What & how to feed paddletail newt ?

[alpenglow]

I've been feeding my paddletail newt frozen bloodworms and beef heart for the past few years with occasional live fish as well, but for the past few weeks he's hardly been eating and i'm getting worried.
should i introduce more live food into his diet ? is it a seasonal thing that i just haven't noticed until now ?
i'd appreciate any & all help on this matter !

 

[Methos5K]

You should change the food. Instead try offering earthworms. Get nightcrawlers from Walmart or a bait shop. If they are too big cut them to a more proper size.

 

[alpenglow]

ok, that’s what i figured. i usually feed him 3 times a week — should i just give him one worm for each feeding ? or would he need more / less ?

 

[Otterwoman]

I'd start with half a worm but I would feed mine once or twice a week. Just watch their size and that'll tell you.

 

[MorganeW]

I'm going to jump in here and hope someone can help. Recently rescued a poorly-cared-for, very senior paddletail. She was apparently fed earthworms, but twice now I've removed them after a day or two of being untouched. She seems to like frozen brine shrimp and frozen beef heart, won't touch frozen bloodworms, pellets, nor live black worms.

I feed her a very small portion from a dropper. She takes maybe two small bites readily, then is done. Maybe 10 minutes later, regurgitates it. I'm afraid a trip to the vet would really be stressful for the old girl, so I'm asking the experienced caretakers first. Help! And thanks.