Newts in a Beer Barrel

My alpine newts were, up until recently, living in a rubber tub in the garden but after a few sub zero nights with ice forming on the surface I took pity on them so fished them out (freezing cold hands + much swearing when they evaded capture) and brought them indoors. I didn't have a tank available so as a temporary measure I placed them in a home brewing beer barrel with a handful of pond weed. I use these barrels to carry water, raise larvae and culture daphnia. The newts seemed quite content in the barrel, always swimming cheerfully to the surface to beg for food and as often the way with temporary housing the weeks passed by. I checked on them today and noticed free swimming larva, lots of embryos and eggs in the weeds. First eggs of the year for me.

To celebrate I made a short, crappy video of their funny barrel home.

Newts in a Barrel - YouTube

Do you normally keep a lid on the barrel to avoid escapees? They look really nice, do you use a light source on the plants or are they ok with just daylight?

Youve successfully combined my two favourite hobbies,beer and newts
.Oh and Kudos for home brew lol

Yes, there's always a lid on. They have a fluorescent tube which does a good job of keeping the plants growing.

Cool video and gorgeous markings on the male in the video.

Gorgeous newts, and a ton of plants. I'd live in that barrel.

Compliments!! Great newts and beautiful idea.....I also do homemade beer with a similar kit....

Beautiful Alpines!!!