Tiger Salamander not eating.

[Anonymous Salamander]

Hello, I have a very young tiger salamander who doesn't want to eat. I changed the substrate from sphagnum to coco fiber because I read on here that sphagnum has the tendency to be too acidic for tiger salamanders. A couple of days in and still no eating although a noticeable increase in activity. Should I be worried or do you think it will just take some more time for the salamander to get used to the new terrarium and decide to eat?

 

[Herpin Man]

Could you provide a few more details as to how you are keeping and feeding it?
Tiger salamanders are usually aggressive eaters in captivity.

 

[Anonymous Salamander]

It is being kept in a large plastic container with about 5 inches of substrate, some large and small pieces of cork bark and stones for hiding, and a plastic water bowl. I have tried various insects but when I first got the salamander it ate a couple of night crawlers so that's what I have been feeding mostly. It also tends to turn its head towards them when it sees them but it doesn't attack and eat them like it did when I first got it. I have yet to try crickets as I got this salamander in the winter and stores around me don't sell crickets in the winter so that is my next step is getting some small crickets.

 

[Herpin Man]

I would suggest trying crickets and/or dubia roaches. Start with just a few- don't overwhelm the salamander. Drop a couple in, and check back after a few hours to see if they have been eaten. If the salamander remains burrowed most of the time, it may take a while before it finds crickets. You'll get the best results feeding at lights out.

 

[Anonymous Salamander]

I would suggest trying crickets and/or dubia roaches. Start with just a few- don't overwhelm the salamander. Drop a couple in, and check back after a few hours to see if they have been eaten. If the salamander remains burrowed most of the time, it may take a while before it finds crickets. You'll get the best results feeding at lights out.

I am happy to inform that I finally was able to get to the pet store and pick up some small crickets and he ate them without hesitation! I guess he just isn't interested in worms for some reason. Maybe when he is larger!