Compare prices at multiple shops. You will pay a higher price for newts from a more reputable source, but regardless you probably do not need to spend more than $30 for your newt. Ask the pet shop, “How do you get your newts?” You want the store to know where your newt is from so that you can look into the supplier’s background and reputation. Newts live 6-10 years. If you find through reviews that your pet store sells newts that have a reputation for shorter lives, look elsewhere.
Check the online provider’s shipping policy. Make sure they use a lined box that is especially made for shipping reptiles, as well as heating or cooling packs to ensure the newt’s safety. Check to ensure that your provider will overnight or next-day ship the newt. Slower shipping may cause undue stress on the newts, impacting their health. Newts left too long without care may also die. If shipping policy is not specified on the site, call or email the provider to ask, “How do you ship your newts?” Do not buy from a provider that does not use proper shipping equipment, or that will not ship overnight.
Consider using local advertising as a means to rescue newts that are no longer wanted by their current owners. Check with current owners to see if they are willing to include the newt habitat and care equipment for an additional fee. This is often an easy way to get a full habitat at a good price.
A bright orange underbelly No visible cuts or abrasions on the skin No fungi or films growing on the newt’s skin No bubbling or bloating under the surface of the skin
Clouding and discoloration in the eyes are signs of a sick newt. Do not purchase a newt with clouded eyes, and return any that are shipped with signs of illness.
The average Chinese fire bellied newt is 2-4 inches long as an adult, and should look thick with its belly almost touching the floor. [1] X Research source The average Japanese fire bellied newt can reach 4-6 inches as an adult, though young newts may be as small as 2 inches. Japanese newts are more slender but should still be as thick by their hind legs as they are near their head. [2] X Research source
Rapid weight loss, distressed breathing, lethargy, diarrhea, a bloated abdomen, and poor balance are all signs of illness in newts.
1-2 newts: 10 gallon (37. 9 L) 3-5 newts: 20 gallon (75. 7 L)
Plant the land area with decorative plants that have large, broad leaves, as well as stacked rocks for basking. Fire bellied newts often appreciate underwater vegetation, as well.
Use heat lamps in cold climates to keep your newts warm. If your newt habitat is getting too warm, air conditioning is often the best option. If that is not available, some newt owners have successfully cooled their pets using fans above the tank, or ice packs against the outer walls of the habitat.
You may be able to provide proper lighting and heating with the same bulb. Check packaging to see if your heat bulbs also offer UV.
Frozen mosquito larvae, canned snails, and freeze-dried shrimp are all regular staples in a domestic newt diet. Adding live food, such as blackworms, bloodworms, earthworms, and crickets helps keep your newt’s diet balanced while hunting them keeps your newt active.
