- Joined
- Oct 20, 2006
- Messages
- 279
I have four Jefferson's salamanders currently, one of which I have had for nearly 10 years now, the others between five and seven I think. I used to have spotted salamanders, both were already full grown when captured, the first lived about seven years, the other about three. We had two other jefferson's that died mysteriously.
I've had lots of people tell me they have a hard time keeping salamanders. But these are the lowest maintenance pets I have.
They are in a 20 gallon tank with dirt, moss, rocks, and pieces of bark from my backyard. They have a nice natural looking waterdish that is sloped nicely for easy access which they never really use, but we keep it filled for humidity. They loooove their frisbee. We put a big pink frisbee in there as a water dish, but they just burrow under it. They make their little tunnels and nesting spots underneath, all huddled together, it's the cutest thing!
We feed them mealworms about once a week. Usually by hand, because, well, it's fun! Whenever I lean over the tank and take away the frisbee they all look up, and sometimes even if I drop the mealworms in front of them, they'll keep looking up waiting for me to dangle one in front of them. If we leave them alone they'll still eat though, hehe. Though they will sometimes snap at eachother, start to swallow someone else's foot, or try to eat the same mealie. So I usually stick around to make sure feeding time goes smoothly.
And of course I have pictures of my darlings
This is during bathtime, which happens periodically. I'll set up a big pan of water and let them swim around. I think this summer I'll try setting up their tank a bit nicer with perhaps a sloped watery area but I'm not sure if its necessary.
Has anyone else kept these as pets?
I've had lots of people tell me they have a hard time keeping salamanders. But these are the lowest maintenance pets I have.
They are in a 20 gallon tank with dirt, moss, rocks, and pieces of bark from my backyard. They have a nice natural looking waterdish that is sloped nicely for easy access which they never really use, but we keep it filled for humidity. They loooove their frisbee. We put a big pink frisbee in there as a water dish, but they just burrow under it. They make their little tunnels and nesting spots underneath, all huddled together, it's the cutest thing!
We feed them mealworms about once a week. Usually by hand, because, well, it's fun! Whenever I lean over the tank and take away the frisbee they all look up, and sometimes even if I drop the mealworms in front of them, they'll keep looking up waiting for me to dangle one in front of them. If we leave them alone they'll still eat though, hehe. Though they will sometimes snap at eachother, start to swallow someone else's foot, or try to eat the same mealie. So I usually stick around to make sure feeding time goes smoothly.
And of course I have pictures of my darlings
This is during bathtime, which happens periodically. I'll set up a big pan of water and let them swim around. I think this summer I'll try setting up their tank a bit nicer with perhaps a sloped watery area but I'm not sure if its necessary.
Has anyone else kept these as pets?
