Update on newt that won't eat

[goose]

I posted a couple weeks ago about my little chinese fire belly newt who I could not get to eat. Sadly he still has not eaten in about a month since I got him, but he now acts like he wants food when I dangle it in front of him, he just will not grab it. Sometimes he opens his mouth for it but doesn't move or strike at it. He still stays on land all the time as well. What should I do?

 

[Jennewt]

Here is the link to your previous thread:
http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-be...-help/92301-cfbn-might-dying-please-help.html

I really can't think of any ideas that we didn't already give you. Keep trying. Live pinheads or fruit flies are probably the best possibility.

Do you know for sure he hasn't eaten? One suggestion was to leave live blackworms on the rock with him - so maybe he's eating when you aren't looking?

All you can do is keep trying.

 

[Jennewt]

One other suggestion would be to go outdoors and try to find some tiny bugs, like aphids or wee caterpillars. Put them in the tank.

 

[goose]

Good news! He finally ate two nights ago! I put him back in the main tank and while trying to feed him an earthworm a gnat got in the tank and landed on the rock in front of him. He ate that right away but still would not eat anything I actually offered. The next day I thought he disappeared, turns out he decided to go for a swim finally. Once in the water I got him to easily eat some blackworms and a small peice of earthworm. I also noticed that he seemed to be shedding. I have read that some newts decide to go on hunger strikes before shedding so maybe that was the problem? He's doing much better now though so I am relieved.