skinks life span

Question
We have two skinks and I was wondering what there life span is?
(I'm guessing at this time there around 6 years old)
They've always lived in a nice homemade 3x5  plexiglass environment.
Also is there anyway our gerbil could be in there with them?
I figure no but would like to hear it from an expert.
Thank you
Gina

Answer
Hi Gina, Skinks are usually quite hardy and fairly long-lived. The lifespans are generally based on size with the larger species living longer. Golden skinks (around 8 inches) can live from 8 to 10 years or more. Fire skinks and broad headed skinks which are around 9 to 11 inches in total often live over 10 years. The larger blue tongue skinks and monkey tailed skinks can live more then 20 years. Even these estmates may be on the low side as they are often based on older wild-caught animals that were already adults when they entered captivity.

Your instincts were correct about not allowing your gerbil to co-habitate with your skinks. Mammals and reptiles are not a good combination! One or both parties would always perceive the other as a predator regardless of the intentions. That equals a lot of constant stress for the animals involved not to mention potential injury from a defensive response.