SICK Japanese Fire-Belly Newt

[monica]

Five days ago I purchased a newt, and it wasn't until I got him home that I noticed one of his feet was gone. (Recently enough, in fact, that he was still bleeding slightly.) Since then, he has not gone into the water, barely moves, and refuses to eat. I have tried feeding him bloodworms, thawed brine shrimp (since I thought he might not be able to catch live ones), and those little pellets they sell at pet stores, but even when I put them on his nose he just brushes them off and resumes his semi-comatose position. I have yet to see him open his mouth. I am treating his leg with hydrogen peroxide and Neosporin, and am trying to keep his water cool. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what else I can do for the poor guy, or suggestions on force feeding. (I've heard, for example, that he might eat chicken baby food if I fed it to him through a syringe?) Thanks!

 

[samuel]

You'll have to keep the water really clean to avoid infection. I would recommend setting up a terrestrial set up for it with moist unbleached paper towels for substrate. Do a direct application of the peroxide on the affected area but use a slighter concentration. Change the paper towels regularly and use dechlorinated water to moisten them. Tap water must be treated with a dechlorinator. and frankly, i dun recommend force feeding at all. it stresses the animal and only helps to reassure the owner thats all. Hope this helps.

 

[monica]

Thank you! He's still not eating, but at least occasionally moves. :::sigh::: Maybe it's just a phase...

 

[samuel]

To be realistic, it won't last long. I had a CFBN like tt too once. it died 5 days after purchase. the best thing is to select the animal very carefully b4 purchase. scrutinize it like anything. there are tips in caudata main page or u can ask the pros here.