New newt problem

[jake.]

I got 3 firebellys today and when i put them in the tank 2 of them were very active and the other just sat on the stone i put him on. He has moved from the stone. When i put him in the water he swims to the stone. Any suggestions? Also if the newt doesnt eat is there anyway i could make it eat? Thanks}

 

[nesaraj]

That is pretty normal behavior. New newts sometimes take a while to eat. However, you can dangle chopped earthworms to try to tempt them.

 

[jake.]

should i dangle the worms in the water or out, i also have a bunch of stones piled up against the corner of the tank, the newts seem to love to wiggle through the stones but i am afraid they will get stuck. Is it normal?

 

[chris]

Dangle wherever he is. If he doesn't take it, just leave the wiggling piece in front of him and leave the room for a while. Come back, and see if he has eaten it. Newts can be very deliberate feeders. They will slowly put their nose to the food, then snap after a while. SOmetimes they hesitate a long time, so be patient, especially with new animals. Also, dangle the worm/place it just in front, but not touching the newt. A sudden touch might startle it into not eating.
Good luck!
Chris

 

[jake.]

Alright, thanks for the help!

 

[TJ]

This thread has been moved here from the "Fire-bellied Newts (Cynops, Paramesotriton, etc)" discussion area.