Eastern Newt with big tummy

[lauren]

I have four eastern newts who seemed to be doing well until yesterday when I noticed that one of them seemed to be yawning or snapping at the glass. He (she?) was swimming strangely, and today I couldn't find him. I lifted a rock and found that he had wedged himself under it farther then usual. He immediately headed for a dark place, trying to bury his face. He seemed to be doing strange things with his legs, and the lower part of his abdomen seemed a little swollen, although not at all like he had bloat. Any ideas?
I love my little newtlings and I would hate to have done something wrong, or to not do anything I could to help him if he's sick. The only thing I could think of was that maybe he was a she and she was about to lay eggs? Please help, thanks!

 

[jennifer]

Seems more likely that it was shedding. When shedding they will sometimes yawn, move the legs strangely, and intentionally squeeze themselves through tight places to get the skin off. Egg laying would explain strange leg movements (usually made around plant leaves), but not the other behaviors.