Ribbed Newt poison question

Otterwoman · Dec 2, 2008

I have a few ribbed newts that are now starting to mate. Usually I never handle them. But I want to pick them up and see what sex they are. My question is, has anyone ever been injured (by their ribs/poison) by handling their pets? Their ribs are so noticable I was just wondering whether I would be paralyzed, or worse, late for work.
Also, why aren't they more popular? They are SO cool.

Azhael · Dec 2, 2008

Dawn, i do not have information on how poisonous they are, but i can say that as long as you don´t grab them roughly around their body, the ribs won´t protrude. If you simply pick them up by putting your hand under their belly, you will not stress them enough to secrete poison either. Obviously it´s always a good idea to clean your hands afterwards as we all know but i don´t think handling them is risky....

Dave1812 · Dec 2, 2008

Like azhael says if you are gentle there should be no issues. Going of the research I have done from the internet it is very rare that a captive breed P. Waltl will use its ribs.
Hope this helps

Azhael · Dec 2, 2008

xDDDDDDDDD
"if you are genital" xDDD God, that made my day.

Otterwoman · Dec 2, 2008

Dave1812 said:
if you are genital

I know *tee hee* but after all, I was checking to see what sex they are.
My concern was mostly because I don't handle them really at all, compared to, say, my T. verrucosus, who get handled once every week or two.

Azhael · Dec 2, 2008

You could pick them up gently, and place them ina transparent container, so that you can take a good look to their cloacas, without disturbing them or handling them in the process. Even if you seldomly handle them i really doubt they would get that stressed.

michael · Dec 2, 2008

I've handled hundreds of ribbed newts and never had a problem. The guy I got mt first ribbed newts from squeezed one to hard. He said it felt like his hand was poked with something hot. His hand was sore for about 1 week. I don't think he sought medical treatment.

Dave1812 · Dec 2, 2008

I was having one of my senior moments :blush:
I will put my brain into gear next time

Jake · Dec 2, 2008

My adults get handled once every month or two. Every time I pick certain individuals up they'll extend their ribs, but they've never punctured the newts' skin (that I've seen).

I wish I could tell you why they aren't more popular. They're more forgiving than other species when it comes to water quality and temperature, and they always want to eat!

Kaysie · Dec 2, 2008

I think they're not more popular because... frankly, they're unattractive. They seriously look like someone stepped on them. They're not colorful. But they've got amazing personalities!

Nathan050793 · Dec 2, 2008

Kaysie- I happen to think they are really attractive; P.waltl look totally cool.

Kaysie · Dec 2, 2008

Nathan050793 said:
P.waltl look totally cool.

If you like that smooshed frog look. Teehee

Dave1812 · Dec 3, 2008

They remind me of a camouflaged clown, they are always on the move - looking for mischief and they do have great personalities.

Otterwoman · Dec 3, 2008

I love their coloring, like pretty rocks. And they have goofy faces. That's always a plus in my book.

Azhael · Dec 3, 2008

I´ve lately started to really like Pleurodeles, even though i agree they look like someone run over them. I can see (and hope) this species competing great against the usual WC petshop animals....well not in Spain though xD
It would be such great news if they became the primary target for the common market...

beefsteak · Dec 4, 2008

I find it realy easy to tell the diference between male and female S.R.Ns. The males have long arms with what look like bisepts, smaller flatter heads and are more collorful. Females get much bulkier and are less colorful. I also realy love these guys. Easy to keep! Allways out moving around or just hanging in the plants looking happy. I find them to be beutiflly colored. Someone saw mine recently and said they look like little marlyn brandos. And ya, love to eat.

Dave1812 · Dec 5, 2008

Whilst the topic of easy sexing of P.Waltl I have a few questions
At what age/size are they sexually mature - mine are currently just under 5 inch
Has anyone seen a P. Waltl with what looks like a barb coming from what would be its "little finger" I've looked on the internet and in books but can not find a reference to it. Is it a indicator of its sex?

Neuter · Dec 5, 2008

What happened to his claw? Poor little guy looks like he is missing a chunk of flesh on his left, front foot, the second claw from his right.

Dave1812 · Dec 5, 2008

Neuter said:
What happened to his claw? Poor little guy looks like he is missing a chunk of flesh on his left, front foot, the second claw from his right.

That's how it came to me, it hasn't affected it in any way.
Are you saying that its a male, and any ideas on the barbs?

Otterwoman · Dec 5, 2008

Those barbs are cool. I checked mine; they don't have them. One of them looks like it might have a little nub where that might be, but it might just be my imagination.

Ribbed Newt poison question

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