VernTheSally91
New member
I have a juvenile spotted salamander who has suddenly become a picky eater. I would generally feed using a tongs and the salamander would never hesitate to eat. I typically fed them small earthworms (~1”), but they have almost completely refused them since January. They are European earthworms since I know red wigglers give off an unpalatable taste when cut. They also refuse crickets while held in a tongs, but will hunt them down when loose in the tank. I’m guessing they are more stimulated by the free moving crickets. I feed the crickets Repashy Bug Burger, shredded carrots, bell peppers, and arugula and dust with Repashy Calcium Plus with every feeding in an effort to make them more nutritional.
How normal is it for salamanders to become picky eaters? Is this just a “phase”? How can I make worms more enticing? What other small feeders would you suggest? The salamander is about 4” (~10cm). I am planning on starting a powder isopod colony to use as feeders. I’m worried about nutritional deficiencies with a cricket-only diet.
How normal is it for salamanders to become picky eaters? Is this just a “phase”? How can I make worms more enticing? What other small feeders would you suggest? The salamander is about 4” (~10cm). I am planning on starting a powder isopod colony to use as feeders. I’m worried about nutritional deficiencies with a cricket-only diet.