Shanjing not eating, when to worry

[gail]

I've had my shanjing for three days now, one is eating well and looking good, the other one ate a couple of slugs the first day home but now she won't touch anything and is looking a little lathargic. When should I worry about her not eating? the temps are around 66 deg F. I also belive she *may* be gravid because her tummy is quite plump and round, she doesn't look bloated and is still at a good weight. I'm I just being paranoid? if she does have eggs will she eventually lay them even without a male present or will she hold them indefinetly?

 

[foster]

Hi Gail,
I cannot answer the egg part of your question but if she consumed 3 slugs several days ago I would not worry about her not eating today. I have had certain individuals go several weeks without eating and then resume as normal (these were established imports). If she continues to not eat and/or appears to be losing weight then a vet checkup would be in order.
Chip

 

[gail]

Unfortunatly there are no exotic vets around here. She still isn't eating and appers somewhat dehydrated. Would it be ok if I soak her in cool water? I have a shallow water dish in her cage but she hasn't went in it yet. My other one is doing great though.

 

[foster]

How are you keeping them?
Chip

 

[edward]

At what temp are they being kept, what is the substrate and how is the tank set up?

Ed

 

[gail]

Right now they are in seperate 10 gallon quarentine tanks. slightly damp eco earth substrate,shallow water bowl, temps 65-68 Deg F during the day 55-60 Deg F at night. A few live plants and various hiding spots throughout the tank. I've tried woodlice,slugs,earthworms and waxies. One eats everything I put in front of her,the other one just turns away from whatever food I offer and now her colors are starting to fade and her eyes look slightly sunk in. I don't think she is going to survive but I sure would like to give her a chance.

 

[edward]

Increase the mositure gradient in the substrate, soaking will stress this species out.
I would suggest contacting a vet...

Ed

 

[gail]

just a quick update. both newts are eating usually twice a day either earthworms or wax worms. one is very bold, coming out of her hiding spot to wait for the food while the other is very shy and will rarely eat while I'm watching. I have a few pictures, they aren't too great but can somebody take a look and see if they are a good weight? thanks.

http://photobucket.com/albums/v299/waldo_20012001/Reptiles/

 

[mark]

Gail, your shanjing look quite well fed now. From the looks of it they're both female, males tend to be more streamlined.