hurt fire belly newt

superchole · 08-17-04, 11:59 PM

my gf had 2 fire belly newts in a five gallon tank and today we noticed that one wasnt moving and we thought it was dead but it started to move and then we noticed that one of its legs was gone. its still alive bt the bone is sticking out and i was wondering what we should do. thanks for the help

thunder · 08-18-04, 12:06 AM

well, separate them first. it seems the other bit it off. move the injured individual into an enclosure that has paper towel substrate, so nothing sticks to the wound as it heals. is the newt still eating? if so, there is a good chance that he will survive and possibly even regenerate the leg. do not treat with anything, as they are too sensitive to toxins for it to do more good than harm. you may need to modify his food so that he can eat it more easily (such as crippling crickets).

thunder · 08-18-04, 01:06 AM

one more thing: you should probably be feeding them more. newts tend not to be aggressive towards one another unless they are underfed.

superchole · 08-18-04, 01:13 PM

ok thanks for the info but i dounbt feeding them was the problen there both really fat

snakehunter · 08-18-04, 01:43 PM

Fire bellies are NOTOROUS for rippin limbs off, maybe a ten or fifteen with many plants and hides would be helpful, hell, even a 20 long would not be too big.

Samba · 08-18-04, 03:05 PM

Aww poor thing! I would think to take it to the vet and have it euthanized... it's probably suffering now, and I think it would be rare for the animal to recover enough to live a long and 'normal' life...

Anyhow, good luck with it, I do hope the little one survives... =)

jmkhets · 08-18-04, 03:37 PM

shoot a little bit of super glue will go along way no sense in bringing it to the vet

V.hb · 08-18-04, 03:39 PM

Ive seen many "gimpy" firebellies live and thrive without limbs. Dont sell it short yet.

Nicki · 08-18-04, 05:05 PM

Don't euthanize it!
Newts regrow their limbs and go on to lead long healthy lives! Leave the limb alone and it will grow on its own.

I'd agree with the person who said they need a bigger space. They need plants and hides to get away from one another, and this may help with the aggression.

thunder · 08-18-04, 08:00 PM

they shouldnt be living together in my opinion. but definately do not euthanize! many newts lose limbs in the wild and regenerate them. i have always found it to be one of the most amazing things in nature, the way that they can regenerate not only flesh but bone as well. this incredible regenerative ability is what newts have to make up for their lack of defenses. that and toxins.

superchole · 08-19-04, 02:00 AM

thanks guys i showed you rpost to my gf and i think shes going to keep them seperated and i think its eatting and i think it will survive