All systems operational.

[JKoz]

If anyone remembers, I was positive my Spotted Sal was going to die due to a run in with high temps during heat wave this summer. (heat wave plus me being phenominally stupid eaquals an almost-dead sally - the food could also have contributed but that is another story)

I cooled her down but she was still bloated & lethargic so I said goodbye, and put her in the fridge. I was hoping it would help, but I really thought it was a hospice fridge.

But she didn't die!

She looked good after two days in there, still alive and looked great after four days, so I built a better terrarium for her, one that stays at 60-70C at all times. But I was still wondering if she would die later. She didn't eat for a while and seemed a little bloated off and on the first week.

I am happy to report that in the last 3 weeks she has eaten a small worm, two small slugs and just the other day, a large, active worm, and after that - she pooped!

All systems operational.

She is still lovin her new crib, hanging out right now in the PVC hide, after chillin in the dirt & rock hide for a few days.

I will see if she eats a little more - and finally - stop worrying.

She has such a will to live. How can a salamander be so inspiring? :happy:

JK

 

[evut]

I was following your threads about her... great to read she recovered!

 

[JKoz]

Thanks so much Eva!

She is looking particularly gorgeous today. Even my husband was like 'Ooo she looks cool!"

I am so glad I found Caudata.org, it was the perfect way to get some info. :frog:

I am enjoying her so much now too - before I thought I had to leave her alone all the time - taking the 'no touching' rule a little too far and I didn't check on her for days so I didn't 'disturb' her. (I had to dig around in the substrate to check on her.)

While that was probably a good idea a few months after I got her, since she was from the wild and stressed (because she almost died in the wild) it led to a sad relationship "Oh, I wonder if she will be alive when I check her this time." How terrible.

Now, with the new vivarium, I can see her every day, and really enjoy her, while she feel secure and hidden too. The key was building hides against the glass, then covering that part of the glass with dark craft foam sheets, then just peeling them back them when I want to check on her or show her to someone else.

Thanks again!

JK

 

[evut]

Have you got any photos of the enclosure?

 

[JKoz]

Thanks for the interest!

I will post it when I have time - maybe even draw a little sketch of the setup.

It is deifnately a nice simple setup that is very effective.

:happy: JK