How to Take Care of a Blue-Spotted Salamander

The beautiful blue-spotted salamanders are an endangered species in the United States. They make excellent pets, as salamanders go, since they are particularly large, hardy and outgoing -- blue-spotted salamanders even have been known to beg for their food or be "hand fed" using forceps or tweezers. Like all salamanders, they have delicate skin that allows them to absorb water through their skin and thus maintain proper body temperature.These salamanders can be easy to care for with a little knowledge and preparation.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Sterile potting soil
  • Nonpoisonous plants
  • Moist sphagnum or peat moss
  • 2 small cardboard boxes
  • Earthworms and/or insects
  • Water dish
  • Water
  • Humidity gauge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the environment. You can use a small glass or plastic aquarium, from a few gallons up to 20 or 30 gallons, depending on the number of salamanders you wish to keep. Mix sterile potting soil and sand, and moisten it with water. Add a few small plants in pots (any nonpoisonous variety will do) to help keep the environment humid and provide cover for the salamander(s). You can also add pieces of bark as secondary hiding places.

    • 2

      Add at least two hide boxes. Place each box on its side, and add moist sphagnum or peat moss. These provide hiding places for your salamanders and will allow them to maintain the proper moisture levels in the skin. You can purchase hide boxes at a pet store made from various materials or use small cardboard boxes. If you use cardboard, expect to change them out regularly, as the constant humidity will eventually ruin them.

    • 3

      Add a humidity gauge. These can be bought at most pet stores for a few dollars. Keep the humidity at or above 70 percent by adding water as necessary.

    • 4

      Add a shallow water dish. This will allow your salamander to drink or soak if needed without a risk of drowning.

    • 5

      Stock up on earthworms. Expect blue-spotted salamanders to eat less in winter and more in spring and summer, so you may need to adjust the number of feedings as the seasons change. As an average, two to four feedings a week should suffice. Salamanders usually will only accept food that is alive, so expect to keep living earthworms on hand. Blue-spotted salamanders also may eat insects and other invertebrates such as snails or slugs.

    • 6

      Add your salamander(s) to their new home.

    • 7

      Cover the terrarium at all times. A ventilated plastic cover, also available at pet stores, will prevent them from escaping and assist in moisture retention.

    • 8

      Change part of the water daily, and change the soil substrate several times a year to minimize rot and remove waste. Clean the tank with water when you change the substrate, but do not use chemicals. Salamanders have delicate skin and can be harmed by chemical residues.