Can newt dry out?

[snsherman]

Hi, we got an eastern newt a few weeks ago, and over the last few days she seems to only want to spend time out of water. She climbs onto some leaves and just stays there. Can her skin dry out? Or will her instincts take over before that? We're trying to be very diligent about the water quality and conditions, so I don't think it is that, but I am new to all this. The water temperature is 70, we do frequent changes, and remove uneaten food. We're in the midwest and I know we have hard water, but I understand that should be OK. I also use filtered, dechlorinated water. I just don't know why she's always sitting up on the leaf.

 

[JM29]

Hi, I don't have this particular species but I know others which have an aquatic phase and a terrestrial phase.
Some newts leave the water when the temperature rises.
When they are terrestrial, they usually maintain their water balance going in the water for a short time or getting to a damp area of the terrestrial part. They'll never let themselves dry out but will prefer shallow water.

For more info, read : Caudata Culture Species Entry - Notophthalmus viridescens - Eastern Newt

 

[snsherman]

Hi, yes thank you. I should have mentioned she’s in the adult, aquatic stage. But it helps to know that she won’t let herself dry out.

 

[Audrey22]

Hi, we got an eastern newt a few weeks ago, and over the last few days she seems to only want to spend time out of water. She climbs onto some leaves and just stays there. Can her skin dry out? Or will her instincts take over before that? We're trying to be very diligent about the water quality and conditions, so I don't think it is that, but I am new to all this. The water temperature is 70, we do frequent changes, and remove uneaten food. We're in the midwest and I know we have hard water, but I understand that should be OK. I also use filtered, dechlorinated water. I just don't know why she's always sitting up on the leaf.

Hello there. I am raising eastern newts myself. Eastern newts have 3 stages; larvea (spent in the water with gills), efts (completely terrestrial) lasts for 2 or 3 years and are red or orange in color) and the adults (mainly aquatic)
If you have an eft you have to have mostly land. Think of east tennessee forests lol. Dead leaves, little caves, ect. If you have an adult then you need more than half water. I would say 75% should be water area. Adults can and will retreat from water and live on land with no problems. They do that in dry season but usually when they feel the need to. Like if their pond dries up or temperaturechange or sometimes it does mean the water isn't quite right. I feed my newts live food when I can, like black worms. That way there is always a food source and I don't have to worry about ammonia. Look into some live foods. even snails, they lay eggs and the eggs and tiny snails are great food. Plus they help clean. My snails actually eat the dead food that is left over that I can't remove.

Main point: Your newt will be fine on land but you may need to adjust your water quality. And also, keep the humidity level a little higher in a dry Midwest state at least until she returns to the water.

 

[snsherman]

Thank you, yes she also prefers live food. In fact it seems to be all she will eat. Thanks for the advice.