stressful and worrying as a new owner, but you need to let them eat on their own within their own terms starting out.

Forcing them out of hiding makes them feel unsafe, stresses them out greatly, and will make them want to hide more which prolongs the time that's needed for them to get comfortable in their home. If you take them out of their hiding spot they don't feel safe anymore, and you want them to feel safe in their home or they're never going to come out.

Leave your skink alone for two weeks but continue to leave food for them, even if they don't eat it (remove any uneaten food after 4 hours), and continue to regularly change out the water. They usually take a week or two to get comfortable and start coming out when they're left alone, but since they've been dug out of hiding, don't be surprised if it takes 3 to 4 weeks from now for them to get comfortable in their new home. Just be patient and your skink will get used to things eventually :)

[Janella]

I couldn't agree more with the above suggestions that were already stated.