EndGame 0 Posted May 6, 2006 I'm thinking about getting a fire bellied newt for my daughter for her bday. From my discussions with the pet store nerds, they don't appear to be more difficult to take care of than fish. Any of you geeks ever have one? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Voltaire 5,301 Posted May 6, 2006 A witch turned me into a newt once. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vikings4ever 550 Posted May 6, 2006 A witch turned me into a newt once. A newt? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CurlyNight 0 Posted May 6, 2006 I've owned one. They are easy. I've had one in my 25 gallon vertical fishy tank before. That and the little dwarf frogs were my favorite non fishy creatures in my tanks. I had a piece of styrofoam floating on top so Mr. newt could climb up there to dry when he needed to. I think I fed him frozen blood worms, don't quite remember. You aren't supposed to touch it as the oils on your hands irritate his skin, and could cause infection probs. What happened with mine is there are of course openings in the back of the tank for power cords/tubes going through. One day I came home and he was MIA. I looked, and found his dried up body behind my tank on the carpet. So make sure you pay attention to these openings and where he's at cuz these guys are great climbers even though every time you look, they look to be just chilling. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Voltaire 5,301 Posted May 6, 2006 A newt? I ... got better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SUXBNME 1,497 Posted May 6, 2006 I've owned one. They are easy. I've had one in my 25 gallon vertical fishy tank before. That and the little dwarf frogs were my favorite non fishy creatures in my tanks. I had a piece of styrofoam floating on top so Mr. newt could climb up there to dry when he needed to. I think I fed him frozen blood worms, don't quite remember. You aren't supposed to touch it as the oils on your hands irritate his skin, and could cause infection probs. What happened with mine is there are of course openings in the back of the tank for power cords/tubes going through. One day I came home and he was MIA. I looked, and found his dried up body behind my tank on the carpet. So make sure you pay attention to these openings and where he's at cuz these guys are great climbers even though every time you look, they look to be just chilling. Your rats didn't try to eat him? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CurlyNight 0 Posted May 6, 2006 Your rats didn't try to eat him? This was long before my beauties. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheNewGirl 1,480 Posted May 6, 2006 How old is your daughter? I would probably ask myself if *I* wanted a pet newt...as I would probably be the one to take care of it, not my kid. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EndGame 0 Posted May 6, 2006 How old is your daughter? I would probably ask myself if *I* wanted a pet newt...as I would probably be the one to take care of it, not my kid. Oh I'm fully aware that I'll be the one taking care of the little bugger. She's turning four in two weeks. We're thinking we'll add a second newt when my son turns two years old in June. Two isn't any more trouble than one, so far as I can see. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BiPolarBear 485 Posted May 6, 2006 You can read a little about my Paddle Tailed Newt in SUXBNME's thread. I called mine "fire bellied" and he does have red marbling on his underside, but he is actually a Paddle-Tailed Newt. I remember my kids (who read a lot) telling me that the Fire-Bellied Newts are toxic to other animals, so you might want to check into that if you are considering getting other critters. Also all salamander and newt skin is mildly toxic, so be sure to wash up good if you touch them. All my kids enjoy the newts. Tree frogs are cool too but they hardly move unless you put some food in the tank. Any tree frog will pounce on a cricket while you hold it with your fingers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SUXBNME 1,497 Posted May 6, 2006 You can read a little about my Paddle Tailed Newt in SUXBNME's thread. I called mine "fire bellied" and he does have red marbling on his underside, but he is actually a Paddle-Tailed Newt. I remember my kids (who read a lot) telling me that the Fire-Bellied Newts are toxic to other animals, so you might want to check into that if you are considering getting other critters. Also all salamander and newt skin is mildly toxic, so be sure to wash up good if you touch them. All my kids enjoy the newts. Tree frogs are cool too but they hardly move unless you put some food in the tank. Any tree frog will pounce on a cricket while you hold it with your fingers. reported Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
