Multi-species housing

[flyangler18]

Re: Multi-specie housing

If multi-species enclosures are to be attempted, be sure to keep this zoogeographically correct (as with the overlapping ranges of A. opacum and A. maculatum in some localities). The spatial requirements of each species must be thoughtfully considered, with appropriate refugia and visual barriers, etc. I've collected both opacum and maculatum from under the same log. Also, larger enclosures do not necessarily mean more room per salamander.

 

[DantezGirl]

Re: Multi-specie housing

hi while were on the subject what are your thoughts on chinese and japanese fire bely newts together just curious

 

[oregon newt]

Re: Multi-specie housing

hi while were on the subject what are your thoughts on chinese and japanese fire bely newts together just curious

I was also wondering the same thing. And aren't there other similar species of the same genus such as some members of Tylototriton and some members of taricha and some of Notophthalmus and the eastern newts subspecies. Could they be housed together?(the members of the same genus I mean) Sorry I kinda rambled on.

 

[Nathan050793]

Re: Multi-specie housing

I was also wondering the same thing. And aren't there other similar species of the same genus such as some members of Tylototriton and some members of taricha and some of Notophthalmus and the eastern newts subspecies. Could they be housed together?(the members of the same genus I mean) Sorry I kinda rambled on.

Just because species are of the same genus, doesn't necessarily mean they can be housed together. As stated previously, just because tiger salamanders and spotted salamanders belong to the genus Ambystoma, it doesn't mean you can keep them together. As for subspecies of N.viridescens, I believe they could be kept together, however, hybridization/muddled genes may pose a problem there. Marbled salamanders and spotted salamanders are able to be kept together mostly because of their dispositions, size, inabiltity to interbreed, and occasionally overlapping ranges.

In regards to keeping Chinese and Japanese firebelly newts together, I would say no. Although they are similar, I would think that is pushing it a bit. You must also remember that the exhibit in question is a large, ecosystem exhibit for a small zoo, not a tank at home.

 

[oregon newt]

Re: Multi-specie housing

Yeah I was thinking there might some problems with breeding.

 

[nckeeper]

Re: Multi-specie housing

Thanks guys, turns out they are out of Marbled so its only going to be spotted.
I know they are kinda shy but its what the boss wants!
I know someone commented about the size difference not being that much between Tiger and Spotted, but with my experience there has been a drastic difference in size. Also as Jason has said I have seen them under the same log here as well.
So as it stands 4 spotted were ordered, in theory not all would survive the journey. However MURPHYS LAW will get them all here safe and sound.
The exhibit will be set up that they will be able to be seen. I am modifying it that they will have enough moss and substrate to maintain moisture during opening hours and at closing there will be more added and taken away in the mornings. This will be a pain though.

 

[Nathan050793]

Re: Multi-specie housing

Thanks guys, turns out they are out of Marbled so its only going to be spotted.
I know they are kinda shy but its what the boss wants!
I know someone commented about the size difference not being that much between Tiger and Spotted, but with my experience there has been a drastic difference in size. Also as Jason has said I have seen them under the same log here as well.
So as it stands 4 spotted were ordered, in theory not all would survive the journey. However MURPHYS LAW will get them all here safe and sound.
The exhibit will be set up that they will be able to be seen. I am modifying it that they will have enough moss and substrate to maintain moisture during opening hours and at closing there will be more added and taken away in the mornings. This will be a pain though.

I don't think anyone said the size difference between Tigers and Spotteds was minimal, all I've read is a large size difference. It seems to me like removing substrate would cause stress in the form of leaving the animals exposed- maybe there is an alternative method that would allow viewing. Maybe a nocturnal exhibit could be setup, that may allow the salamanders to feel comfortable in the open. Spotteds are great, so Good Luck!

 

[nckeeper]

Tigers really aren't that much larger than spotted salamanders. Spotteds can reach upwards of 6-7 inches, while average tigers are 7-10 inches. Tigers would be MUCH better exhibit animals.

this is what i was referring to

Yes, it will be a nocturnal set up. Im not sure how its going to work. Its a trial thing, I never thought they would be great animals to show anyways. I wanted to put in exotic plants...you can never go wrong with venus fly traps, but people shot the idea down. So now I have to figure a way to have these guys on exhibit. Im thinking it wont be too hard to have spaces for them to hide because now that I think about it, our toads arent the greatest exhibit animals either since of course they like to hide. Stupid exhibit and damn the people for wanting to see them!

 

[Nathan050793]

this is what i was referring to

Oh, sorry, I totally overlooked that!

Anyway, a nocturnal exhibit may work out well; Just last night, my spotted was all the way out of his burrow in plain view, despite several lights being on and myself moving about the room. Good luck with the exhibit!

P.S.
To tell the truth, when I'm at the zoo I usually just glance at the fly trap exhibit as I walk by...

 

[nckeeper]

shame on you for glancing at plants!
i dont blame you, i was just trying to think of something low maintainance.