Hi all. I've got one Cynops orientalis and have had him for just over a month now. I am in a bit of a quandry about temperature. Here in Iowa, it's pretty warm outside still, but not warm enough to justify running the a/c. I would say the ambient temperature in my home is between 74-76 F (23-24 C). I know this is not optimal temperature for my little guy. I have been using dechlorinated ice cubes dripping into the tank, which kind of works for the short term, but not well enough.
As far as using ice packs to lower the water temperature, I could do that, but since my newt never voluntarily goes in the water, I'm not sure how much that'd help. Would it also lower air temperature in the tank?
I could place the tank in my basement, but I usually go down there about once a week, and I fear I'd never see my newt!
So I'm wondering:
1. What kind of effect does long term high temp have on this species? Is my keeping him at this temperature tantamount to animal cruelty?
2. Could this be the cause of his/her "terrestrial" urges? Could this be causing him to remain pretty much motionless for days at a time? He will eat if I put earthworm pieces in front of him, but will never leave his hide as far as I can tell.
3. Should I go to ice packs until the weather cools down or would exile to the basement be better?
4. In wintertime, we keep the house between 63 (at night) and 67 F (17-19 C). I assume this would be OK for him/her?
I did do research before buying the little guy, but I'm not sure I knew exactly the damage high temps could do. I also made the mistake of buying him from a pet store - something I will not do again. I am fascinated by these amazing little amphibians, and want to do right by my new family member.
Thanks! I'm so glad this forum exists.
Angela
As far as using ice packs to lower the water temperature, I could do that, but since my newt never voluntarily goes in the water, I'm not sure how much that'd help. Would it also lower air temperature in the tank?
I could place the tank in my basement, but I usually go down there about once a week, and I fear I'd never see my newt!
So I'm wondering:
1. What kind of effect does long term high temp have on this species? Is my keeping him at this temperature tantamount to animal cruelty?
2. Could this be the cause of his/her "terrestrial" urges? Could this be causing him to remain pretty much motionless for days at a time? He will eat if I put earthworm pieces in front of him, but will never leave his hide as far as I can tell.
3. Should I go to ice packs until the weather cools down or would exile to the basement be better?
4. In wintertime, we keep the house between 63 (at night) and 67 F (17-19 C). I assume this would be OK for him/her?
I did do research before buying the little guy, but I'm not sure I knew exactly the damage high temps could do. I also made the mistake of buying him from a pet store - something I will not do again. I am fascinated by these amazing little amphibians, and want to do right by my new family member.
Thanks! I'm so glad this forum exists.
Angela