F
frank
Guest
Hi all, I will try to add some positive note in between all the shouting in the previous threads. I have raised two N kaiseri from juveniles, bred by our famous Belgian Heinz K 5 years ago. For the raising of these animals I used the same technique as for example for raising Triturus and other Neurergus. Actually, I don't do a lot: I just take a container (5 liter), fill it for 5 cm with slightly moist (almost dry) forest soil (mixed beach/oak), then a layer of dry leaves (beach) and finally 3 to 4 layers of cork. Once every three months, the substrate is replaced. In one corner of the container, I put one of these small plastic cups used for food (approx 10 x 5 x 3 cm) and fill it with water. Once weekly, this cup is emptied, left to dry for a week and replaced by another one. Temperatures: 18 - 25°C in summer and 11 - 16°C in winter. Food consists of crickets and buffaloworms, all dusted royally with a mineral/vitamin powder (the animals are fed twice weekly). I take care not to spill insect food or mineral supply over the substrate (induces heavy fungal growth). Using this method, I raised the two juveniles to adulthood and I am raising now their offspring of last year (none available, please don't inquire) using this method without having a single animal lost. I think the key stones are: 1) good hygiene 2) relatively dry conditions 3) good food and 4) REST (I don't know any other urodelan that is so sensitive to light and so easily disturbed as these guys, you must not even touch them in some cases for inducing toxin secretion). Any comments always welcome.