Newt and salamander interactions

[AlexaKayy]

I’ve got an eastern newt that is in the eft stage and recently also added a couple eastern red back salamander too the family. We have the newt and salamder in separate tanks but I tried to look up to see if they were able to associate with each other just for occasional play dates because the newt has been by himself since we’ve had him. I’ve read that yes they can associate with each other and have also read that salamanders can be territorial and even go after their own kind. Just wondering if anyone had any insight on if it’s ok to have supervised play dates with newt and salamander. Thank in advance

 

[minorhero]

They don't socialize like mammals. Moving a salamander or newt from their enclosure to another is always stressful for them. At best they would just have that stress. At worst they could attack the other animal or transmit a disease.

If you want animals that socialize, I suggest getting a mammal. Cat, dog, rabbit, etc

 

[AlexaKayy]

They don't socialize like mammals. Moving a salamander or newt from their enclosure to another is always stressful for them. At best they would just have that stress. At worst they could attack the other animal or transmit a disease.

If you want animals that socialize, I suggest getting a mammal. Cat, dog, rabbit, etc

They don't socialize like mammals. Moving a salamander or newt from their enclosure to another is always stressful for them. At best they would just have that stress. At worst they could attack the other animal or transmit a disease.

If you want animals that socialize, I suggest getting a mammal. Cat, dog, rabbit, etc

 

[JM29]

Different caudate species can share a same site during winter for example, but they live separately during the other seasons.
(Ex : Salamandra salamandra and Triturus marmoratus during cold months)

In your case, eastern newt efts are notoriously venomous, and redback salamanders could suffer from contact with these efts.

 

[Robpod86]

I’ve got an eastern newt that is in the eft stage and recently also added a couple eastern red back salamander too the family. We have the newt and salamder in separate tanks but I tried to look up to see if they were able to associate with each other just for occasional play dates because the newt has been by himself since we’ve had him. I’ve read that yes they can associate with each other and have also read that salamanders can be territorial and even go after their own kind. Just wondering if anyone had any insight on if it’s ok to have supervised play dates with newt and salamander. Thank in advance

I’ve got an eastern newt that is in the eft stage and recently also added a couple eastern red back salamander too the family. We have the newt and salamder in separate tanks but I tried to look up to see if they were able to associate with each other just for occasional play dates because the newt has been by himself since we’ve had him. I’ve read that yes they can associate with each other and have also read that salamanders can be territorial and even go after their own kind. Just wondering if anyone had any insight on if it’s ok to have supervised play dates with newt and salamander. Thank in advance

I learned the hard way this is usually a bad idea... my newt lost his arm.
I do however have 4 different newts living together for a year now. Zero issues

 

[mathew_25]

I’ve got an eastern newt that is in the eft stage and recently also added a couple eastern red back salamander too the family. We have the newt and salamder in separate tanks but I tried to look up to see if they were able to associate with each other just for occasional play dates because the newt has been by himself since we’ve had him. I’ve read that yes they can associate with each other and have also read that salamanders can be territorial and even go after their own kind. Just wondering if anyone had any insight on if it’s ok to have supervised play dates with newt and salamander. Thank in advance

I'm so glad that you are considering the welfare of your eastern newt and eastern red-back salamanders! While both eastern newts and eastern red-backs are amphibians, their behaviors & temperaments are quite different. Eastern newts (as efts) are generally more solitary and may not enjoy socializing as much as salamanders do. Salamanders, particularly red-backs, can absolutely be territorial, and some species of salamanders can even get aggressive with other salamanders, including their own species, as a territory defence mechanism if they feel restricted or stressed. You could consider doing supervised playdates for short amounts of time, but be cautious and have an eye on aggression or mis-treatment from either animal. Continue keeping their tanks separate like you are now, and always be careful when mixing species with possible different environmental or territorial needs.

 

[mathew_25]

I’ve got an eastern newt that is in the eft stage and recently also added a couple eastern red back salamander too the family. We have the newt and salamder in separate tanks but I tried to look up to see if they were able to associate with each other just for occasional play dates because the newt has been by himself since we’ve had him. I’ve read that yes they can associate with each other and have also read that salamanders can be territorial and even go after their own kind. Just wondering if anyone had any insight on if it’s ok to have supervised play dates with newt and salamander. Thank in advance

It's awesome that you're researching the interaction between your eastern newt and salamanders! Both species tend to be peaceful, but they exhibit different temperaments, and territorial behavior can definitely contribute to problems, particularly with salamanders! Eastern red-backed salamanders can be very territorial, and introducing them to other animals could stress them or result in aggressive behavior, even in short "playdates.". The newt, however, may be less territorial but might be overwhelmed or injured by a more active salamander. Supervised encounters may be alright for a limited time, but it's best to monitor them closely for indications of stress or aggression. As a general rule, it may be better to house them separately, where they each have their own area in which to excel.