My DH and I just purchased 2 California Newts, and the store we bought them from told us absolutly nothing but lies!! Anyway we finally found out that they need a land/water tank, they had told us they just need water!!! SO we got that all set up last night, with a filter fountain and some rocks and plants, it looks nice. We also got a 60watt day light and a night light as well. My first question is....how warm does their environment need to be, I am reading between 60 and 70 degrees??? Do they need these lights or is their a better way to keep it heated? Also what are good things for them to eat? I bought newt sticks and some can of worms, they don't seem to be eating. And one last....do they sleep??? I keep going to check on them and they have their eyes closed!!!! They are still breathing, I hope they are ok
I have never boughten a pet I know nothing about, I feel like a terrible pet owner. Please tell me all the info you can.
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New Newt Owner HELP
Replies (3)
You do not want to heat the tank
see http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Taricha/T_granulosa.shtml
Ed
first off, u are not a bad pet owner. you wouldn't care this much 
pet stores tend to do that, i have one california newt and petco said it was an orange-bellied newt, theres no such thing. for the land i have some slate that is stacked up so he can go on land, water, or be partially submerged. they like to do that. i also have a java fern in there, they are hardy plants and can survive in cold water. the water temp should be about 65F, never let any temps go above 72F. air temp should be around 65F too. there is a lot of foods made for newts, but i've found they like crickets the best. newts have poor eyesight, so when u r feeding it live food u might have to help it. yes, they sleep. when it's cold they will sleep more tho. good luck and please don't hesitate to contact me if u have any more questions at otis07_@hotmail.com
snip "orange-bellied newt"
Actually Orange-bellied newt is another common name for Taricha granulosa or T. torosa
See the link www.caudata.org/cc/species/Taricha/T_granulosa.shtml
Ed
