I found a very small terrestrial salamander, about 2". I started by feeding it some small crickets, about .5" and unless the crickets have escaped, I think it ate 2 of them so far. I was worried because the crickets seem a little large for the salamander, larger than it's head. So I decided to get some meal worms (also for variety). I put in 4 of them, but they all have seem to disappeared into the sand within minutes. Is the salamander able to find them buried in there? I've never actually seen the salamander dig into the sand. All he seems to do is hide at the top corner of the tank. He is our class pet and I want him to survive as long as possible. What else can I feed it that I can purchase at the store (not a fan of finding my own bugs)? Also, the lid to the tank has small air holes that may be too large for the tiny ant/fruit fly sized insects.
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feeding a small salamander
- Thread starter qtsuezie
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tomthlee
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If it is a terrestrial salamander, sand may not be the best choice of substrate. Coconut husk fiber (sold in bricks at pet stores) or topsoil without fertilizers are much better options. They hold moisture well and it's safer to ingest than other substrates.
As for food, there are many options. Wingless fruit flies and springtail cultures should be available in pet shops that have a reptile section. Also, if you could get a photograph of the salamander, that'd help someone here I.D. it and locate the proper care information.
I hope that helped!
As for food, there are many options. Wingless fruit flies and springtail cultures should be available in pet shops that have a reptile section. Also, if you could get a photograph of the salamander, that'd help someone here I.D. it and locate the proper care information.
I hope that helped!
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also, I lined the top of many of my tank screens with cheesecloth or other fabric to keep fruitflies, and little salamander morphs, from escaping. I wrap it around and sew it on to the metal grating by hand.
If the food is larger than its head, then the food is too big. No, it will not find the mealworms, they will just pupate and emerge as beetles (inedible). The danger with crickets is that, if the crickets have nothing to eat, they can nibble on the salamander and be quite an irritant.
I agree with Tom's advice: soil is a better substrate, and fruit flies would be a more appropriately sized food. I think springtails might be a bit too small. And I do the same as what Dawn says: I keep a piece of cloth (like from an old sheet or shirt) under the lid when I'm using fruit flies. Most sals don't eat ants, so that may not be a good choice. Termites and pill bugs are good, though.
The correct species ID is important for proper care.
I agree with Tom's advice: soil is a better substrate, and fruit flies would be a more appropriately sized food. I think springtails might be a bit too small. And I do the same as what Dawn says: I keep a piece of cloth (like from an old sheet or shirt) under the lid when I'm using fruit flies. Most sals don't eat ants, so that may not be a good choice. Termites and pill bugs are good, though.
The correct species ID is important for proper care.