My possibly sick red-spotted eft... Newt care     -- 06/12/09
Hello! I found and kept a red spotted eft the other day while hiking.
<You really shouldn't do this... there are plenty of neat amphibians bred in captivity that are a lot easier to keep.>
I did a lot of research about habitat and diet, etc. Ended up putting him in a 10 gallon tank with dirt and lots of plants. He also has a water bowl. The problem is, I don't think he's been eating, although its hard to
tell because his food moves around a lot :) I've tried meal worms, baby crickets, and a newt pellet food.
<Pellet foods won't be taken, that much is certain. I'd start with small earthworms; most amphibians find these very palatable. Choose earthworms that are small enough to swallow whole, and initially, the smaller the better. You could try holding the earthworms with forceps in front of the newt to see if he goes for them. It's also important to realise that they feed a good deal under water, so rather than a water bowl, arrange the tank so it is two-thirds filled with water, but with a land area above the waterline filled with moss or coir (coconut fibre; cheap and easy to change when dirty). You can get nice little plastic islands for terrapins/turtles that "stick" onto the glass via suckers, and these are great way to make land areas. Otherwise a pile of bogwood branches and/or rocks will do the trick, though obviously you can't put moss or coir on these because it'll just fall into the water and make a mess. Anyway, the newt will happily eat
bloodworms, daphnia and other small live foods added to the water. Use an air-powered sponge filter to prevent the water becoming dirty and harming the newt, and change 25% per week, adding dechlorinated water each time. Keep it cool, certainly no warmer than 20 C in summer, and a good deal less in winter.>
Also, he looks kind of brownish instead of his normal bright orange and he seems quite lethargic. Do you think he is sick and if so, what should I do to help him? Thanks!
Lisa
<Cheers, Neale.>

Re: My possibly sick red-spotted eft -- 6/12/09
Ok, thanks for your help! I think I'm going to set him free so he can be happier.
<Hmm... if he's come into contact with any ornamental fish, pet newts, or any other aquatic animals, do not let this animal loose! If the nets, buckets or anything you used were also used in an aquarium, pond, or
vivarium, you mustn't release this animal. That's how diseases and parasites of pet animals get into the wild. It's very important not to be lazy and just let pet animals go free. So if you can't honestly be sure this newt was isolated from all other aquatic pets, then think before releasing the animal. If you can't keep it, either consult your local Fish & Wildlife Bureau for advice, or if they can't help, painlessly destroy the animal (a vet will provide you with information on euthanising amphibians if you ask). And yes, it's much easier for all concerned not to bring wild animals into the home, however cute or attractive they might seem. Sorry to
make this all sound complicated, but there are a lot of irresponsible people out there who have caused MAJOR damage to the environment by thoughtlessly releasing pet animals or wild animals that have been kept alongside pet animals. Please don't join their ranks! Cheers, Neale.>

Re: My possibly sick red-spotted eft -- 6/12/09
True. I've never had any other fish, newts, amphibians, etc as pets, though. And I bought the tank he's in new from the pet store.
<Good, this all means you can release your newt with a clean conscience!
Well done. Cheers, Neale.>