Error: NEWT NOT EATING!!!!!

[foranthro]

My brother's newt (blue tailed fire belly, from Jennewt (if it helps)) is not eating. I give it frozen bloodworms by dagling them by a toothpick and my other newt, whom is probable related to the not eating newt eats them with no problem. i am starting to get very concerned because my brother's newt is now visibly skinnier than my newt.

please help meh!!!

 

[Jennewt]

Some options: (1) keep trying with the toothpick. (2) Remove all of the land areas from the tank, except for one flat, wet island. (Also, keep the water level shallow, with plenty of plants.) Before feeding time, force the newt into the water, and put the food in the water. Be sure to clean up the leftovers an hour or two later to prevent decay. During this feeding time, watch from a distance to see if the newt eats, but try not to scare it by being nearby. Try this daily. (3) See if any of your petshops have live blackworms.

Are the two newts in the same tank?

 

[foranthro]

No, generaly, they are not in the same tank, but sometimes they are.

 

[achiinto]

No, generaly, they are not in the same tank, but sometimes they are.

Sound like you are moving the newt around? Remember that newts can get stressful when handled. So, maybe the newt is being stressed by being handled or moved around too much.

You may try earthworm that is chopped/cut into very small pieces. I found that most stressed or sickened newts will accept earthworm otherwise not eating.

 

[snussmak]

Try some live food, it might do the work. Also, don't stress the animal when it's feeding time, remember that you are way bigger and scarier to the newt, and that's where the live food comes into place. Just place it in the tank and let the newt take care of it.

 

[Jennewt]

No, generaly, they are not in the same tank, but sometimes they are.

I agree with Ian - it's important not to stress a newt. And this means that they should rarely ever be handled. Moving them back and forth between tanks isn't a good idea. Let each newt get settled in its tank - no handling or other disturbance beyond what is absolutely necessary.

Also, when offering the food on the toothpick, approach the newt slowly and patiently. Hold the food there, steady, for a long time. Don't touch the newt's face, just hold it there. Maybe for a couple of minutes. Once it learns, then it won't take so long.