Anybody else got breeding newts?

Hedge Witch · #1 (**permalink**) 13-03-2009, 02:03 PM

My voice was definitely several octaves higher earlier (well it would have been if there'd been anybody around to talk to) - I just saw a breeding newt in my pond

First time ever, now I need to research their breeding habits. And try and get a picture.

I came on WAB expecting to add to a suitable thread, but I couldn't find one, so decided to add one.

How about other WABBERS, any luck

*I'm so happy, oh so happy, lah, lah, lah ....*

meinchewster · #2 (**permalink**) 13-03-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

My voice was definitely several octaves higher earlier (well it would have been if there'd been anybody around to talk to) - I just saw a breeding newt in my pond

First time ever, now I need to research their breeding habits. And try and get a picture.

I came on WAB expecting to add to a suitable thread, but I couldn't find one, so decided to add one.

How about other WABBERS, any luck

*I'm so happy, oh so happy, lah, lah, lah ....*

I love the smoothys that breed in my wildlife ponds, i get excited about them to. Just a quick question, what made you say it was breeding? Our native newts have a very complexed courtship cycle that may be repeated several times before any action occurs, very interesting to watch if you get the chance, you may be able to identify the phases of the courtship.

Hedge Witch · #3 (**permalink**) 13-03-2009, 02:14 PM

Hi meinchewster, breeding or courting, yes. Like I say, I need to get some knowledge. (Was hoping to study the frog life cycle this year

, but newts is even better. Just unexpected

).

The pond isn't quite finished - the edging area needs more plants. I will have to get busy. This was supposed to be the newt pond, it catches some of the evening sun. The frog pond is more shaded and damper. The newt that I saw got the right one at least.

If anyone has any helpful websites on the subject, they will be most welcome.

aeshna5 · #4 (**permalink**) 14-03-2009, 02:19 PM

I;ve got Smooth Newts in my frog-spawn filled pond at the moment, but don;t think they are breeding yet as the males haven't developed their crests yet- I believe this is more likely to be mid-April onwards.

Hedge Witch · #5 (**permalink**) 14-03-2009, 03:38 PM

Ah, thanks aeshna. I thought the one I saw last night was female, but it might have been a male with no crest

I plan to study the newts and learn all about things like this. I hope they get used to the flash on my camera, the one last night was a bit shy

Garden Carpet · #6 (**permalink**) 14-03-2009, 06:10 PM

Sorry Hw... was it 'breeding' was there more than one... or was it just the one on its own. What sort of newt?

jaki

fairy frogmother · #7 (**permalink**) 14-03-2009, 07:24 PM

Today I have 4 newts, not sure which kind, two a vert light dull brown coloured and 2 darker ones. I can't spot crests on any of them and I can't get a pic to help identify them because they are very shy. One thing is for sure there is a definate upsurge in activity and a lot of dancing around going on. Looks like they are getting ready to do something hopefully

Hedge Witch · #8 (**permalink**) 14-03-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garden Carpet

Sorry Hw... was it 'breeding' was there more than one... or was it just the one on its own. What sort of newt?

jaki

Hi jaki, I got too excited and assumed it was breeding because it had entered the water. I think I've seen two, but this might be wishful thinking

But I am very hopeful. And very excited, as you may have guessed

Garden Carpet · #9 (**permalink**) 14-03-2009, 10:20 PM

HW... I am excited for you gal... Good luck with a photo.

jaki

Dutchess · #10 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 12:07 AM

Hiya Hedge.

Yup, I also have a newt pond. It was never designed to be such, they colonised it all on their own! It is a tiny, preformed pond, situated a few feet away from the much larger, deeper fish pond. I cannot say that newts do not enter or breed in the large pond, but they certainly seem to like the smaller one! It's only about a metre across and yet every year there can be ten or more adults at any time in there, plus babies. (Smooths, I think.)

As I understand it, newts prefer a shaded pond and calm, or still water. (There was a thread last year where this was touched upon, i.e. the type of pond which would attract newts.) Of course lots of vegetation around the sides is always a good idea...

hth

D.