They’re tiny, they’re cute, and they’re slightly poisonous! Newts are one of the most wonderfully colorful creatures of the amphibian world.
You can see them running around your garden or maybe even swimming in a pond. But can you keep newts as pets?
Apparently, yes, you can! They’re delightful to have as pets, and many newt parents can attest to that!
However, caring for one isn’t that easy. You’ll need to understand what they need and how this can fit into your lifestyle.
So, let’s find out together if you can adopt one!
Are Newts Good Pets?
Well, the answer here depends on who you are as a person. Newts are the perfect pets for many people out there and the worst for others.
Their needs can feel overwhelming or confusing, which causes new owners to give them up or harm them accidentally.
Yet, there are a few reasons why they can be good pets, including the following:
1 – Space Efficient
If you need a pet to keep you company but don’t have the space for it to run around, a newt can be an ideal choice.
Unlike dogs or cats, they don’t need much space or to be taken out daily. Instead, their main requirement is a large enough tank for them to roam around and lounge.
2 – Unique Features
Newts are a fantastic learning experience, especially for kids. Not only is their skin beautifully colored, but the way their body works is fascinating.
For instance, did you know that newts can regenerate? It’s true! They can regrow lost limbs and even fix any internal issue they have.
Another thing about newts is that some of them are poisonous—it’s their primary defense mechanism against predators.
This means you’ll need to be careful not to touch its skin, then accidentally lick your fingers or touch your eyes.
3 – Long Life-span
Some individuals would love a pet that can entertain them and become their new buddy. However, the problem of age stands in the way.
Getting attached to a small pet can be hard when you know they’ll leave you soon. It can be even more challenging when you have a child at home.
Newts, though, solve this dilemma as they can generally live for 15 years and some even for more than 17.
How to Set up the Perfect Tank for a Newt
Half the responsibility of caring for a newt is setting up the perfect tank for them.
You see, the ideal tank can provide your newt with all the entertainment he needs and the best conditions to maintain a healthy life.
So, here’s how you can set one up:
1 – Choose the Right Size
Picking the right size for your tank depends on two things:
- The space you have available
- The species
Before picking up the tank, you must go around your room and take the available measurement for the spot.
If your spot is too small, please consider changing it instead of picking a smaller tank.
When it comes to the species, some newts are larger than others. For instance, the Smooth newt can reach up to four inches, while the Great Crested newt can reach almost eight inches!
2 – Create the Land Area
The first thing you need to prepare in the tank is the terrestrial area. You can use rocks, cork bark, and driftwood to create a space similar to what he would find in nature.
Most importantly, ensure plenty of hiding spots around the tank so the newt can feel safe. These hiding spots are essential for their sleep, as newts hide under cover to doze off.
3 – Provide a Water Area
In case you didn’t know, newts are semi-aquatic creatures. This means they like to alternate between living on land and living in water.
Because of this, you need to provide your newt with a pool in the corner where he can swim and splash as much as he likes!
4 – Monitor the Environment
After you’ve installed all the right features, checking how everything works together is essential. To start, take a look at the temperature levels in the tank.
Newts prefer temperatures from 60–70° F. If the temperature falls below this or spikes, it can seriously affect their immune system.
Another thing you need to take care of is the light. Some newts are diurnal, while others are nocturnal. Regardless, if there’s constant artificial light around, it can cause them anxiety.
They need equal amounts of light and dark to maintain their sleeping schedule.
Lastly, the humidity levels in the tank are also essential for your newt’s health. Most newts prefer humidity levels between 60%–70%.
Challenges of Owning a Pet Newt
Just as there are many benefits to owning a newt, there are also a few challenges.
Nonetheless, learning about these little points before getting the newt can make these challenges easier to handle.
Here are the main ones:
1 – They’re Not Cuddly
If you’re buying a newt with the notion that you’ll always cuddle with him, we suggest you reconsider.
Newts aren’t the world’s cuddliest creatures and may, in fact, be quite the opposite. Constantly handling your newt can leave him feeling stressed!
2 – Tank Maintenance
Forgetting to clean the tank, even once, can leave you with a very sick newt. Newts are susceptible to many diseases and infections, which lack of hygiene can easily lead to.
3 – Dietary Needs
Finally, owning a newt can be problematic if you have a problem with handling loads of worms and insects.
Their primary dietary needs include insects like beetles, mosquitoes, and a couple of worms and slugs!
Final Thoughts
So, can you keep newts as pets? If, after reading all this, you’re not feeling scared or overwhelmed, then the answer is a resounding yes! You can definitely keep newts as pets.
These little fellows are cute, fun, and easy to care for once you get the hang of it. All you have to do is consider what species you’ll get and build the perfect habitat for him.
After that, you can enjoy the company of your new friend!
I have a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When I’m not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, I’m at home with my wife, two daughters and a dog. Outside of family, I love grilling and barbequing on my Big Green Egg and working on projects around the house. Growing up, I had pet dogs, cats, deer, sugar gliders, chinchillas, a bird, chickens, fish, and a goat.