How to Play With a Newt

Some people think newts resemble wet dragons, which is probably part of their appeal. These long semi-aquatic amphibians with broad tails and moist skin come from ponds and streams in North America, Europe and Asia. They can provide many hours of watching enjoyment and make a great pet. Follow these steps to play with a newt.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Find out the history of your newt. Know if you own a captive-bred or wild-caught amphibian. Captive-bred newts may be more agreeable to handling. Different species of newts may also have different needs. For example, fire belly newts need incandescent or florescent lighting, as regular reptile lights can burn them.
2. Watch your newt as it adjusts to its habitat. Get a clue as to what your newt likes to do. Pay attention to when it is most active.
3. Understand that many amphibians shed their skin when placed in a properly humid habitat. Some newts may not be able to completely shed their skin. If you gently massage the skin after soaking it in tepid water, it should come off. Your newt will appreciate this as sometimes old skin cuts off blood flow underneath.
4. Minimize handling newts as they may be sensitive to oils in your skin and vice versa. First, wash your hands in hot, soapy water, making sure you remove all soap before picking up your newt. Gently scoop up your newt with both hands, giving it full support. Newts often find handling by humans stressful.
5. Focus all attention on your amphibian when handling it. Newts love to escape and go exploring on their own. Remember to handle gently.
6. Provide your amphibian with an appropriate habitat that meets his needs and provides him with interesting places to go. Hollow logs and leafy plants offer enjoyable hiding spots for newts. Ultraviolet light is appreciated by these primarily nocturnal animals.

Tips & Warnings

• People often confuse newts and salamanders. Actually, newts are a type of salamander.