I'm new here, and am in need of help. (Bloating and odd skin)

[scott]

I'll make this quick:


I've had two oregon newts since 3rd grade (I am now heading into college). They've been rather healthy and happy the entire time. Well, about... 5 days ago, one of them started to bloat up, and his (I am assuming it is a "he", but am not sure) skin has become lighter, and when out of the water for too long it becomes pretty sticky.

He also seems to be opening his mouth alot more, sometimes leaving it open for up to 5 seconds before snapping it shut.

I'm a pretty big newb on newts, so I am not sure what to do about this. Is this common, or curable, or is it the end of the line for him?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[mark]

Sounds like it could be Bloat. Read this:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/bloatEDK.shtml

I had a newt with bloat once and I do remember there was increased yawning. You should quarantine the sick newt until you've diagnosed the problem.

 

[scott]

Well, his bloating has gone down, but a couple of other problems have arised.


Firstly, he seems to be getting smaller. As in, smaller than he was before. I think this may be because he wasn't eating. He usually sits in on place on wet land, and doesn't move too much. Is there a way to force feed newts?


Secondly, he is developing what appear to be warts on his tail, and one on his back. If I touch them, he squirms.

 

[jennifer]

The warts are likely to be parasites or other things that have been there all along. They are probably more visible because of the weight loss.

What have you tried feeding him? Try some live food, particularly live worms. Put a pile of chopped wiggling worm pieces in front of him on the land and see if he eats. It is possible to force-feed newts, but it's a bit tricky. Try live foods first.