Newt Care #2

Great Crested Newt

Bright curious eyes, unblemished skin and inquisitive demeanor are a good sign of a healthy happy Newt.

New additions should be quarantined for two weeks, come from clean uncrowded conditions and obviously be free of; infections, wounds, fungus, sores or tumors on their skin.

(Following are more Newt/Salamander care tips collected via interwebs)

Additional Shelter Notes:

Hallowed out logs, rocks or overhangs are appreciated where newts can sleep or spend a lazy afternoon. Newts are primarily nocturnal, so using ultra violet light is a great way to regulate their lighting.

Water:

For the water you can use tap water, but let it stand for at least 24 hours before you add it to the tank. That is done so the chlorine can escape into the atmosphere. The newts prefer a pH from about 5.8 to 7.8. The water should be changed about twice a week, and if you use a filter less often. A good way to ease the cleaning task is to use ‘air stone’, which will help circulate the water. To clean the aquarium do not use detergents, just clean with warm water and a clean sponge. When changing any water switch a maximum of 30% with clean tap water with an appropriate pH. The screen or cover should be sufficient to let air through such as taught framed mosquito netting.

Handling:

Newts do not like to be handled by us because of the secretion of slats and heat of our hands. He might secrete toxic fluids from his skin to protect himself, wash your hands carefully in warm water and using an anti-bacterial soap if you handle him.

Hibernation:

The water temperature and light exposure of the newt needs to be adjusted since they need to spend time in hibernation. If they don’t hibernate, the life cycle will be shortened and the breeding process will also be more successful if they hibernate. Make sure that the newts look plump with fat storage before you attempt to help them into hibernation. Start gradually cooling the entire aquarium over a period of three weeks. The newt requires a hibernation quarter into which it can burrow. Just use something like moist stand. The temperature should be about five degrees Celsius and let them hibernate about 3 months. After that time, gradually raise the temperature again over a period of three weeks back to room temperature.