How to Care for Freshwater Newts

Care for your freshwater newt by creating a habitat with plenty of clean, fresh water. According to "National Geographic," newts, which are amphibians, need to be near water to keep their skin moist. Like other amphibians, newts are cold-blooded, which means they are dependent on their environment to stay warm.

  1. Housing

    • Recreates your newt's natural habitat in your terrarium.

      Before you bring home your new pet newt, create the ideal habitat for it; a 10-gallon glass, acrylic or plastic terrarium works for up to three newts. Provide a heavyweight water bowl so your newt can submerge itself in water without tipping it over. Add an island or other decorative item to help your newt get in and out of the water; keep the terrarium at 70 percent humidity by using a light mist of water spray periodically. Use a substrate, or bedding, of large-sized gravel or slate on the base of the terrarium; avoid artificial substrates. Include decorative plants in your terrarium if desired.

    Food

    • Feed live insects to your newt.

      Young newts need to eat every day; they like brine shrimp, earthworms, bloodworms or chopped night crawlers. Adults eat these same foods, but you should feed them only every other day. Most newts prefer live food, or you can wiggle the food so it appears alive. Once a week, sprinkle a calcium supplement and a multivitamin onto its food. You can catch wild insects, such as crickets and mealworms, for your newt in the warmer months, but avoid stinging insects, ants and hard-shelled beetles. Also, provide a separate water dish with clean water on a daily basis.

    Light and Heat

    • Never place your newt in direct sunlight.

      Newts require indirect sunshine or 10 to 12 hours every day of low-heat, UVB full spectrum lighting. Most newts will hide from harsh light. You should not use lighting to maintain the temperature of the terrarium. Room temperature, roughly 65 to 75 Fahrenheit, is ideal for your pet; move your newt to a cooler location on hot summer days, when the temperature becomes mid-80s or higher.

    Cleaning and Maintenance

    • Clean your newt's terrarium once a week. Scrub the entire tank using hot water and rinse everything thoroughly; add new substrate so its waste does not collect. Use filtered water as you would with fish, and clean its water bowl and change the water daily. If you must use chlorinated water, add cleaning drops and age the water in a clean bucket for one or two days. Use care and handle your newt as little as possible. Wear latex gloves because newts secrete toxins, and oils in your skin may harm your pet. Avoid touching your eyes or mouth after touching your newt.