Breeding and raising ribbed newt larva

[Lilibugz]

I got 3 adult ribbed newts a few months ago with the intent of breeding in the future and I’m finally feeling up to the task so any advice on how to initiate/encourage breeding would be appreciated! My male has tried to pursue one of the females a few times before but unfortunately he only ever goes for my three legged girl (she never developed one of her front legs!). Obviously she’s unable to breed due to this, which is favorable as I wouldn’t want to intentionally breed her and potentially pass this trait to her offspring.

Ive read up on it a bit but I always appreciate first hand advice!

 

[Niels D]

What works for me is simply keeping them in a room where they experience a drop in temperature during winter, preferably one with a window. I'm keeping all my newts in an unheated room on the first floor. In the winter the temperature drops only slightly to 15C (maybe 13C now and then). I believe your Texas winter lasts a little shorter than the ones we get here, but one month of a drop in temperature should be enough. When the room has got a window they experience the shortening of the days during winter. This could also help. Of course you need to keep your animals well fed with quality food. I culture my own earth worms (Dendrobena veneta).

 

[JM29]

I agree.
An important water change and/or raising water level can also help.

 

[salamanderkeeper]

Maybe you can shut the heat off in one room and keep the door closed. I have one room upstairs with forced air heat that I pull a little chain on the vent which closes it about 95% of the way. I keep that door closed and it's a good bit cooler than the rest of the house. If you have a basement that may be a cooler area, too. In texas, IDK you might even have to crack a window.