Feeding

[kelly]

Small question, probably been asked before but how often do you feed a newt? I've had a fuzhong warty newt for approx a year now and have been feeding him half a cube of frozen bloodworm every day. Most days he eats them but lately he only seems to eat every few days. Is he not hungry on account of the warm, sunny weather or does he not feel like being a greedy little piglet anymore? Would be grateful for some answers.

 

[jennifer]

Actually, they should theoretically eat more in warm weather, as their metabolism is higher. What is the temperature in the tank? Too high could be dangerous, and he may not eat as a reaction to that stress. Or it's possible that he's now become well established and fattened up in captivity and doesn't need as much to eat.

 

[janice]

I feed my taricha half a cube every day. Some days she eats it all quickly and sometimes more slowly and then other times leaves a bunch. I'm hoping she knows when to stop based on this observation. I have rarely seen a time that she doesn't start hunting the bloodworms right away even when she appears to have been hiding or 'sleeping.'

(Message edited by Janice on July 17, 2005)

(Message edited by Janice on July 17, 2005)

 

[kelly]

Thanks for the reply Jenne.

Actually this tank is new, had it about 3 weeks. Don't have a thermometer for it. I usually judge by how cold it feels to me. I'm not a heat lover myself and when I check the water it's always nice and cold. I tend to float an ice cube or two in there when it starts to warm up. I wouldn't say he's fat exactly but he's definately not skinny. Perhaps you're right and he's found his level of contentment.

He doesn't really hunt his food right away, sometimes it takes him a few mins to half an hour. Depends what he's more interested in doing, hugging his filter or eating. Think I'm going to invest in some of those feeding tweezers and feed him by hand so his dinner isn't left laying around too long and runs the risk of being stolen by the filter.

Thanks for the advice ladies. Much appreciated.

(Message edited by kerixi on July 17, 2005)

 

[janice]

Oh yours hugs the filter too! Phew, it's not just mine. Pretty cute when there are other places to land. LOL.

 

[kelly]

Yeah the hubby keeps making dodgy jokes about Davenewt enjoying the filter vibrations. I say whatever makes the lil guy happy.