Overwintering Triturus pygmaeus / marmoratus

[TristanH]

OK, I know it's a bit early to start thinking about this, but we've had some cold north winds today to remind me that autumn is approaching. Does anyone out there have any advice on overwintering T. pygmaeus? At the moment I have 5 plump more or less adult newts that live in a 48" (120cm) 50:50 land / water tank (though I have never seen them near the watery bit). I would like to try breeding them next year and expect that a cold snap of some sort will be necessary. I have 2 options:

1. Stick them in a box of some sort in the fridge for a month or two. I am a bit concerned about this for various reasons, not least air circulation and water. Has anyone else used this method and if so what precautions do you take? How often are the newts checked?

2. Leave them where they are in the tank, feeding them less and otherwise leaving them to their own devices. The tank is positioned in a more or less unheated part of the house - it won't freeze but will get pretty cool at night - probably less than 5C for short periods (for comparison, we grow various frost tender houseplants there as well including Philodendron and stagshorn fern).

Any advice appreciated!
Tristan

 

[Jennewt]

I would vote for option 2. I think that amount of coldness should be plenty to condition them for breeding. And it's less risky than the other option. Regarding feeding, they may indeed eat less because their metabolic rate is slower, but you shouldn't restrict the amount you feed them. They may continue to have a healthy appetite, and they need their reserves for producing eggs.

 

[Jake]

At the moment I have 5 plump more or less adult newts that live in a 48" (120cm) 50:50 land / water tank (though I have never seen them near the watery bit).

Once they get a bit cooler they should become mostly if not completely aquatic for a few months.

 

[coendeurloo]

I have had very good results with Triturus in the fridge, but since these are a more southern specie, they shouldn't be that cold. 5 degrees is fridge like anyway, how cold or warm is it during the day in the winter period?

 

[morg]

I would also go with the second option.
I have bred many species by just leaving in the same place overwinter.
The lower temperatures and natural photoperiod of less daylight hours should bring your newts into breeding condition next year if they are of the right age.

 

[TristanH]

I have had very good results with Triturus in the fridge, but since these are a more southern specie, they shouldn't be that cold. 5 degrees is fridge like anyway, how cold or warm is it during the day in the winter period?

Coen, it varies quite a bit depending on whether it is sunny or not. Our winters here in Wales are quite variable, but we don't get a lot of night frosts (perhaps 20-30 nights?) and for the temperature to remain freezing during the day is rare. So the temperature in the hallway will never go below freezing and only very rarely below 5C. On average I suspect it will be 8-10C for most of the time, perhaps as high as 12-14 on the occasional warm day. Perhaps I should invest in a thermometer!
Tristan

 

[lims]

over-wintering together as a family...

Me and my newts are going to endure the winter together,,
I actually care more about them breeding than my own health.
I don't have double glazing and my radiator (never on) is behind the tanks, so,
my room is going to get mighty cold soon, last night it was down to about 17 C, fantastic! it was 22 C the day before!
I WAS FREEEEZING!!!
If the newts can do it so can I..

 

[morg]

lol
you sound like me, when it gets cold i put on more clothes rather than putting the heating on, I try keep it as cool as posible for my newts in wintertime

 

[dln]

Traditionally many keepers like to hibernate their animals. Instead of doing that, I keep mine in a dark cool place, maybe low 60s F and play around with the light cycle to help trigger breeding. It's worked fine for me

 

[TristanH]

Thanks everyone for your advice. Jacob, you were quite right. One of the females has entered the water this evening. She's been hanging around the waters edge for a week or so now. I've added some fresh water and raised the level a bit so she has enough to swim about in.

I imagine it's much too early for breeding activity, but I suppose you never know. Does anyone know what time of year these breed in their native habitats in Spain?

Just had a look in the garden pond - there are quite a few palmates in there now. The cooler nights and shorter days seem to be encouraging other caudates into the water.

Tristan

 

[coendeurloo]

I have my pygmaeus and marmoratus in the cellar now, where it gets pretty cold (it already is close to freezing now) though it will never actually freeze. My fridge was full with newtfood so... Plus, I think the cellar give more 'natural' results as they will get exposed to a bit of sunlight through a tiny window in the cellar, whereas the fridge will be total darkness unless I open the door.