How to Care for a Newt

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How to Care for a Newt

How to Care for a Newt. Newts are small salamanders that spend part of their time in water. They have different habits and life-sustaining needs. Caring for a newt requires creating a safe environment for them within the confines of an aquarium. Here are some guidelines to help you care for your newt.

Things Needed

Newt
Aquarium
Screen or netting for cover (that allows air to pass through)
Gravel
Plants
Hollowed out logs or rocks for hiding
Food
Room temperature tap water
Insects

Step 1

Set up an aquarium that's half water and half dry surface to care for your newt. Place plants and gravel in the water and moss, logs and ferns in the dry section. Be sure the water is shallow and the land is easily accessible by the newt.

Step 2

Fill the aquarium with tap water that has been at room temperature for 24 hours. Change about 30 percent of the tank's water twice a week by removing that amount of water and then adding fresh water that has stood at room temperature for 24 hours.

Step 3

Include hiding places within your newt's "house" in the form of hollowed out logs, rocks or stones or simple overhangs. Keep the tank out of direct sunlight. You may want to consider regulating the lighting with an ultra violet lamp.

Step 4

Use a screen or mosquito netting to cover the tank and allow air to pass through. The cover also will prevent your newt from escaping.

Step 5

Feed your newt an average of three times a week. Avoid over feeding since newts can become overweight easily, causing them to die prematurely.

Step 6

Serve your newt a variety of live insects, such as flies, locusts, grasshoppers, moths, slugs and millipedes. If you consider yourself squeamish, check your local aquarium shops for newt food.