Newts and Salamander Housing
Salamanders and newts can be kept together with other amphibians if you wish, and do best in a large aquarium, preferably with a cover of perforated zinc, or similar material to prevent escape.
Land-type salamanders and red efts need dark, moist homes with places to hide under plants, mosses, rocks, bark or logs.
A glass or plastic aquarium or an old sink will be ideal. Half fill this with pond water, from the original habitat if possible, and include plenty of water-weed to provide shelter. Floating rafts of thin cork will allow the amphibians to leave the water if they wish.
Aquaria should be kept cool and certainly out of direct sunlight and it is a good idea to embed thes sink, or glass aquarium, in the ground in a sheltered outdoor position, keeping it well protected by a secure perforated zinc or metal mesh cover.
The water in the aquarium must be changed once a week, and it is essential to wash your hands after undertaking this task, or handling your pets, mindful that there is risk of contracting salmonella from dirty water and that some creatures, for instance fire salamanders emit a poisonous secretion from the skin.