12 replies to this topic

[Winter Whisker]

Hello all! Yesterday I found a slimy salamander in the woods behind my house after my friends' little sister stepped on it. :( Its' tail broke off, and its moving around fine. I don't think it has any more injuries, but I'm not sure what to feed it. There are hardly any bugs and worms out and about, since its early March. I've set the salamander up in a stainless steel play kitchen pot(it's a pretty good size) and lined the floor with paper towels(damp). I crumpled one to be a hidey, and put in some wet leaves. I have it in the basement, to keep cool. This morning, it was crawling about and seemed fine. I imagine it's hungry, and I worry about what to feed it. Any suggestions will be appreciated, I need to feed it soon.

[EpicHamster]

Hmmm. Maybe you could check around the woods for any bugs again, if not you could try mealworms from your hamster food .

 

EDIT: I would also put a shallow tray with some water in as salamanders usually build their nests near water. Also I think shrimp is okay as well .

Edited by EpicHamster, 05 March 2017 - 11:25 PM.

[Cinnamondahamster]

as EpicHamster said above, try feeding it mealworms from your hamsters food if you have any. I doubt that you would have any crickets on hand... it might help if you knew what kind of salamander it was

 

http://www.untamedscience.com/blog/salamanders-eat/

[Winter Whisker]

It's a northern slimy salamander. Also known as the gray spotted salamander. My hamster food doesn't have mealworms, and I read that he can drown in a tray of water.

[Cinnamondahamster]

oh *facepalm* XD sorry i didnt know that the salamander was a northern slimy salamander XD lol sorry XD 

[~aisling]

OK. I found out that these types of salamanders eat ants too. (I know I have some behind my shed, so when I go home today I can get some for you)

[HoppingHammy]

Since you found him outside, would it not be better to put him back in his environment? There are most likely ants, worms, and other bugs he can find to find to eat out there.    Right now he is completely dependent on you to provide everything necessary for survival - the proper diet, temperature, housing, etc. Also I'm not sure, but in some cases it is actually illegal to remove and keep wildlife.

 

I think he would have the best chance at surviving back outside.

Edited by HoppingHammy, 06 March 2017 - 12:14 AM.

[Winter Whisker]

Since you found him outside, would it not be better to put him back in his environment? There are most likely ants, worms, and other bugs he can find to find to eat out there.    Right now he is completely dependent on you to provide everything necessary for survival - the proper diet, temperature, housing, etc. Also I'm not sure, but in some cases it is actually illegal to remove and keep wildlife.
 
I think he would have the best chance at surviving back outside.

I wasn't planning on keeping him, just monitoring his injury. It's not illegal in my state, as far as I know. He's only a baby, and I want to make sure he wasn't going to die. I plan on feeding him, and returning him this evening. I just want to make sure he's healthy. Thanks for the concern, HoppingHammy!

[HoppingHammy]

 I plan on feeding him, and returning him this evening.

 

Okay, that's great to hear. I am glad you weren't intending to keep him as a pet.

 

I think that some salamanders / lizards are known to shed their tail if a predator catches them. It has the ability to regenerate itself over time. Hope the little guy will be alright!

[Winter Whisker]

Okay, that's great to hear. I am glad you weren't intending to keep him as a pet.
 
I think that some salamanders / lizards are known to shed their tail if a predator catches them. It has the ability to regenerate itself over time. Hope the little guy will be alright!

Thanks! I'm actually glad to hear your concern, I'm glad to know you care about him/her. I think it'll be ok, but I have to do more research on shedding its tail. Perhaps I will be able to post pictures later.

[Winter Whisker]

Ok, so I bought some mealworms for them, and it hasn't eaten yet... I haven't checked on him recently though.. I cut them into smaller pieces, but he just hid. I'll set him free this evening, or tomorrow morning. He's a lovely little guy!(idk whether it's he or she...)

[KKM]

I know this topic is old, but I figured in case anyone is reading I'll just answer anyway.

Slimy salamanders are plethodons, or lungless salamanders. A cool environment with adequate moisture is a must. Mealworms are pretty much useless as the shell is hard and can cause internal damage. Moreover, they have very few nutrients. In reality, actual worms, such as earthworms, blackworms and nightcrawlers, are a much better feeder. Also, the food must be alive, so it's important to get a properly sized feeder, which goes for all amphibians.

[Winter Whisker]

I know this topic is old, but I figured in case anyone is reading I'll just answer anyway.
Slimy salamanders are plethodons, or lungless salamanders. A cool environment with adequate moisture is a must. Mealworms are pretty much useless as the shell is hard and can cause internal damage. Moreover, they have very few nutrients. In reality, actual worms, such as earthworms, blackworms and nightcrawlers, are a much better feeder. Also, the food must be alive, so it's important to get a properly sized feeder, which goes for all amphibians.

Thanks for the information! I bought metalwork because that's what it said online, but that makes more sense. I set him/her free the morning afterwards, when it was a bit warmer out.