Switching housing... Feeding questions

[tcbemis]

We're getting ready to switch our spotteds into a 29 long terrarium setup, until now they've been in tubs on brown paper towels. Obviously, feeding hasn't been a problem on the paper towels, there's not too many places worm parts can get to and not be eaten in there. But now, in soil, how do we make sure they're eating? Ideally we'd like to stick with cut up earthworms, and I'd been thinking we'd put them in a terra cotta planter bottom and the sallies could come to them. But man, those pieces can move! So now I'm wondering how they'd eat well with soil covered worm bits?

In retrospect I wish we'd hand fed them from the get-go. So... Any good ideas for feeding, as well as will the soil cause problems if swallowed? I'm assuming they'd swallow some in the wild.

Thanks so much! (and I did search before I asked...)

 

[tcbemis]

Thought I'd throw in a picture of them.

 

[Asevernnnn]

Ive used non-metal dog bowls for my tiger salamander, I used it until it got to the point to where it always comes out when its hungry and I feed full worms.

 

[tcbemis]

That's a great idea! Can the Sals get in and out all right?
I guess I'm assuming you mean that you leave them in the tank to get to the food.

 

[sde]

I tong feed all my amphibians, it is very convenient! I would give it a try, they might not accept at first, but may eventually take it. And once they are trained to feed from tongs ( mine are actually tweezers ) they are very easy to feed, it just takes a little longer. That way you also know how much each one ate, and there is not competition for food. -Seth

 

[Bellabelloo]

Mine are fed cut up worm and whiteworm in a soil based setup. I put the pieces in a shallow plastic dish. I have placed a half shell of coconut over the top so they feel a little more secure. I feed them in the evening and by morning the worm bits are gone

 

[tcbemis]

Thanks for the ideas! Apparently I don't get notifications anymore, so I didn't know I had replies.
We have one (of 6) that will take a worm bit (tonight was a whole small one) that will take it from my fingers, but I'm not really sure it's even the same one consistently. We put bits in plastic lids last night, and this morning there were just a couple left. I'm pretty sure they all ate. If not, I bet they will by tomorrow night. I was thinking of finding either smaller dishes to fit under the coconut shells we have (they LOVE them and all 6 cram into the 2 we have, choosing them over the 6 buried tubes), or a larger hide to fit these "plates" into with them.
I think I'm going to get them some pill bugs from the garden tomorrow and see if they like those, then maybe order some if they do.

Thanks again! ☺