Back What's new
By:
Filters
Caudata.org: Newts and Salamanders Portal

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Did you know that registered users see fewer ads? Register today!

Hibernating outside?

A

Aplestris

Member
Joined
Jun 10, 2013
Messages
81
Reaction score
0
Location
Swale, Kent
Hello all

I have a young Fire Salamander which I keep outdoors in my car port. I was planning on letting it hibernate through the winter outside but I'm not sure whether there is a great risk or not. Is it possible to leave it in South East England winter temperatures (anywhere from 5 to -7 degrees Celsius)? And if it is, should I change the setup to build a sort of hibernaculum? And is there any conditioning I need to do (ie feeding)?

The Salamander is a Captive Bred Salamandra Salamandra and eats very well and is almost 10cm long. I am unsure of how old it is though. I shall try to upload pictures of the setup and salamander tomorrow if it is needed but I really need to put my mind to rest. He (or she) is doing fine at the temperatures now (9 to 17 degrees Celsius).

Thanks for any help in advance :happy:
 
Mark

Mark

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2004
Messages
3,259
Reaction score
59
Location
Bristol
You must provide protection from frost and sub-zero temperatures. With the exception of a few species, salamanders do not have antifreeze abilities. Containers outdoors need lots of insulation to prevent freezing, even then it would not be safe for prolonged sub zero periods. Remember that the cold penetrates from all sides, unless of course you sink the container into the ground.

In the wild salamanders will secrete themselves below the frost line. I've found wintering Salamandra 2-3ft below the forest surface.
 
T

Tappers

New member
Joined
Aug 13, 2008
Messages
158
Reaction score
16
Location
Worcestershire
How about a fridge hibernation? I've kept my kaiseri and marms over winter in this way before and they've done very nicely..
 
A

Aplestris

Member
Joined
Jun 10, 2013
Messages
81
Reaction score
0
Location
Swale, Kent
Thankyou very much for both replies,
As far as I understand (which isn't too much) the temperature can't go below 0c ? If this is true I may bring the tank inside if there is a chance of it dropping below 0.
Tappers, I still live with my parents who would never allow that :rolleyes: :D
 
benw

benw

New member
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
285
Reaction score
16
Location
Dorset
I would put in somewhere like a garage or similar, near the floor but not on it, and as Mark said it will still need a degree of protection, I personally don't hibernate mine, just cool them in a side room of the house for the winter months.
They still feed, but not so often
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
  • Shane douglas:
    with axolotls would I basically have to keep buying and buying new axolotls to prevent inbred breeding which costs a lot of money??
     +1
    Unlike
  • Thorninmyside:
    Not necessarily but if you’re wanting to continue to grow your breeding capacity then yes. Breeding axolotls isn’t a cheap hobby nor is it a get rich quick scheme. It costs a lot of money and time and deditcation
     +1
    Unlike
  • stanleyc:
    @Thorninmyside, I Lauren chen
     +1
    Unlike
  • Clareclare:
    Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus Japanese . I'm raising them and have abandoned the terrarium at about 5 months old and switched to the aquatic setups you describe. I'm wondering if I could do this as soon as they morph?
     +1
    Unlike
    Clareclare: Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus... +1
    Top