T. granulosa not eating

[rivkah]

Okay, maybe I am an overprotective parent but... I picked up three (3) t. granulosas from a recent reptile show. Yes, I did check for clear eyes, vents, good body weight and asked what they were currenlty eating "anything that moves" was the answer. I was thrilled to see them offered as they have always been a personal favorite. I have not seen them available for years. This seller had 20-30 of them. Oh, if I only have a larger tank....

Overall two of the three look great and are acting "normally" dividing their time between land and water, while the third simply stays in a hide. They have so far refused everything that I have offered: frozen blood worms, pin-head crickets, waxworms, and krill. I will be trying red wigglers next.

I should add that I set up a 30 gallon tank (36"X12"x16") with 2/3 water currently about 6 inches deep and 1/3 land. Actually, part of the "land" mass is a floating island, I did not weight down the container well enough and it floats about 3 inches above the bottom of the tank. I may not fix this error, since it appears that one of the three enjoy hanging out under the island. The tank is moderately planted, with most of the land being planted with moss and ferns, there is also a fair amount of floating plants (hornwort) as well as submerged planted java fern. Water temperature is between 68-72, depending upon time of day.

I always worry until I see them take that first bite of something. Any suggestions as to how to entice them to eat would be greatly appreciated?

Thank you

Rivkah

If this was previously asked and answered, I aplogize - I could not find it.

 

[otolith]

I wouldn't worry too much if it has only been a few days without food. Stress of a new enclosure can do a lot to ruin appetites. Try feeding them small earthworms (or pieces of larger worms). I don't think I've ever had any species of Taricha refuse an earthworm. This is also a much more nutritious diet than any of the other foods you mentioned. I would avoid waxworms entirely unless you are culturing them yourself. "Bad batches" purchased from pet stores have been responsible for several deaths in my collection.

Red wigglers (Eisenia sp.) or "trout worms" are good but might be refused or spat out at first. The worms release a smelly fluid that some newts don't like, most species I've fed them to don't have a problem with it though.

Good luck with your T. grans!

 

[fabian]

Hi Rivkah,
your setup seems to be ok. Some questions: How big are your animals? Are they grown ups or juvies? Are they wild caught or bred in captivity? For how long do they refuse to eat?
My granulosa prefer smaller prey like living bloodorms or small earthworms. If they are big enough and live terrestrial ,waxworms normally are a good food.
Perhaps you just need some patience until they get used to their new setup.
greetz
Fabian

 

[rivkah]

Thank you both for reposonding.

I had kept this species years ago and always wanted more... there is something about their "smiling" faces. So I did what I generally tell people not to do...bought creatures with unknown background from an unknown seller. There are too many questions for which I have no answers. The only information I have is what I have observed during the past week... they are approximately 5 1/2-6 inches long (nose to tip of tail) and overall are in good body weight (no bones protruding).

I do need to learn paitence. But, there is no way to force feed a reptile, as you would a dog or cat that does not eat. There is no worst feeling watching a creature refuse food and slowly wither away. (A dramatic experience from decades ago).

I will be paitent and report back any progress. I will also follow the suggestion about getting earthworms or red wigglers and see if that might get them started on the road to culinary delights newts style.

Thank you again

Rivkah

 

[rivkah]

Status update:

First, I need to learn paitence.

The two that were acting normally, finally began to eat: first food: frozen blood worms. It took 10 days before they took they first meal.

The thrid one: Since day one, it had practically buried itself completely into the substrate under a patch of cushion moss with only a leg and a tail exposed. I would check on it and admittedly would reposition its tail checking for any movement: nothing. Debating whether or not to dig it out from under the moss to see if it was still breathing, but not looking forward to it. I hate finding a dead newt. ... "give it one more day" I would tell myself. (learning paitence)

Checking on everyone this evening, I counted... one.... two.... three!!!! All three are in the water, swimming, hanging or walking around, looking as through they had always been there, just being newts.

There must be a lesson in here some where. I have always made every effort to only puchase captive bred creatures from people I know or who come recommended. I am one who always planned the purchase long before the actual purchase. I haven't done it this way in years and I wont be doing this again any time soon.

Thank you everyone again for your suggestions.

Rivkah