Salamander question(speceis I like)

[silvia]

Hello
I am interested in either fire-dusky-slimy or marbled salamanders .Pet store around here carries all 4 types. I know they are amphibians that mostly hide and not active but thats fine.
My only experience with amphibians is two green toads I have had for 3 years now. They are kept upstairs in warmer temps.
My set up is as follows. Tank is 36 inches long and 12 inches wide. Was planning on using soil,leaf litter,shallow 6 inch round bowl of water dug in soil(changed daily).
I plan to keep the salamanders in my basement. The temp is my concern in the hottest part of summer the basement can get to 72 during the day but slowly goes back to 68 at night.
During the winter it averages 60 degrees but I can certainly add a bit of heat to get it to 65 if thats best.
Out of the salamanders I have suggested. Which would do best ?
Tiny live foods is no problem as crickets,fruit flies,wax worms are sold in pet store.
Thank you.
Silvia

 

[william]

the species you have are fairly good choices, i wouldn't recommend marbled salamanders because they are very shy, and are therefore hardly ever seen, fire salamanders are more active, but need the cooler temperatures.

you could try an aquatic tank with axolotls, or a semi aquatic tank with cynops, pachytriton, paramensotriton, triturus.

on another note, if your in the States? i think i'm right in saying that some dusky salamanders are endangered and are not allowed to be kept or sold in some states, what state are you in, if it is illegal to keep them then i would report the shop.

 

[benjamin]

Those sals would be fine if you let the tank get down to 45 degrees, infact a winter cooling period is important for breeding. Sounds like a good set up.

 

[jennifer]

I think the temperatures you have are fine for any of those species. They can handle 72F in summer, particularly if it drops at night. They certainly don't need heating in winter, they'll be very happy at 60 or even lower. Your setup sounds good, just be sure the lid closes securely. Earthworms are another good food and probably cheaper than the other live foods you mentioned.

Personally, I've vote for the fire sals because they are more tame and also colorful. With a bit of training, they'll literally eat out of your hand. But if you don't mind them being hidden a lot, then any of them are good.

One other thought for you.... given that you are able to provide such a nice setup and live food, you might want to consider trying to get some captive-bred sal or newt rather than the wild-caught ones at your pet store. Admittedly, this would be harder.

(Message edited by jennewt on May 13, 2005)

 

[silvia]

Thank you everyone for the info.I decided to get Fires after reading this infact going to the store tommorrow.
He has captive bred fires they look like little fat Marbles lol perhaps a bit to chubby.
In winter my basement gets to 60 degrees so not cold enough to breed them but I wasnt planning on that they will be pets.
I intend to get 2 fires, I like the 4 above types eqyally so was looking for info.
Thanks again.
Silvia

 

[silvia]

(Quote) Earthworms are another good food and probably cheaper than the other live foods you mentioned.

I have an organic garden no chemicals at all my soil is full of earthworms never thought of that because they seem like mostly full of soil.
Thats certainly easy than since from April to Oct the soil loaded with earthworms and all sizes.

 

[william]

earth worms are among the must nutritious live foods for caudates