Marbled salamander hasn't eaten for weeks

cweis16 · May 24, 2012

Hello. My son and I have a marbled salamander that isn't eating. He hasn't eaten for many weeks. Prior to not eating he ate regularly and quite a bit. Then he started acting differently. He was out in the day and sometimes in his water dish. While we were worried one day we got him out to check him and he produced the sticky substance....I'm sure that stressed him out. We left him alone and dropped the temperature a little bit. He went back to his normal behaviour but stopped eating. He backs away from food or isn't interested. His usual was phoenix worms and wax worms. We have tried nightcrawlers and crickets. We can't tell that he's eaten anything. He looks and acts fine when you get him out. Any ideas?

Linus · May 24, 2012

Hi Cweis,
Does it appear that the salamander lost weight? Salamanders, particularly mole salamanders tend to be quite shy creatures, he could be eating at night if his weight looks normal.

Neotenic_Jaymes · May 24, 2012

If its in the water bowl then it's way too dry or the substrate has become uncomfortable. What temperature are you keeping it at? I suggest 60-65 degrees. When was the last time the substrate been changed? From my experience Marbled Salamanders that are highly stressed or scared they will secrete toxins from their tail. This is not a good sign. I assume secreting toxins is the last and final defense option they have and seems stressful to perform.

Just make sure the substrate is suitable and it's moist in the enclosure. Offer chopped earthworms over anything.

Marbled salamander hasn't eaten for weeks

cweis16

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Linus

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