What kind of salamanders make good pets?

Cages do not need to be exceptionally large, and a common sweater box may be used with small holes poked on the sides. The enclosure must have a secure lid, for red back salamanders are able to climb on smooth surfaces. They require driftwood and some sort of ground cover in them to keep the salamander feeling secure. The environment must be partially moist and kept out of direct sunlight or the salamander's skin will dry out and it will suffocate. Too much water can cause stress, especially when it forms pools (salamanders can swim but because of the lack of oxygen in water will drown if they cannot escape).

Ideal temperature for them would be 58 to 65 °F (14 to 18 °C), if it gets over 75 °F (24 °C), the salamander will either dry out and suffocate, or burrow very deeply. If the temperature reaches 35-50 °F (2-10 °C), they will start to hibernate, and below freezing they will die if they are not under ground.