Outdoor fire sals?

[michael]

I already posted this thread but on the wrong discussion forum, anywway, here it is:
Hi, I live in England and was wondering what anyone would think of keeping my two fire sals outside in the spring, summer period? I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for terrariums, probs with climate etc.
Mike

 

[ralf]

Hi Michael,
I am also interested in "outdoor solutions" for caudates. I kept a group of P. waltl in a 120 l tub during last years warmer periods, which worked fine for this aquatic species. However, I would also like to hear from others who kept or keep their animals outside. How does one prevent animals from escaping, how do you establish a frost free shelter for overwintering and how do you prevent predators from entering the enclosure most effectively, for example. Are there sources of information somewhere on the internet?

Ralf

 

[caleb]

I've kept animals outside in the past- I made an enclosure with glass walls (discarded double glazing units), sunk 30cm into the ground. The units also had a lip around the edge, so the animals couldn't escape over or under. I used netting over the top to keep predators out, and had a pile of logs to provide a frost-free refuge.

I've seen quite a few other enclosures- people have made walls of perspex, brick, breeze block, or concrete.

Another way that I've heard of to provide a frost-free area is to dig a hole and fill it with rubble- this gives lots of space for the animals to crawl into, as long as there is an entry point at ground level.

The sand lizard and natterjack enclosures at Marwell Zoo are separate small enclosures inside a large 'fruit cage' to keep predators out. They had problems with rats digging in, so had to put an underground barrier around the base of the fruit cage, as well.

The New Forest Reptiliary in southern England has most of the native UK reptiles and amphibians on display in outdoor enclosures.

 

[ralf]

Thanks for the input, Caleb.

Ralf

 

[uwe]

Dear herpers,

I keep all of my animals outside. Most of them in aquaria/terraria, but I have also built an out-door terrarium, where I keep a Salamandra species.
In general, I think for most of the newts/salamanders it is optimal to experince the change of weather/temperature and length of day light to get into breeding mood. In addition an out-door enclosure is the most "nature-close" possibility you can provide the animals including a good hygenic standard.
My out-door enclusre is app 2m-1,2m big and was dig out from the ground (app 20cm). The walls are out of wooden board, which is normally used for bulding houses (Einschalungen) and is kept together by non-rosting angle irons (no problems in decompostion of wood or metal since 12 years). Most important: to the inside a 10cm piece of plastic (transparent) is nailed on the wall, so escape of the animals is not permitted. In addition i added a wide-mesh cover to prevent cats, birds etc to intrude. The interior is starting from the lowest level: sand, forest earth, some big stones (for to go under during frost times), chopped wood and moos. In addition there is a small pool made out of plastic foil. This is a bonus for animals needing a permanent water.
Experince is good, no problems even with Salamandra kept outside at -20° for some days. Breeding is occuring regularly. Feeding animals live inside.
For more information please contact me.

Uwe

 

[michael]

Thanks for your help everyone!
Mike