Salamander just arrived

[Bahnt]

New tiger salamander arrived yesterday, he immediately hid in our log cave. I know they secretive but my question is how long is it normal for him to start in there, not really moving? The tank is plenty warm and humid with eco earth substrate. These some substrate and a little water in the front of the log cave.

 

[JoshBA]

It will probably stay hidden most of time until it's acclimated to your terrarium's conditions. Tiger sals in captivity gradually become conditioned to human presence, associating movement outside the enclosure with food. At this point I would feed it with live food that it can effectively hunt on its own (e.g., crickets), as it may be hesitant to accept other food like worms from your hand.

So after a while you should expect it to become less skittish. That is to say however that this species is, by nature, quite secretive. It's totally normal for them to remain hidden or burrowed most of the time, emerging only to feed and whatnot.

Also, be sure that the terrarium isn't too warm. This species hails from temperate regions and prefers to be cool.

 

[michael]

They hide a lot. To warm and to humid can be a problem.

 

[Bahnt]

Thanks, the tanks about 68 and humidity about 80%.

 

[JoshBA]

That temp is great. Perhaps increase ventilation to lower the humidity a bit.

 

[Bahnt]

OK, I was worried about him drying out in the log cave as there's no substrate back where he's hiding

 

[KrabzAga]

OK, I was worried about him drying out in the log cave as there's no substrate back where he's hiding

Just make sure the substrate is moist but not soaking. Make one side of the tank dryer than the other

 

[Thanassi07]

For North American terrestrial species I like 40-60% though your conditions are perfect.