Slimy salamander or Red salamander?

[firesalamander]

Hi there is a reptile show coming up in 2 months and one of the sellers is likely to have both slimy and red salamanders. I was wondering which one I should get? I will be trying to establish a breeding colony. Its over 2 months away so I have a lot of time to prepare.

 

[Greatwtehunter]

Breeding either species is not going to be easy. I recommend the slimy salamander since they can tolerate a little warmer temps than the red salamanders. Red salamanders become very stressed if the temps reach above 65F.

 

[firesalamander]

Really? I was looking on a care sheet and they said 65- 72 for the red salamanders.

 

[Nathan]

It will depend a bit on the animal's origin for either species; individuals from southern lowlands will be more heat-tolerant than northern or upland individuals. Still and all, slimies are hardier than reds. You can find slimies in leaf litter in late spring and early summer; this microhabitat stays cooler than the ambient temp, but still can be pretty warm. Reds on the other hand are closely tied to spring runs (at least in the south) where temps usually stay below 65 or so. I have kept reds in a refrigerator, but wouldn't try them at room temp.

 

[firesalamander]

alright... They also had other interesting species there. Ill just have to wait and see.