Species Profiles

Crested Newts for Sale!

~ BackwaterReptiles

Backwater Reptiles just received a shipment of Crested Newts (Triturus cristatus), also  known as Northern Crested Newts, Great Crested Newts, or Warty Newts. These fun, hardy, little amphibians are most known for their spectacular appearance during mating season, but more on that later.

triturus cristatus

Backwater’s Crested Newts are mid-sized, averaging about three inches in length, but these newts can grow to be up to seven inches long.  They are generally brownish-black in coloration with the exception of their undersides, which are vibrant yellow or orange-colored with dark blotches.

crested newt amphibian

As mentioned earlier, Crested Newts are well-known because during the mating season, the males present with large, jagged crests along their backs and tails which assist in their mating rituals and distinguish them from the females. They are easy to breed simply by replicating the cues they would follow in nature, which for this species is a drop in temperature for a few weeks followed by an increase in temperature.

crested newt care
Here’s a beautiful male Crested newt during breeding season.

Crested Newt Range and Food

The Crested Newt is native to Britain and Europe and has protected status overseas which means limited to no wild-caught animals are available, but the captive bred newts in the U.S. have adapted well and thrive in captivity. They can be housed in either a fully aquatic or semi-aquatic enclosure and eat a wide range of foods such as earthworms, bloodworms, and even frozen reptile pellets.

crested newt care sheet
Crested newt (Triturus cristatus)

If you’re interested in purchasing one of your own, or even a breeding pair, Backwater Reptiles has Crested Newts for sale.

Sulcata Tortoise Care (Geochelone sulcata)

~ BackwaterReptiles

Would you like more information on Sulcata tortoise care in captivity? Sulcata tortoises (Geochelone sulcata) hail from Africa and have also been called African Spurred, African Spur Thigh, or just plain old Spurred Tortoises. They’re pretty common nowadays in the U.S. due to being bred successfully coupled with their ability to adapt easily to being kept in captivity.

Sulcata tortoise care sheet
Below we’ll explain how we care for these wonderful tortoises.

Sulcatas are the third largest tortoise species and it’s not uncommon for them to grow to 100 pounds or more. They grow rapidly for the first five to ten years of their life, but their growth rate slows with age.

Sulcata Tortoises as Pets

These particular tortoises are appealing pets to many people who live in warmer climates because the animals can be kept outside in the backyard instead of in a bulky cage or terrarium. They are perfectly happy outdoors so long as they are provided with hide boxes from the sun and places to dig as they are burrowers.

At Backwater Reptiles, we have baby Sulcatas that still fit in the palm of your hand. It is generally acceptable to keep the young tortoises indoors in a box-like enclosure with the same requirements as adults, although it is not unheard of to allow the younglings to live outdoors with the adults.

baby sulcata tortoise care
Here’s a baby Sulcata tortoise in motion.

Sulcatas are grazers and will eat plant matter in the yard as well as vegetative matter prepared and served to them by their owners. Outdoor babies generally have a hard time eating natural vegetation, so it is recommended they be served prepared meals of leafy greens.

While you can handle your Sulcata tortoise, the young ones are more susceptible to stress, so it is best if they are allowed to meander and carry on in their own little tortoise-y ways undisturbed. Adults tend to be hardier and not as bothered by being handled.

If you’re looking for a Sulcata of your very own, Backwater Reptiles has got you covered! We’ve got baby Sulcata Tortoises for sale now!

Sulcata tortoise
Sulcata tortoise (Geochelone sulcata)

About the Backwater Reptiles Blog

~ BackwaterReptiles

Our Reptile Blog

Backwater Reptiles is an online company specializing in the captive breeding, select importation, and sale of many species of reptile, amphibian, invertebrate, and even feeder insects.

Reptile blog snake

We’ve had a tremendous amount of experience working with both common and rare species and this reptile blog’s ultimate goal is to keep you informed, educated, and entertained when it comes to the care, conservation, and breeding of these compelling creatures. Everything from lizards to snakes to tarantulas and scorpions, and everything in-between, will be covered!

Chameleon reptile lizard

At Backwater Reptiles, we know that hobbyists and enthusiasts are our main clientele and we want to nurture their passion for these special animals – especially since it’s what drives our team too!

If you subscribe to our blog, you’ll be delighted by photos of our fascinating and rare new arrivals, captive bred babies, as well as helpful tips, tricks, and care advice to help your critters thrive.

backwater reptiles blog

We’re lucky enough to have a “job” that is truly rewarding on so many levels. Not only are we helping to conserve species, we’re also genuinely excited to share our learning experiences along the way to help further the successful captive husbandry and breeding of these captivating animals. We invite you to share in our passion for these creatures that have become such a rewarding part of our lives!