Question: Overwintering a Salamander

[amkid247]

i have a young A. Maculatum and i was wondering how to go about cooling him down for the winter. im interested in this because i want him to have a life as natural as it could get in my care. what temperature is good for this? and how long should i leave him at this temperature. from what ive read an unheated room or garage is cool enough, is this true? and should i feed him during this time?
i really would like to do everything right with this guy! thanks in advance for any information on this topic!

 

[Kaysie]

It's not necessary to cool them in the winter.

If you really want to, it depends on where you live. Back in Michigan, an unheated garage would probably be too cold. But I easily cooled my herp room down to about 50F by leaving the windows open during the winter. At one point, it did get quite chilly in there, and I had ice form in some juvenile tubs.

You can try feeding. Depending how cold it is, they may or may not eat. You should still offer food regularly.

 

[amkid247]

well i live in nassua county long island, so winters arent the coldest here but they still get there. ill check the temperatures of my garage and see what i can do.