How to Teach a Newt Tricks

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but maybe you can teach a newt some new tricks! Newts are members of the amphibian family. Fire-bellied newts can grow up to 5 to 6 inches. A really cool thing about these little creatures is that they can regenerate body parts. They can grow new legs, eyes, jaws, intestines . . . even a new heart!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get your newt's favorite foods. Frozen foods and live insects such as crickets are good choices.

2. Try to feed your newt around the same time of day. Most reptile experts suggest feeding every third day.

3. Feed your newt with your fingers. This is more personal and he will get used to being close to you.

4. Talk to your newt with a gentle tone of voice. Newts may not be all that smart, but they will respond to your voice when it's time to eat!

5. Hold the food with your fingers. Repeat the same word such as "come" or "eat" and hold the food out in front of your newt's mouth until he takes it from you.

6. Teach him circling next. Your newt will follow the food you are holding as you move your hand in a circle motion. Get excited that your newt learned how to take food from your fingers!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after handling reptile pets. Their skin contains toxins to repel predators. Be especially careful that young children's hands are washed after they have touched your newt.