My newts aren't eating and other questions.

[christina]

Hi... I have 3 cynops orientalis and they haven't eaten since I got them home a week ago! I have lots of questions, so please bear with me.

A little info, first.

Yesterday, I raised the level of the water in the tank by about 6 inches and they are so much happier, swimming around and exploring. Before the water raise I only had about 2 inches of water and they never really moved at all.

Now, I have two land areas, a mossy covered area, and a "tree" that they can climb around in that's about half-in, half-out of the water.

Also, I added a small java fern yesterday, but I guess I should probably get some more of those, what do you think?

I also added an under-gravel filter yesterday, but the pump I got isn't strong enough to make it work - will they be ok for a bit without the air circulation/filtration?

Ok, on to the eating problem. I've tried freeze-dried bloodworms, live small crickets, ReptoTreat gammarus shrimp, ReptoMin baby food sticks (one of the newt's ate two of the sticks a few days ago), and just now I tried Fluker's mealworms. One of them climbed up to check the mealworm out, and then left - I don't know if this is because the worm is freeze-dried or not. Either way, that's the most interest any of them have shown in food.

Do I need to set up some kind of "this is where your food goes, here's your feeding station", or is it ok to just drop the food into the water anywhere... or do I feed them on land?

Oh, he keeps going up to check the mealworm out, and then leaves. Maybe it's too long? It's about an inch long.... They're definitely showing interest though.

HELP!

Thanks in advance.

- Yav

PS - I know this forum is for newts and such, but do any of you know much about green anole's and/or long-tailed lizards? If so, please email me. yavie@usa.net

 

[sarah]

Try live earthworms chopped into small pieces. You may have to hand feed them or use a pair of tweezers or forceps to feed them. I've never had a hungry newt turn down earthworms. Also, try live or frozen foods rather than prepared. Every newt I've ever owned has turned down freeze dried or pellet type foods.

Blackworms are usually available at most fish stores (the mom and pop ones not the large commercial ones) and most large commercial pet chain stores carry frozen foods.

Live is better as it will get their attention and is often more nutritious than freeze dried.