Eastern spotted salamander??

[OpalRaven7]

I just acquired an eastern spotted salamander, i have him set in in a cricket keeper thats maybe just a little smaller then a 5 gallon aquarium. I haved keepers choice on the bottom, which is a cypress multh, with some leaves from outside as cover and a few smooth rocks, he has a small shallow water dish. Is that a suitable set up? He is maybe about 3 inches long. Also, now that I have him, what should I feed him? This was not a planned thing... So I just want to make sure Im giving him the proper care that he needs.
Thanks for any help

 

[Kaysie]

I'm a bit confused about the species. Is it a spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum?

The care for all mole salamanders is similar. They need lots of dirt for burrowing, a couple of hides, a water dish if desirable. I feed all my ambystomatids primarily earthworms, occasionally crickets.

 

[OpalRaven7]

yes I belive that is what it is. But he is only about 3 inches long so do I chop up the earthworms?

 

[Kaysie]

They can eat anything as long as their head is wide. Try cutting them into small chunks first, then go bigger if it seems like the salamander can handle bigger chunks.

I would really change the substrate. Cypress mulch isn't that great for burrowing.

 

[OpalRaven7]

ok, that is what i have at my house so thats what i used. What should i switch to for substrate?

 

[Kaysie]

Top soil mixed with coco fiber is the best. It holds moisture well and holds form when they start burrowing.