A few more questions maybe you can answer for me. Tiger salamanders are nocturnal right? Why are mine out in the day and at night?? They are always out in the morning and afternoon either sitting on one of the rocks or hanging out in the water. Also, after changing my substrate to soil and coco fiber there not burrowing. They just use there houses to hide in. I'm wondering if they dont like the soil. Both salamanders are always covered in dirt. It just sticks to their bodies. Is this ok?
Hi Amy
Regarding food sources, have a look at these two articles from our Caudata Culture section, I think you will find them helpful:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/foods.shtml
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/foods2.shtml
Yes, tigers are considered nocturnal. Mine do come out in both the day and night, however, and will feed anytime day or night. In my experience it comes down to light exposure. If where you keep them is in a dimly lighted area they may well come out in the day. They will avoid bright light. Are you still using the red light at night? There is no need for this.
You say that both sals are 'covered in dirt'. That would imply that they are burrowing - you may not have caught them doing it....or that your soil is too wet if they are covered in dirt and have just been walking on top of the substrate. The substrate should be moist but not wet. With coco-fiber, dried fibers will adhere to the sals' skin, but that isn't problematic. Tigers do like to stay in their hides as shelter and security - that isn't abnormal.
You have only had these guys a short time. They are probably still adjusting to their new environment.
As John suggests, if you can post some photos of the enclosure we may be able to provide more feedback.