Emaciated Fire Belly

[hattori]

I adopted an unwanted newt from Craigslist a few days ago. The guy I adopted it from had rescued it from a neighbor that didn't feed it, and kept it in a small tupperware container - lovely conditions, huh?

He isn't in severe condition. He is definitely more sluggish than his original tank mate, who is quite plump (not rescued from the neighbor, but store bought). You can see his spine - it's not extremely detailed, but it more than just a tiny ridge. You can also see bumps of bone(?) around his under-throat area.

I cooled him down today and managed to get him to eat three or four blackworms. Do you think if I continue to do this daily that he will become healthier? Or is there anything else I should do?

Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[tmarmoratus]

The best thing you can do is to keep him in clean, cool conditions and to offer food (smaller portions and less frequently to start, because a caloric explosion after being starved can actually be a bad thing); sounds like you're doing all the right things. Also, if you can find waxworms 2 to 3 weeks down the road that are small enough for him/her to swallow, it should help with putting on weight quicker.

In any event, best of luck! :happy: