Salamanders and Newts Care

Feeding

By nature, salamanders and newts have carnivorous dietary habits; they eat insects, worms, slugs, fish and smaller amphibians when times are tough.  Most newts won't eat repto-min sticks or any other commercially available amphibian/reptile foods.

Newts and salamanders don't need to be feed on a daily basis, actually you should feed them two or three times each week.

Don't just toss the food into the tank!  You need tweezers to feed your salamander or newt.  The first step is to figure out what your newt or salamander is going to have for supper.  Using your tweezers grip the food (but don't squash it!!!).  While your pet is underwater hold the food in front of it's nose.  If it's head isn't wet put one or two drops on it's head.  It should smell the food now and become interested in it and should go closer to the tweezers.  The food should be gone in a flash!

Habitat

Salamanders need a cool environment. The mole salamanders should be kept between 60-75 F. (15-24 C.). The lungless salamanders need it cooler, with temperatures of 55-70 F. (13-21 C.). Temperatures of 85 F. (29 C.) or more will kill most salamanders within hours. Keep lighting to a minimum. Lights are unnecessary for salamanders.   Most aren't active until night.

To set up the critter cage put pebbles in the bottom of the cage with 1/2 inch of water above the pebbles.  You need a rock in the center for it to climb on.  Also they like a dish to swim in.  Salamanders are hard to maintain and hard to find.  It is easier to start with waterdogs and let them change into salamanders.

Cost