Taricha rivularis question

[calinewt]

Hello, I was just given a couple newts from a friend; she thought they were both California Newts, but I immediately saw that one was actually a Red Bellied Newt. After my initial excitement that I had acquired this new (to me) species, I realized I had no knowledge of their care...Has anyone here kept Red Bellied Newts before?
I did figure out that I have a male--he has a very clear stripe across his vent...
She had kept them together in a semi-aquatic setup for about a year with no issues. They were wild-caught on her mother's property where apparently newts are running rampant (sounds like a great place to live!). Anyhow, any care info. would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[warrior]

Ive kept them before and they wer'e cool to have as a rare keep for many caudate keepers.They are very shy and should be kept in a terrarium type set up. A paludarium type would be good.A basic terrestrial set up with some source of water and some cave type hiding spots as they are shy.As for the food earthworms,wax worms,slow moving crickets.If you could post pictures that would be great too. Check the photo gallery and the vivarium photo section on this board for set up ideas.

 

[calinewt]

Thanks! I have him with my Cali's right now, and their tank is mostly terrestrial with a pretty good water source as well as multiple hiding spots. I will post some pics of him, his Cali friends, and his enclosure as soon as I can.:happy:

 

[uwe]

Hi,

what has happened to the rivularis?

Uwe

 

[calinewt]

oops, I really need to check in more often... He's doing well, he and the other cali newts are getting along well, as well as their three pacific tree frog friends...he is not as shy as I thought, as he now tries to grab my fingers when I feed him and the other newts--its very cute. I'll try to get some shots of him and his buddies over the next week...