Help my newt morph wont eat!!!

[grubbie]

i have just got bak from a holiday and when i got back my larvae had morphed and was on land and hadnt been fed for 2 days. now when i try to feed him out of the water he doesnt eat and he is looking skinny and unhealthy. can anyone help!!!

 

[Jennewt]

What species? This is very important. Some species become terrestrial after morph, and you will need to find terrestrial food (fruit flies, tiny crickets, etc.) or hand-feed with a toothpick/tweezers.

 

[grubbie]

it is a japanese fire bellied newt. it has been out of water for about 3 days now and is really skinny before when he was in the water i fed him white worms and blood worms with tweezers and he ate them but now i try in and out of water and he ignores it!!! help now please i think he'l be dead by morning if he doesnt eat soon!!!

 

[grubbie]

oh and he is only about 2 1/2 months old is that to early to morph???

 

[Jennewt]

2.5 months is a bit early. It is common for morphs to not eat for the first few days/weeks after morphing. However, being skinny is not a good way to start; the larger they are at the time they morph, the more likely they'll eat well and survive as juveniles. Keep trying to feed it frozen bloodworms from a toothpick every day. You might be surprised how long they can survive, even skinny.

Also, think about setting up a small soil-based terrarium for it (them?). And try to find a supply of flightless fruit flies, springtails, or other small live food.

 

[andrew]

I agree with Jen, theres every chance it wont eat for a week or two yet. New morphs physically can't eat. The final changes to occur after morphing from a larvae to a newt go on internally.
I keep new morphs in a shaded area at about 66F and in well ventilated set ups containing two thirds soil and one third damp kitchen paper towels (changed every couple of days). On the soil i put cork bark hides. The best way you'll get them to eat is to leave plenty of suitable food in there for them and leave them to it. Eventually they'll eat when ready.

 

[grubbie]

ok thank you so how small is a suitable terrarium for 1 morph and he doesnt need water???