My new firebellies

[jacob]

I got some new Firebelly newts today at the local pet shop, and I have a few questions about them. Should i feed them on land or in the water? And should i always put the food in a certain place or does it matter? I have a few pics of my setup. Im not sure if they will show up though. i am using the Fulval 1 filter and the Jetstream1500 aerator. How often should i feed them and how much?
Thanxs

 

[jacob]

heres the tank pics...

 

[nesaraj]

While it is easier to feed firebellies in water, they will also take food on land. In the water, you can just place the food in the water column, or use a feeder-ring (I assume you are feeding them live foods like blackworms). On land, you can place the food in a small dish.

 

[jake.]

}1 more try!

 

[jake.]

I havent fed them yet as i just got them but i plan to feed them diced night crawlers and the occasional slug.i dont have a feeding ring, so ill just put in in the water.

 

[nesaraj]

Sounds good...I am not sure about feeding them slugs though...

 

[jennifer]

Small garden slugs are fine - some newts love them, some refuse them. Initially, you may have to tempt the newts to eat by dangling the worm bits in front of them. Don't leave any food to rot in the tank.

 

[jake.]

if the newt doesn't eat should i take it out of the tank to tempt it or do it right in the tank?

 

[jennifer]

It's probably better to do it IN the tank. Removing the newt might scare it, such that all it can think about is getting away.

It's a bit tricky at first, because you want to tempt the newt to eat without scaring the heck out of it. If it doesn't work the first time, keep trying.

 

[jake.]

ok, thanks for all the help!!

 

[kaysie]

Another trick that works is if you've got one animal that doesnt eat, bring an animal over that does eat, and when the eat-er snaps at the food, the other one will get 'jealous' and want to eat the food too. I've done this for a few animals, exploiting their greedy nature.

 

[jake.]

ill try that!
Thanx