How to Care for a Newt

Newts are small salamanders that spend part of their time in water. They have different habits and life-sustaining needs. Caring for a newt requires creating a safe environment for them within the confines of an aquarium. Here are some guidelines to help you care for your newt.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Newt
• Aquarium
• Screen or netting for cover (that allows air to pass through)
• Gravel
• Plants
• Hollowed out logs or rocks for hiding
• Food
• Room temperature tap water
• Insects

1. Set up an aquarium that's half water and half dry surface to care for your newt. Place plants and gravel in the water and moss, logs and ferns in the dry section. Be sure the water is shallow and the land is easily accessible by the newt.

2. Fill the aquarium with tap water that has been at room temperature for 24 hours. Change about 30 percent of the tank's water twice a week by removing that amount of water and then adding fresh water that has stood at room temperature for 24 hours.

3. Include hiding places within your newt's "house" in the form of hollowed out logs, rocks or stones or simple overhangs. Keep the tank out of direct sunlight. You may want to consider regulating the lighting with an ultra violet lamp.

4. Use a screen or mosquito netting to cover the tank and allow air to pass through. The cover also will prevent your newt from escaping.

5. Feed your newt an average of three times a week. Avoid over feeding since newts can become overweight easily, causing them to die prematurely.

6. Serve your newt a variety of live insects, such as flies, locusts, grasshoppers, moths, slugs and millipedes. If you consider yourself squeamish, check your local aquarium shops for newt food.

7. Be aware of an amphibian's life expectancy before committing to caring for a newt. Newts can easily live for 10 to 15 years.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food and your newt.

• Clean your aquarium with warm water and a sponge. Never use detergents.

• Newts like to eat in the water.

• Never change all of the water at one time in your newt's tank.