Feeding new spotted salamander

[dmddorian]

Hi all! I posted recently about my salamander not eating and I am pretty sure it is because he is stressed of having a new habitat. Do you guys have any feeding tips? I tried getting earthworms and putting in front of where he likes to hide but I’m worried they are too big for him to eat. I tried cutting them in half but they seem indestructible. I just am still worried he is never going to eat. what is worse is I’m worried that he will be even more stressed as I will have to take him out of his enclosure as I am moving out of my current home in 4 days and this will prolong him not eating. Other than this, I have let him alone as much as I can. How long will it take got him to get used to this new habitat? How long can they go without eating? Last time he ate was 6 days ago according to the person I got him from. Please give any tips you may have it would be so appreciated!!

 

[John]

Put some crickets (count them first) in there and a piece of carrot and leave him alone for a week. Then count the remaining crickets. And don't worry in the meantime.

 

[Muppet and Alexandra]

It could also be the type of earthworm you are using. My tiger salamander Muppet does not like al earthworms so maybe it is the same with your salamander

 

[Neuro100]

I second the crickets. You can buy 1/4" ones on Amazon from Josh's frogs. I don't bother to offer them by hand--so much pressure! I basically just maintain a cricket colony in the enclosure--the carrot (or squash or whatever) keeps them alive. Meaning you have to feed the food. You can also get smaller earthworms online, but I'm not sure they get eaten, while the crickets are definitely popular.

You probably know this but even if he's used to the enclosure you won't see him much--they're mole salamanders and like to burrow and hide. I got a hide with a removable lid so I can peek at mine now and then. I raised a clutch from eggs last year and released all but three. They seem to be thriving. I also throw whatever random small crawly things I find in the enclosure for variety--slugs, pill bugs, centipedes, ants, ant eggs, etc.