Alpine Newts (Ichthyosaura alpestris alpestris)

[AlpineNewtist]

Hi,

I am new to the Alpine Newt Owner game, but not with Amphbians as I have ten African Dwarf Frogs (ADFs). I know what to feed my alpines, but not sure on how much to give them. I am going to feed them on blood worms with mealworms once a week with calci dust to ensure they are getting enough calcium. But how many should I be feeding them and how often? How do you feed your newts and what do you feed them? All posts welcome. Thanks

 

[minorhero]

Also new to alpine newts, I've had mine for around 2 months. I tried blood worms early on and they ate them but not super enthusiastically. I am now feeding almost exclusively earth worms I dig up in my yard. I also started a worm ranch for long term feeding. They eat the earth worms with a lot more enthusiasm. My Newts are completely aquatic which I understand is pretty common for these guys once they morph. So calcium dusting is impossible.

 

[Herpin Man]

I would avoid feeding mealworms. Personally, I feed them live blackworms, and frozen brine shrimp, and frozen blood worms. Earthworms are commonly used as well, although I don't use them with alpine newts, as I've had bloating issues in the past. Red wigglers should be avoided.
For adults, feeding them two to three times a week is usually sufficient. If they get fat, feed less.

 

[MnGuy]

I feed my alpine newts every other day in the wintertime and every day in the summertime. I feed them bloodworms. daphnia, brine shrimp, tiny frozen shrimp, earthworms and newt pellets. I have a school of White Cloud Mountain Minnows in the tank and the newts hunt down all the babies as well.

Mine don't tend to love brine shrimp or the small shrimps, but I offer a small amount now and then to diversify their foods. They also love mosquito larva in the summertime. The breeder I got mine from recommended pellets as a staple and said bloodworms aren't a great staple because they aren't the best nutritionally.

Good luck.

 

[Herpin Man]

Hey @MnGuy what brand of pellets do you use?