How to Keep a Newt as a Pet

There are three types of newt; aquatic, semi-aquatic and terrestrial. Know before you buy, which kind of newt you are selecting. The home you set up for your pet newt will reflect that. The aquatic versions need to be kept solely in water, and the semi-aquatic versions need a half and half set-up, while the terrestrial ones live on dry land.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A large aquarium with lid
• Sand
• Water bowl
• Fishnet
• Rubber gloves

How to Keep a Newt as a Pet

1. Inspect the animal that you buy to make sure it is a healthy one.
2. Wash your hands very carefully before handling your newt and wear disposable rubber gloves. The oils in human skin are toxic to newts. Also, the fluids that seep out of the newt's skin are toxic to humans, so the gloves are a good idea.
3. Provide your newt with a balanced diet. They eat insects and invertabrates, but it is wise to select a wide variety of the same. They will eat fruit flies, meal-worms and beetles, earthworms, white-worms and crickets. They prefer live food but can sometimes be induced to eat something dead. The newt should be fed daily; but no more than it can eat at one time. Make sure you restrain from feeding your pet newt until the remaining food is finished. Live foods can be acquired at bait shops or your local pet store.
4. Separate different varieties of newts, as they have different toxicities in their skins. Failing to do so can result in a newt's death. If you must have different breeds, keep them in separate environments.
5. Use a fishnet if you must catch your newt, rather than your hands. Newts are very slippery and are easy to drop, so be very careful when handling them or transferring them.
6. Give your newt fresh water every day. Keep its environment clean to prevent disease. Disinfect its water dish several times a week, as this will also help to keep your pet healthy. Some newt owners will also grow small plants in their newt's terrarium. This can make the newt's habitat look prettier, but be careful that the plant chosen is non-toxic. Choose one from a pet store if possible.
7. Replace the cover on your terrarium very carefully every time you remove it because newts can climb sheer walls, even glass ones, thanks to the sticky fluids that ooze from their skin. They make excellent escape artists, so you really need to make sure that the cover is secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Only pick the newts that you are sure you have the facilities to care for. Choose wisely when at the pet store.
• The skin of a newt is also somewhat toxic to human skin so make sure you handle your pet as minimally as possible. Wear gloves whenever you can, or use a fishnet.