Newt problem

Hi all i am the owner of 2 FBN, and i have a problem

Ive had the newts since early August, now nearly into november and i still cant get one of them to take worms, i have never seen her eat is this normal, have tried with Mosquito larvee, Woodlice, earthworms, daphnea and bloodworm, obviously i do not watch it all the time but she just does not take food when i offer, she doenst look overly skinny and does move/go into water.

any ideas?

the other newt is always in water and takes the worms straight away!

Hi Benny,
first off do you now what species of newt you have? Many different species are labeled in pet shops as Fire Belly, including Cynops orientalis and Pachytriton's. Depending on which species you have will alter how you care for them. Go here http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/firebelly.shtml to learn more.
You say the newt in question doesn't seem overly thin, so if you are leaving food available to it, it may be eating when you are not around. Some newts are just more shy than others and this one may feel vulnerable while you are around. As long as it appears to be gaining weight, or least not losing, you may need not be too concerned.
It sounds like you are offering the animals the appropriate food items, but what temps are you keeping them? Cooler is better for caudates so do what you can to chill their home. Take a look around on the site and learn all you can about tank set up and other aspects of newt care. And always feel free to ask more questions.
Heather

Thanks for the reply

IT is a Cynops orientalis and is kept in cool conditions

as for being skinny i find it hard to tell

Is the newt in mid-shed in that picture? Mine seems to always shed when I'm not around.

Your newt does not look overly skinny. As long as you're noticing that food is disappearing in the tank then the newt is most likely eating when you are gone. However, make sure the food isn't slipping in between the gravel. It'll get stuck there and rot.

Also, are you noticing feces in the tank? This would also be a sign that the newt is eating.

I agree that the newt does not look skinny, so she's probably eating - something. Have you tried hand feeding with a toothpick or tweezers? A newt that is not overly-shy will usually be willing to take bits of earthworm this way, though it may take repeated trying until they learn.

Yes Tried tweezering it in, as soon as the other guy spots the worms he is after them!!!, will just keep trying her every so often until she takes it, am glad she does not look 2 skinny