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Salamandra salamandra salamandra burrowing

MisterWayne

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I have a pair of Sss, 1.1 and they seem to be borrowing a lot. I have good temps 66-68F ( 18.9- 20C) day time. Night time temps 62-64 (16.6-17.7C). I mist every other day to every two days. Has anyone who keeps Sss witnessed this? I have talked to a few other breeders and keepers and my enclosure seems to be fine. I don't if this behavior is common? I have noticed them slowing down their eating too. They have taken food just not as much as they normally do. Any thoughts or advice would be great. thanks everyone.
 

MisterWayne

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I have been asking around, there seems to be mixed thoughts on this behavior. I did look up older threads on the salamandra section of the forms, and I don't seem to get a definite answer.... However after talking with some breeders I don't this behavior is much to worry about. I was in the habit of checking on them almost daily, and early in the morning when I leave for work. I would use my cell phone light to look around the enclosure. I think what happened is i freaked the poor things out. I don't think they feel safe under their hides. But I will limit my checking on them when its feeding time.
 

Jensino

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Burrowing is definitely a normal behavior in firesalamanders, not to the extent of mole salamanders, but they dig as well, especially if there is a lack of suitable hiding spots.

As long as they show above ground at night from time to time, you should not be worried.
 

michael

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How humid is their habitat? To much humidity is bad for them. It is better to have a gradient of moisture levels in the habitat and under hides.
 

Tony89

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I always mist one side of their enclosure so the other stays relatively drier. I also stacked cork so they can hide in between if the soil gets too wet. Do you have a picture of your setup?
 

MisterWayne

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I believe i am providing them a gradient. I only spray half of the tank, and the enclosure has a screen lid. Nothing is blocking the air flow, no lights on it. They are out of direct sunlight too. I believe what happening is im checking on them too much. Im pretty sure I stressed them out. I was in the habit of looking at them almost once a day and very early in the morning when I leave for work. I would use my cell phone light to look in the enclosure and I assume they didn't feel safe under their hides. I placed more cork bark in the tank and will only check on them before feeding. I hope this will help them feel safer.
 
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