Question: Feeding amount / time

[Druzzi]

Hey there,
I'm new to keeping newts, and I was wondering how much and how often I should feed a paddletail newt. It's male, if that maes any difference, and around 10-13cm in length (unsure of age.) At the moment I have freeze-dried blood-worms, but have access to other foods.

Thanks,
Druzzi

 

[freves]

Two to three times a week should be sufficient. Many captive salamanders tend to "beg" for food once acclimated so it is important to not overfeed.
Chip

 

[blckkeys]

I usually feed mine every 2-3 days, it all depends on how much I fed them the last time. Here is a good link to some food choices.

http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/foods.shtml

I used to feed frozen bloodworms all the time, but I have now moved to chopped earthworms. I usually feed them by tweezers. That way there is little or no cleanup of uneaten food.

 

[Druzzi]

I usually feed mine every 2-3 days, it all depends on how much I fed them the last time. Here is a good link to some food choices.

http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/foods.shtml

I used to feed frozen bloodworms all the time, but I have now moved to chopped earthworms. I usually feed them by tweezers. That way there is little or no cleanup of uneaten food.

I've had the newt for 3 days, and it hasn't eaten a thing - problem is, the store I bought it from didn't say when it had last been fed. He isn't accepting my freeze-dried bloodworms, although that's what he had apparently been eating. Is it usual for them not to eat until properly settled in?

Also, if I buy earthworms/nightcrawlers, are they alive in the box, and if so do I feed them to last longer, or should I cut them up (don't wan't them to die painfully) quickly?

 

[Jan]

Regarding nightcrawlers - yes they should be alive when purchased. If you just buy a dozen and keep them refrigerated, you do not need to feed the worms. If you start your own worm culture, then you would need to feed. Here is an article that explains how to cut worms for newts: http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/worms2.shtml.

Your newt may still be acclimating, but you may want to try feeding chopped earthworms.

 

[Druzzi]

Regarding nightcrawlers - yes they should be alive when purchased. If you just buy a dozen and keep them refrigerated, you do not need to feed the worms. If you start your own worm culture, then you would need to feed. Here is an article that explains how to cut worms for newts: http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/worms2.shtml.

Your newt may still be acclimating, but you may want to try feeding chopped earthworms.

I'll be out in my garden tomorrow digging for them then!
Thanks for the help!