Possible to overfeed?

E

emily

Guest
I have two T. Granulosa. The place I got them from is ran by an individual rather than a chain. She was hand feeding them bloodworms to help put some weight on them. I first got only one, she wouldnt let me pick even, made sure she gave me the one with the most weight. I went back a week later and got her last, who is quite thin still.

They eat, a lot. I give blood worms, and also small earthworms. They gobble both up very well. I have noticed the one I've had the longest is looking quite plump already, and the thin one is putting on wieght already after a matter of days. Its good there healthy. But once in good shape, how much should I be feeding them really? How often? I have seen them both eat a whole worm (cut into peices about 1/2 in long) each, and they were still hanging in the feeding area and they also ate most of a bloodworm cube....is that too much? I had a granulosa in the past who was never healthy and didnt survie (yrs ago) and had an eastern newt once, who I never got to eat and died also (again yrs ago) So these are my first healthy guys with a real appetite.... I assumed they would eat as much as they needed and no more, but im wondering if thats not the case.
 
Good to see another Michigander with Taricha!! How big are they? My females are full of eggs, as is that time of the year. I feed mine about 2-3 inches of worm 2-3 times a week. This seems to be about adequate (maybe a little too much at times).

They will definately over eat. Most caudates are opportunistic, meaning they'll eat whenever food is available. In the wild, this was necessary as they didn't know when they'd find food again.

Post pics! I'm excited to see other Taricha around here.
 
I will have to get some pictures, havnt done that just yet. I figured they were eating too much. So I suppose what I will do if feed them ever couple days instead of daily? That sounds right I guess. I love the Tarichas, there beautiful. Typically all you find around here are firebellys, so when you find one of these, you have to get them now or never.
 
I've never kept Tarichas, but I've only heard of problems with overfeeding in Ambystomas (overweight tiger sals, or axolotls that vomit if they overeat). I really don't think it's a serious concern in newts, as I've never seen a seriously overweight one.

I would say the amount you are feeding them is fine, as they need to gain weight. Once they reach a good weight, you'll probably notice them eating less and you can cut back on the feedings.
 
I'd be interested to see the pics too! I am also a new taricha owner. Tarichas are crazy eaters compared to my fire bellies!
 
I attempted pics, didnt turn out so great really. Didnt help that neither of them wanted to cooperate so much. They both are looking quite well now. The pics dont show it well but the one that was thinnest, though getting a good abdomen on him is still bony to look at, take time to process all the food and stick on the bones. When they came home, one was olive green with bright orange belly, he has gotton slightly darker since. Then the other was nearly black with a yellow belly, and he is now getting lighter and taking a darker olive appearance. I assume its normal as they adapt to there new homes to change like that? I still have to get some real plants, for now they have worn out silk ones, they dont seem to mind though.... Anyways, here is a link to some pics of them: http://photobucket.com/albums/b273/emilysgk/newt
 
Emily, I only noticed once picture that had both of them (took a quick glance), but they both look pretty good!
 
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