Tiger Juvie not eating

[jotarocult]

So, I got my first tiger salamander two weeks ago, and he moved to land the same day I got him. I figured, "oh, he's finally good to go." I didn't attempt to feed him too often during the week, but I was starting to get worried because he wouldn't budge when I tried to feed. He would turn his head away, and sometimes he would walk over the food! And now, at two weeks, I'm very worried. I've tried earthworms, dried crickets and wax worms, I think he's afraid of me, too, or stressed, or something. I'm aware that they go off food for a bit when morphing, but is it really two weeks long? I don't want him to starve! If anyone has advice I would like to know what I should do. Thanks!

 

[Bellabelloo]

Could you add some photo's of his home..and some of him too please.
Do you leave food in with him so he can go back to it?

 

[jotarocult]

(ignore the stuffed bear)

 

[jewett]

What type of substrate are you using? The substrate should be a soil type material that allows the salamander to burrow and that has a neutral pH (so avoid sphagnum peat moss). I like to use a 50/50 mix of coco fiber and organic potting soil, about 4-6 inches deep to allow the animal to dig down and participate in natural behaviors like burrowing.

The tiger salamander would also benefit from a low light, low key sort of environment if its not wanting to eat yet. Keeping it cool (65F or under) is necessary, too. Not only are cool temperatures needed for good caudate health, but lower temperatures also slow down the metabolism so they burn through calories more slowly (important if an animal is not taking calories in).

HJ

 

[jotarocult]

Well, that picture where he's on the forest moss is when I was switching him to his new tank, which is the image of his enclosure. He's on coco fiber and he's in the stuff all day. It's when I try to feed him that he refuses.