Kiwibird
Well-known member
- Jul 12, 2012
- 9,539
- 111
- Parrots
- 1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
Got some new photos of Mr. Newt this morning:
Some of the older members will probably remember me having posted pics in the past about my newt. I took him in about 10 years ago now (I've actually had him a few months LONGER than Kiwi!). I was told he was a fire belly newt, but years later I figured out that he wasn't. I am now certain he is of the paramesotriton genus (asian warty newts) but I have never been able to classify his species with any certainty. This genus of newts has lifespans up to 25-30 years! Actually, when properly cared for many species of reptiles and amphibians have surprisingly long lifespans. Sadly, there is a lot of misinformation and a general lack of dedication to such creatures proper care. But that is a rant for another post
Back to the newt- He eats only twice a week and eats a surprisingly diverse diet, including occasional live prey. Overfeeding reptiles and amphibians significantly reduces their lifespan and overall health and many species do not need feeding daily. I've thought about adding shrimp or snails to his tank, but I think he'd just eat them. They are small, but are still voracious hunters and predators. These newts prefer cool, calm water and while they do spend the majority of their time in the water, they also need to have an area of land to retreat to. They also require areas to be close to the surface while still submerged, as they breath air. It is not unusual to find the newt resting at the top of the plant or log with just his nose poked out of the water. These photos kind of show his interesting combination of walking on 4 legs like a lizard but also using his paddle-like tail for swimming. He's really pretty fascinating to watch and usually pretty active during the daytime, especially on feeding days. Enjoy!
Some of the older members will probably remember me having posted pics in the past about my newt. I took him in about 10 years ago now (I've actually had him a few months LONGER than Kiwi!). I was told he was a fire belly newt, but years later I figured out that he wasn't. I am now certain he is of the paramesotriton genus (asian warty newts) but I have never been able to classify his species with any certainty. This genus of newts has lifespans up to 25-30 years! Actually, when properly cared for many species of reptiles and amphibians have surprisingly long lifespans. Sadly, there is a lot of misinformation and a general lack of dedication to such creatures proper care. But that is a rant for another post
Back to the newt- He eats only twice a week and eats a surprisingly diverse diet, including occasional live prey. Overfeeding reptiles and amphibians significantly reduces their lifespan and overall health and many species do not need feeding daily. I've thought about adding shrimp or snails to his tank, but I think he'd just eat them. They are small, but are still voracious hunters and predators. These newts prefer cool, calm water and while they do spend the majority of their time in the water, they also need to have an area of land to retreat to. They also require areas to be close to the surface while still submerged, as they breath air. It is not unusual to find the newt resting at the top of the plant or log with just his nose poked out of the water. These photos kind of show his interesting combination of walking on 4 legs like a lizard but also using his paddle-like tail for swimming. He's really pretty fascinating to watch and usually pretty active during the daytime, especially on feeding days. Enjoy!
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