Overly-exposed Red Eft?

[brettawelch]

I have a red eft and he is an active little guy, but the research I have done on them would suggest that they prefer being hidden and partially buried. However, he is generally found on top of his rock plateau. I assumed at first that he had just over-eaten and perhaps had some extra energy to burn. Should I be concerned or is he just sociable?

Thanks

 

[Kaysie]

Given the toxicity of red efts, they're not really all that shy. Nothing really eats them, so they don't need to hide much.

 

[brettawelch]

Hmm. I got a different impression from what I had read, but since he is doing well I will take your word for it! I am intent on moving him to a more aquatic tank soon so he can transform. Updates to come!

Thanks again, Mate!

 

[Jennewt]

Are you just saying that he stays out in the open, or are you saying that he's very active and moving around all the time? I agree with Kaysie that Notos are sometimes less-shy than other newts, but if he's moving all the time, that could indicate a problem. Does he seem to be avoiding the substrate? Is he thin?

 

[brettawelch]

I suppose I meant to say that he moves more than I had expected. It's not as though he seems uncomfortable but he will travel to one spot and relax for a few minutes and then move along to another. I figured he would spend most of his time hiding. He doesn't seem to be slender, although my only reference is the internet.

 

[Coastal Groovin]

My red efts are always out. I give them a little spray and they bust right out of the leaf litter looking for food. I would consider them very fearless and active. Their bright red color says death to most predators. I have never even found one inside a turkey and they are always feeding on red back salamanders. Which seem to have a very weak toxin if any compared to a Noto.