Skink rehab tips?

[jecraque]

I caught the cats getting way too excited over something a few minutes ago. A male skink (five-lined, I think, will post pictures when he's not so stressed) had gotten into the house and was causing quite a ruckus. Normally we only see the aftermath, but I was able to intervene--now what?

I remember keeping these guys as a kid but am sure there are folks on here who have far more expertise than I do with these things. I don't want him as a pet, but he's got a nasty puncture wound on his leg and a smaller one on his belly, and he's lost the tail. I don't think anything looks life-threatening but I'd like to release him when he's in better shape to fend off predators.

I have mealworms and dubia on hand to feed, a few extra tanks and substrate--how much space? Hides? anything else I should know?

 

[jecraque]

Well, I've got him in a 10 gallon with about 3in of cocofiber, shallow water dish, a rock under a lamp for basking, and a more humid corner with sphagnum. Haven't seen the little fella since he wiggled his way into the cocofiber yesterday, but he isn't attracting flies so I'm hoping he's still okay in there somewhere. He ate a mealworm before I put him in the tank and there are several dubia nymphs in the substrate if he wants 'em... assuming he's still okay in there.

He was pretty roughed up, but I wouldn't want to further stress him by digging around. He's had enough stress already.