Hibernation

[luvmypitties]

Do spotted salamanders hibernate?

Also one of my spotties is ver dull in color and even the yellow spots arent as bright. Any reason why? He/ She is a good eater, just getting very dull and looks to be a bit thin.

 

[Mark]

Salamanders don’t technically hibernate. As the temperature drops they will slow down and may feed less due to a decreased metabolism. Even in the winter, if the conditions are right, they will be active and feed. In most cases this cooling is essential to get the animals into breeding condition and create the seasonal triggers for migration to breeding grounds.

My A.maculatum are currently in an outhouse and are experiencing night time temperatures just above freezing. Interestingly, out of all the salamanders I’m cooling the A.maculatum are the most active at very cold temperatures.

I’m not sure about the colouration. What are you feeding them? How are you keeping them?

 

[luvmypitties]

They are kept in a 10 gallon tank inside. Tank has soil as the substrate, some rocks, leaves, a plant, and rocks. It is kept moist in the tank.

Should I be putting them outside? I guess I am scared to get them too cold.

What is an A.maculatum? Sorry I am new to all this salamander stuff

 

[luvmypitties]

I also read that most of their cage should be water, are they aquatic? I didnt think they were. Mine dont use their water dish as a pool or anything

 

[rigsby]

they only enter water to breed in early spring. Some A Maculatum ( spotted sals ) have brighter spots than others, i have one with no spots at all.I wouldn't worry about giving yours a cold spell as its not vital unless you want to attempt to breed them which has never been done in captivity anyway.

 

[luvmypitties]

No way i dont want to breed them. I didnt even want them but i do animal rescue and well thats how I got them. I still dont know enough about them. I hope my paler one is ok.