How to Care For and Feed Salamanders

If you like lizards and similar creatures, and are looking for a small pet that doesn't require a lot of your time and attention, salamanders might be just the companion for you. If you're like most people and you have a busy lifestyle, you'll be pleased to know that it doesn't require much to care for and feed salamanders.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-15 gallon tank
  • Sand or potting soil
  • Plants
  • Hiding places
  • Insects for food
  • Vitamin and mineral supplement
  • Water dish
  • Non-cholorinated water
  • Tank heater
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Instructions

    • 1

      Supply a humid, room-temperature environment for your salamanders. A 10- to 15-gallon tank filled with sand, potting soil or any substrate that will allow for burrowing will be sufficient.

    • 2

      Keep the tank humid. Place plants inside the tank to maintain humidity levels. Add bark or wood to allow places for salamanders to hide.

    • 3

      Feed your salamanders a diet of a variety of insects, such as wax-worms, earthworms, crickets or spiders. Give salamanders as much as they will eat at least twice per week.

    • 4

      Coat insects to be fed to adult salamanders with a vitamin and mineral supplement for reptiles. Add this supplement every three to four feedings. Feed young salamanders more often than adult ones.

    • 5

      Have a shallow dish filled with clean water available to salamanders at all time. Use bottled water or non-chlorinated water. Change the water daily.

    • 6

      Note any signs of stress or illness: not shedding old skin properly, bloating or emaciation, or dull and cloudy eyes. A salamander's skin should be clean and free of discoloration.