Question: Need some advice...

[Saphira101]

Hey guys.

Yesterday a family friend visited and brought me a small yellow-backed salamander that they had found in their woodpile, knowing that I love amphibians. I’m not exactly sure what to do with it, as I’ve never seen them around here and the friend lives quite far away… I am not sure when I will see them again, but it probably won’t be for some months. I don’t think releasing it would be a good idea, as it could damage the native ecosystem. All I can think to do would be to keep it. Right now it is in a 2 gallon “critter keeper” with some dirt and dead leaves. I’ve been feeding it earthworms. So, I have some questions:

1. How would I go about setting up a terrarium for it? I have a bunch of spare 10 gallon aquariums and I could run to the pet store tomorrow for a screen lid and lock.


2. How would I go about lighting it? I have a fluorescent aquarium hood that I could set on top of the screen lid. Would that work?


3. As far as food, could I continue with the earthworms, or should I pick up mealworms as a substitute? How often should I feed it?


4. Could I use ZooMed Eco-earth as a substrate, or is there something better?


5. I read somewhere that you’re supposed to mist the salamander daily. Is this true?


6. Can I use Reptisafe in his water? So far I’ve only given him distilled water.


7. Anything else I should know?

Thank you! ~Saphira


P.S. I will be attaching pictures of the little guy.

 

[Jan]

1. How would I go about setting up a terrarium for it? I have a bunch of spare 10 gallon aquariums and I could run to the pet store tomorrow for a screen lid and lock. A tight lid would work - they are escape artists.


2. How would I go about lighting it? I have a fluorescent aquarium hood that I could set on top of the screen lid. Would that work? No lighting is needed...and don't want anything that could generate heat.

3. As far as food, could I continue with the earthworms, or should I pick up mealworms as a substitute? Small earthworms are the best food for salamanders. Can vary diet with any size-appropriate food. How often should I feed it? 2-3 times a week.


4. Could I use ZooMed Eco-earth as a substrate, or is there something better? That would be fine or mix it 50:50 with top soil having zero additives.


5. I read somewhere that you’re supposed to mist the salamander daily. Is this true? No, do not mist the salamander. If the substrate starts to dry, mist the substrate to keep it moist but not wet. Depending on where you live this may be necessary, weekly, monthly or daily.

6. Can I use Reptisafe in his water? So far I’ve only given him distilled water. For terrestrial salamanders, since they need such little water, I like to use Poland Springs bottled water or tap water treated to remove chlorine/chloramine. See this article on types of water - distilled water is not an appropriate choice: Caudata Culture Articles - Bottled Water for Amphibians


7. Anything else I should know? This animal needs to be kept cool - temperatures need to be below 68F.

 

[Kaysie]

It's best to ID your little guy. It's certainly Ambystoma macrodactylum (which are great captives, btw), but there are some sub-species that are protected.

Also, check your local laws about keeping natives. I don't recall exactly the law, but Washington is exceedingly strict about caudates.

 

[Saphira101]

It's certainly Ambystoma macrodactylum

I was surfing the web trying to find out if it's legal to keep these here, and came across a
thread from this site. From what I understand, Ambystoma macrodactylum is legal to keep in Washington. :happy:

 

[Saphira101]

I've named the little guy Pint-Sized, or P.S. for short.

 

[Kaysie]

Cute. I had a group of these guys for a short while, and they're awesome. They're like tigers, in tiny little bodies.

 

[Saphira101]

Could I use coco-coir instead of eco-earth? I think they're pretty much the same thing, and coco-coir is way cheaper, as I can buy it in bulk.

Thanks!

 

[Elliriyanna]

I dont know the specifics but mixed with organic potting soil it should work just fine.

 

[Kaysie]

I think they're pretty much the same thing

You'd be right.

I also buy mine in bulk by the 5kg brick from a garden supply shop. I mix it 50/50 with topsoil for all of my tanks.

 

[Saphira101]

Awesome! Thanks Kaysie