How to Groom a Salamander

Grooming your salamander can be a dirty job, but it has to be done. Ensure your salamander's health, vitality and safety by scheduling a routine grooming. Regularly grooming your salamander keeps it content and helps in its defense against disease and illness.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Boiling water
• Algae-cleaning sponge
• Gloves
• Net or turkey baster

1. Identify your species of salamander. Familiarize yourself with the species, its characteristics and common health problems associated with it.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly with a mild soap and water. Wear gloves on your hands to prevent the transfer of Salmonella from your salamander to your body.

3. Reach into your salamander's habitat and remove the salamander.

4. Inspect your salamander's appearance and behavior. Check its skin for abrasions, parasites and fungal infections. Note any deviations in normal behavior, including sluggishness, immobility or a refusal to eat or drink.

5. Place your salamander in a temporary holding place.

6. Dismantle and clean the removable parts of your salamander's habitat. Do not break the base or glass of its habitat.

7. Sterilize tank decorations by removing them from the tank and run boiling water over them. Allow them to air dry out in the sun.

8. Scrub the tank with a special algae cleaning sponge, making sure to clean all areas, both obvious and minute, where algae may accumulate.

9. Check the viability of water filtration systems; knock away and discard debris such as waste, feces or excess food that is stuck on surfaces.

10. Use a net, turkey baster and gravel vacuum to remove waste from the bottom of your salamander's habitat.

11. Disinfect the tank by washing it with boiling water. Let it dry out in the sun.

12. Reassemble the tank and replace your salamanders.

[daydreamgalaxy]

on 7/13/2009 Thanks for the advice! 5*s!