Most healthy adult salamanders can go about one to two weeks without eating, and some can fast longer when they are cool and inactive. Babies and juveniles cannot. They need food every day or every other day. If your adult salamander refuses food for more than two weeks, or looks thin or sluggish, call an exotic-animal vet.
How Long Can a Salamander Go Without Food?
There is no single number, because “salamander” covers hundreds of species. These are safe rules of thumb for common pet types:
- Healthy adults: usually fine for 1 to 2 weeks between meals. Many keepers feed adults 2 to 3 times a week anyway.
- Juveniles and larvae: feed every day or every other day while they grow. Skipping several meals can stunt them.
- Newly acquired animals: they may refuse food for a few days while they settle in. Keep the enclosure quiet and the temperature right.
- Cool-weather fasting: some species slow down and eat very little in cold months. This is normal if the animal keeps good body weight and is otherwise alert.
Aquatic species such as axolotls have their own feeding schedules, so check a care sheet for your exact species.
Why a Salamander Might Stop Eating
- Temperature that is too warm. Most pet salamanders do best in cool rooms. Heat stress is a leading cause of lost appetite.
- Stress or a new home. Handling, bright light and noise can all put them off their food.
- Wrong food size or type. Salamanders strike at moving prey. Dead or oversized food is often ignored.
- Dirty water or a dry enclosure. Salamanders breathe partly through their skin, so poor humidity or water quality can make them ill.
- Illness or parasites. A vet should check a salamander that refuses food and also looks thin, bloated or discolored.
What to Do When Your Salamander Won’t Eat
- Check the temperature, humidity and water quality first.
- Offer live, wriggling prey such as earthworms or small crickets, sized no bigger than the space between its eyes.
- Feed in the evening when salamanders are most active.
- Remove uneaten live food after a few hours so it does not stress or bite your pet.
- Weigh or photograph your pet weekly. A visibly thinner tail or body is a reason to call the vet.
Related Guides
Newts are close relatives with similar needs. See how long newts can go without food and what you can feed newts.
Bottom Line
A healthy adult salamander can safely skip meals for a week or two, but juveniles need regular feeding. If your pet stops eating for longer, or loses weight, fix the temperature and humidity first and then call an exotic-animal vet.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Ask a vet who treats reptiles and amphibians if you are worried about your pet.
