Got my first newts....

alfif · #**141** (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 08:23 PM

hi

i have some smooth newt tadpoles and i don't know what to feed them. any one got any ideas?

thanks

GCN lova · #**142** (**permalink**) 09-06-2011, 09:59 AM

they feed on daphnia and other bugs but as they get bigger they will go crazy over bloodworms

.

Red Robin · #**143** (**permalink**) 09-06-2011, 02:27 PM

I've only once spotted one newt tadpole in my pond. I've got a dragonfly larva and am a bit concerned it may have gobbled them all up! However, quite a few damselfly larvae have survived and emerged - Possibly in a dash to escape!

Red Robin · #**144** (**permalink**) 09-06-2011, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Robin

I've only once spotted one newt tadpole in my pond. I've got a dragonfly larva and am a bit concerned it may have gobbled them all up!

....I spoke too soon. Inspired by reading WAB posts I just checked out my pond and spotted one tiny (~7mm long) newt tadpole - Just the one though but it is daytime.

But what gave me special pleasure was spotting a Water Forget-me-not leaf folded over and lo and behold... A newt egg wrapped inside. I've got quite a good pic to upload later. That's the first one I have ever seen

tom00_uk · #**145** (**permalink**) 10-06-2011, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfif

hi

i have some smooth newt tadpoles and i don't know what to feed them. any one got any ideas?

thanks

dont worry about them, there will be a range of inverts in the water and also other things like frog/toad tadpoles to feed on as well as picking off the weaker newt tadpoles

Red Robin · #**146** (**permalink**) 11-06-2011, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom00_uk

there will be a range of inverts in the water and also other things like frog/toad tadpoles to feed on as well as picking off the weaker newt tadpoles

....Do the adult newts eat their own tadpoles?

dampflippers · #**147** (**permalink**) 11-06-2011, 10:18 AM

Probably! I like o think that's why they leave the pond after breeding- to stop this happening.

It's like if you kids go pond dipping for sticklebacks. To start with there are lots in the bucket.....then there are fewer and fewer!

Red Robin · #**148** (**permalink**) 11-06-2011, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dampflippers

Probably! I like o think that's why they leave the pond after breeding- to stop this happening.

....I think I'm correct in saying that newts (Palmate) breed and don't usually leave the pond until July.

I need to check out they're still there under torchlight tonight.

I've just learnt that Fuji make a waterproof case for my compact digital camera