Tiger salamanders are great to keep as pets.They don't bark late at night and are beautiful to look at.They are larger and more interactive than other salamanders, which can make them better pets.They are relatively easy to care for, but you have to make sure you give them proper food and a place to live.
Step 1: A suitable enclosure is needed.
Aquarium tanks are the best enclosure for tiger salamanders.These glass enclosures are very sturdy and reliable and allow you to observe your salamander closely.A wire mesh is needed for the lid to allow for a free circulation of air.A tiger salamander needs a tank.The dimensions are 50x25 cm or 20x30 inches.Two salamanders need a 20-gallon tank.If you house two males together, they might fight.It's best to keep tigers individually.The surface area of the tank is more important than the height.A plastic tub with a tightly fitted lid is a cheaper alternative to an aquarium tank.If you opt for this, you will have to drill a lot of small holes.
Step 2: Provide something good.
You should get something that will prevent desiccation and allow your salamander to dig.It should be at least 4 inches deep.You should get a material that doesn't become muddy or dry out.It should be able to break down some organic matter.The organic top soil is free from pesticides and chemicals.Another good choice is coco-fiber.A mix of the two is recommended.Peat moss can be found in soils that contain it.These can lead to your salamander becoming ill.You should never use gravel, pine or cedar chips.
Step 3: Hide spaces.
salamanders like to hide in their habitatThere are two hides on each side of the tank.They can be made with pieces of cork bark.Coconut halves make excellent hides.You can turn the empty plant pot on its side.Plants and stones can be used to create a more stimulating environment.The tiger will want to explore his surroundings.If you introduce anything from outside, you need to wash it off.Allow them to dry naturally by soaking them in chlorine/water solution and rinsing thoroughly.There are fake plants available from pet stores.
Step 4: The temperature and lighting should be monitored.
It is easy to provide the appropriate temperature and lighting for good health.The temperature for tigers is around 77 degrees, or 22 Celsius.In captivity, they tolerate lower temperatures than higher ones.Exposure to temperatures over 78F can be harmful.Tiger salamanders don't need extra lighting.If the salamander is exposed to ambient light during the day and in a dark environment at night, you don't need to make any more provisions.
Step 5: Feed him the right way.
The salamander is a predator.They are attracted to animals that are moving.They will hunt for food and it can be interesting to watch them feed, but they will most often ignore dead prey and food pellet.You will need to feed your tiger a varied diet of insects every day.Meal worms, crickets, earthworms and flour beetles are some of the good food choices.Feed your salamander 3 or 4 insects each day.The insects may not give your salamander enough vitamins and calcium.The live food should be dusted with calcium and vitamins once a week.Crickets are not a good source of calcium.If you feed your salamander occasional pinkie mice, keep this irregular as he can easily become obese if he has regular mice.
Step 6: Fresh water is provided daily.
The tiger salamander needs water in the air to absorb it from his skin.The water dish you give your salamander is large enough for him to move around in, but still shallow.The bowl should be kept clean and the water changed daily.The water bowl should be on the opposite side of the enclosure if you are using a heat bulb.You will need to mist the enclosure with water as well as a water bowl.It will help maintain the environment and provide more water for your tiger.You don't need a fixed amount of mist to mist your enclosure, but you should keep an eye on it.It is often enough to mist a few times a week.You can provide different levels of water in different parts of the enclosure to allow the salamander to find the environment it wants.
Step 7: The enclosure needs to be kept clean.
You should clean the enclosure on a daily basis to remove food, skin, and faeces.You can do this if you change the water and check the humidity.It's a good idea to clean the tank every few weeks.You can buy reptile- and Amphibian-friendly Disinfectants from your local pet store.Plants, logs, and stones should be sterilized in the tanks.
Step 8: It's a good idea to avoid it as much as possible.
Tiger salamanders have very sensitive skin so you should avoid handling them.You can't play with these creatures like you would with a different kind of pet.The fun comes from observing rather than handling them.When you need to handle a tiger salamander, it's important to know how to do it safely.
Step 9: You should make sure your hands are clean.
It's important that you clean your hands before handling the tiger salamander.The skin of salamanders is very sensitive to salts and oils.Exposure to the elements on your hands can cause health problems and cause the tiger to become dehydrated, because salamanders absorb liquid through their skin.
Step 10: Wet your hands with water.
Before you handle the salamander, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands with bottled mineral water.Before you handle the salamander, wet your hands with water from the purification process.Your tiger will be less likely to become dehydrated if youtting your hands.You should only handle your salamander for a short time after taking these precautions.If you are moving your salamander to a separate container while you clean the main tank, make sure you wet the floor of the container with clean water.