CHOOSING YOUR NEWTS:

When choosing newts, be sure to observe them closely for at least a few minutes in order to properly choose a healthy newt. Activeness is not always an indication that a newt is healthy nor ill. Most newts are not overly active in nature, instead preferring to rest in plants or hide under logs. Whereas, some newts are more active than others, and rest only for short periods of time. Newts that are thin or appear weak might indicate malnutrition or possible disease. Malnutrition can easily be reversed with proper care, nutritious foods and a little patience. Newts that are unable, or have difficulty swimming and properly submerging may also indicate diseases such as bloat, which at this point is difficult to cure. On the other hand the newt may simply have ingested too much air from the filtration system being used, which would be expelled in time. Also check the skin for abnormal marks or redness, especially throughout the abdomen. Keep in mind there are medications available to treat amphibian diseases and it is possible to cure the ailment.

Mixing different species of newts together can pose some problems including foreign disease and therefore isn't normally recommended. If you do wish to attempt a mixed species habitat, be sure to keep similarly sized species of the same genus together such as Cynops pyrrhogaster and Cynops orientalis. This can prevent accidental injuries as a result of fighting over issues such as food or dominance over a female during breeding. Also be sure the newts don't feel stressed or trapped, as skin toxins are also a consideration.

SKIN TOXINS are produced by all species of newts and salamanders and are used to ward off predators. Serous or poison glands are found scattered over certain areas of the body and contain these toxins. As well, paratoid glands are located at the back or side of the head. These are also a concern when dealing with mixed species, as the toxins released under extremely stressful situations and their effects on different species is unknown. Every species has different degrees of toxicity, and therefore every species will react differently. From my experience, skin toxins within related species don't seem to affect each other. However a foreign species' toxins could cause illness or even death. Although rarely released in a captive environment, this factor must be taken into consideration.

In order to prevent any skin toxins released from harming other newts, always rinse out any carrying cases or other containers which are shared between species, with hot water. It is also important that you do not handle your newts with open cuts on your hands or, if released, the skin toxins could enter your blood stream. Wash your hands immediately and do not allow your hands to come into contact with your eyes or mouth. Also see Handling.
 

TRANSPORTING: See Care section.
 

INTRODUCING YOUR NEWTS:

After setting up your aquarium or terrarium, you can begin to add your newts. In a new set up, it is best to introduce the newts a couple at a time, giving them enough time to adapt to the change in water chemistry, for aquatic species, and unfamiliar surroundings. Observe their behaviour closely at first to ensure they are not experiencing excessive stress. Providing no problems arise, over an extended period of time, you can then introduce the remainder. Regular addition of Cycle bacterial supplemental, for aquatic set ups, especially during the first 4 to 6 weeks after set up will help speed the development of the beneficial bacteria when using a biological filtration system. Adding too many newts at one time at this point, can cause an overload to the system as the bacteria is not fully established, and therefore cannot handle the enormous amount of wastes produced. The result would be severe drops in pH levels and high ammonia spikes. After a 6, or more, week period the bacteria colony should be fully established and new species can safely be added at that point.

QUARANTINE:

Newts new to your terrarium or aquarium, should be placed in quarantine, in a separate tank, for at least one month before being introduced with the others. This will allow you to observe any abnormal or aggressive behavior, and to monitor their health. Newts may appear healthy when purchased, but could be carriers of bacterial and/or fungal infections, that could spread throughout your community. After the quarantine period, they can be placed into your set up, providing any problems which occurred have been properly attended to.

TANK-MATES:

After the newts have had ample time to adapt to their new environment, you can then consider alternate additions to your tank. Remember to quarantine first and make sure the habitat has enough room. Overcrowding is a serious problem! Your safest bet is to keep newts housed with other newts of same species only!! Mixing is dangerous and is not at all recommended!

Adding frogs or toads into a newt habitat isn't recommended for many reasons, due to skin toxins, size difference and health concerns. All creatures are carriers of microorganisms which are harmless to the host, but if introduced to a foreign species could cause serious health implications. They may also be amphibians but in most cases are still a foreign species. Frogs and toads also require more humid temperatures that newts and salamanders can not tolerate.

Crabs are to be strictly avoided due to the extreme possibility of injury to the newts. Crabs are a very dangerous predator to newts. Captive habitat or not, crabs will instinctively attack with their claws. No newt, no matter how large a species can successfully defend themselves except to release its skin toxins. When this occurs in a mixed habitat illness and disease can become a concern. 

Never house newts with algae eaters or any bottom feeders, as they have been known to attach themselves to a dormant newt, thus removing the protective mucous coating which can cause bacteria or fungus to attack the site.

Fish are also best avoided. Most species of fish are tropical which is not the case for newts, which require cooler temperatures or can fall prey to illness. Fish are very dirty and excrete pure ammonia which can cause water quality issues, harming the newts. Newts and fish are either in competition with each other for territory and food or prey on each other. Fish tend to harass the newts, causing excessive stress and can also spread bacteria to the newts as well.

Remember, newts and salamanders are amphibians. Even though frogs and toads are as well they are generally foreign species which can pose a risk. Fish and crabs, etc... are not related species, some are even natural predators causing serious problems. All require separate habitats, foods and care!