Adding more newts

[ChrissyBee]

I just upgraded my Chinese fire bellied newts to a larger tank, and I'm wondering about adding a few more.

I currently have 2 who have been together for the last 7 years. If I were to add another 2 or 3 should they accept them or is there a chance of fighting/problems?

 

[evut]

Chinese fire bellies (Hypselotriton orientais) are peaceful and not territorial so there won't be any problems with their behaviour. You must be sure that both old and new newts are really this species.

If you do acquire more newts, make sure you quarantine them for at least a month. If you buy newts from a pet shop, you risk bringing in sick animals. A quick look through the help section will reveal how often people purchase wild caught animals which are often beyond help by the time they post here. If you could find captive bred newts, you would probably have to raise them from a juvenile stage but it is very rewarding. You would end up with healthy newts accustomed to captivity and avoid supporting the trade in wild animals.

 

[will_j]

I agree with everything that Eva has said

 

[ChrissyBee]

Thank you. I certainly will QT them. I keep a lot of fish and never add them directly to the tank...makes sense to do the same with amphibians! Especially given how long I've had these two, I'd hate to lose them due to a stupid mistake.

 

[AngieD]

Are you getting them from a shop or a breeder?

 

[ChrissyBee]

I'll be getting them from a shop, the hobby isn't popular around here and I doubt there are any breeders