Injured newt - advice wanted

fairy frogmother · #1 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 08:19 PM

I spotted an injured newt in my pond last night. He is not using one of his front arms/legs and is keeping it by his side. There is no obvious swelling, wound or fungus and he also seems to be eating. He is managing to move around through the weeds OK although in a somewhat awkward fashion, but he does not seem in obvious distress. There are at least 6 other newts in this pond and they are all very active at the moment and seem very happy and healthy

My insticts are telling me to just leave him be and let nature take its course but I wondered if anybody on here would have any suggestions based on knowledge rather than hunches. I would hate to do the wrong thing. Also, is it a myth that newts have got regenerative properties?

Any advice would be really welcome. Thanks

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 08:29 PM

If its not causing it any distress and its not loosing much weight then its best to leave it. In theory there is very little you can do to help them anyway. Yes newts do regenerate lost limbs.

fairy frogmother · #3 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 08:59 PM

Thanks Dogghound. Couldn't have asked for a quicker response.

I will keep an eye on him and see what happens. One thing, he doesn't have to go far to get fed - he has a pond full of poor little taddies :P