Newt eating problem

[john]

I have one newt that has been eating for like 3 days in a row. I would dangle earthworms and bloodworms infront of his face. He loved it. Now, in the last 2 days, he won't eat. I've tried earthworms, bloodworms, slugs, waxworms. He just doesn't want anything. The problem with that is that he is very skinny. Pretty emaciated. He's been getting a bit bigger sense his meals, and hes really good at swimming and stuff. But if he won't eat, what should I do. Please help me, I really want him to servive.

 

[chris]

He is probably not hungry. Newts don't need to feed every day, just maybe 2 or 3 times a week. As long as he feeds at regular intervals he will put on weight. Check the water quality is good - if he has eaten a lot, he will have produced a lot of waste - check its not rotting anywhere.
Good Luck!
Chris

 

[john]

thx very much. The water gets changed every 3-4 days and i just changed it today. Thx alot for the info.

(Message edited by nuggular on July 19, 2004)

 

[chris]

If its filtered, that may be too often. How much water is in the tank, and how many newts are in it? Do you mean a total water change or partial?
Chris

 

[john]

Actually i just got a filter. So now I dont have to change it to often anymore. There is one newt in there now. he will be alone until he gets fatter. He's really skinny now, but eats normal, so he should gain wait and when he gets bigger, I have another newt waiting to go into the tank with him.

 

[nesaraj]

What kind of newts are they? Most newts don't eat daily. A slim newt is not neccesarily emaciated, but just slim. It sounds like your newt is eating fine.
Since you are using a new filter, it is probably going through the "cycling" stage, so changing 50% of the water once a week will suffice. Also, remember to test the water for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
If you change the water too often at this stage, it will take a very long time for the nitrogen cycle to be established.

 

[john]

I know they only eat 3 times a week or so. They are chinese firebellys. It is definitly emaciated. If i had a pick, I'd post it. you can see his hips like little points. you can see his ribs to. His name is Stash. Stash has been eating normal now for about 2 weeks. How long will it take to see weight gain. His legs have gotten stronger looking, but he doesnt seem to be gaining weight.

(Message edited by nuggular on July 27, 2004)

 

[TJ]

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