Fire bellied newts are easy to care for and are often found in pet shops.To ensure you get a long-lived pet, you need to choose a good newt.Finding the right pet from the correct store will help ensure you get the most out of your new pet.
Step 1: You can visit a pet store.
Many standard pet stores carry fire bellied newts.Call the pet shops to see if they have newts for sale.You can compare prices at multiple shops.You will pay a higher price for newts from a more reliable source, but you probably don't need to spend more than $30.You want the store to know where your newt is from so that you can look into the supplier's background and reputation.Newts live a long time.If you see that your pet store sells newts that have a reputation for shorter lives, look elsewhere.
Step 2: There are online stores.
Fire bellied newts are sold through online shops.You should look for a shop with humane shipping policies.You can check the online provider's shipping policy.Make sure they use a lined box that is specifically made for shipping reptiles, as well as heating or cooling packs to ensure the newt's safety.Check to make sure that your provider will ship the newt the next day.Slower shipping may cause stress on the newts.Newts may die if they are left too long.Do not buy from a provider that does not use proper shipping equipment or that will not ship overnight if the shipping policy is not specified on the site.
Step 3: There are local pet ads.
Advertising amphibian magazines or local newspapers can be used to find a seller.You may be able to connect with local sellers through community posting sites.Local advertising can be used to rescue newts that are no longer wanted by their current owners.If current owners are willing to include the newt habitat and care equipment for an additional fee, you should check with them.This is an easy way to get a full habitat.
Step 4: It's important to look for healthy skin.
If you are buying a newt online, you should ask for pictures and a verification of its condition.The newt should be bright orange with no visible cuts or abrasions on the skin.
Step 5: Look for healthy eyes.
A sick newt can cause cloudy eyes.A healthy newt should have clear eyes.There are signs of a sick newt in the eyes.If you purchase a newt that has clouded eyes, you should return it.
Step 6: Find a bigger newt.
A well-fed newt is what you want.Small newts may be at higher risk of disease and early death.The average Chinese fire bellied newt is 2 to 4 inches long as an adult, and should look thick with its belly almost touching the floor.Young fire bellied newts can be as small as 2 inches, while the average Japanese adult can reach 6 inches.Japanese newts should be as thick by their hind legs as they are near their head.
Step 7: Behavioral signs of illness can be seen.
During the first few days of having a newt, you may notice signs of illness.Talk to the pet store to see if they have a return policy for animals that show signs of illness.There are a number of signs of illness in newts.
Step 8: A tank can be found.
As soon as your newt arrives, it will need a habitat.A tank is a good place to make a terrarium.The minimum size for a newt is ten gallons.You will need more space for more newts.There are 1-2 newts, 10, 18 and 20 gallons.
Step 9: Get something good.
A small land area is what newts prefer.Try smooth slate or gravel for the water area.Plants with large, broad leaves and stacked rocks can be planted in the land area.Fire bellied newts enjoy underwater vegetation.
Step 10: Establish climate control.
Newts need a constant climate of 14-20C.It could be damaging to the newt's health to let it get too hot or cold.In cold climates, use heat lamps to keep your newts warm.Air conditioning is often the best option if your newt habitat is getting too warm.Some newt owners have successfully cooled their pets using fans above the tank or ice packs against the outer walls of the habitat if that is not available.
Step 11: Good lighting is provided.
Newts need up to 12 hours of lighting a day.Purchase lamps and bulbs that fit over the edge of the terrarium.It is possible to provide proper lighting and heating with the same bulb.If your heat bulbs also offer UV, check the packaging.
Step 12: Feed your newt.
Purchase food and newt at the same time.Good nutrition for your newt can be provided by live and packaged foods.A domestic newt diet consists of frozen mosquito larvae, canned snails, and freeze-dried shrimp.Adding live food, such as blackworms, helps keep your newt active while you hunt them.