Earthworms for newts

[BrandonS]

Hi, I'm pretty new to this but Ive been doing a lot of research. My family owns a cabin in Nortern PA where there are a lot of eastern newts. I plan or trying to raise a couple. One of the best food sources in my opinion after reading is earthworms. so i got a few questions...

1. Should i chop the earthworms up? how small should i make the pieces?

2. So i have food to feed them during the winter should i chop the worms up and keep them refrigerated over the winter months?

3. How much and how often should I feed them?

Note: I did not get the newts yet because I want to make sure of anything I'm not sure of.

 

[frequenc]

1) Most newts can eat a piece of worm the same length as their body, however, I find they have difficulty getting a piece that size down so I chop them to about an inch or so in length.

2) Don't chop them up and refrigerate them, chop them up as you use them. I just keep my worms in a fridge and I chop them when it's feeding time.

3) I feed my guys until they are full and I feed them every 2-3 days, but it will depend on the individual animal as they will be different.

 

[Lusiwarrior]

Hello BrandonS,
the realities of our countries are a little different, however I think that do not cost much! And yes if not the food that you put in the refrigerator to reduce its metabolism. But if you can get a colony is ideal, because you will always available and worms of various sizes! Another thing only the courts at the time that you give to the newts, you have to keep alive!
I have helped!
cheers

 

[Fea]

If you dont cut off the head , earthworms stay alive after cutting off a piece of them.

 

[Azhael]

Congratulations on doing your research before acquiring any animals!

I would like to say two things. First: make sure the laws of your state allow capturing wild newts. Two: consider acquiring your newts from a breeder, instead of taking them from the wild.

This species is known for being very tricky during the eft stage, and i would definitely not consider them a good choice for a begginner. There are many species that you could get from a breeder that would suit you better, both for being a lot easier, and also for being captive bred and already used to captivity (wild animals can starve to death, develop illnesses as a result of the stress affecting their inmune system, etc.)


As for the earthworms, the best option is what Lusiwarrior said, setting up your own culture. If that´s not an option, you can keep earthworms alive for several months in a small container in the fridge.