Convincing a new axie to eat

[halcy]

Hey all--

I just got my first axolotl earlier this afternoon, and he's finally all set up. However, he's really skinny--he came home that way--and he doesn't seem interested in eating. He came from an exotic pet store that had him pretty well set up with two significantly fatter and older axies, and they told me they fed them all bloodworms, but when I put bloodworms in the tank now he doesn't seem interested. Is there something else I should try next, or just wait and see?

He's about 3" long, and has no other signs of illness. He's very cute.

 

[Nachtmare]

you can always try regular worms(cut up if they are too big)
or brine shrimp
salmon pellets
there are quite a few things that they like to eat just gotta try them out

It could also be the fact that you just got him and he is still getting used to his new tank by himself. They can go a few days without eating. My guess is that since it is a brand new place to him he could be a little scared.
Congrats on your new and first axie. I am getting mine Tuesday

Good luck

 

[halcy]

Thanks! So his size doesn't matter (as long as I cut it up smaller than his mouth)?

I'm considering starting a minnow colony in another tank because I'd eventually like to introduce some of those for color/snacks, but he's definitely too small for that.

EDIT: He's missing toes...a lot of toes... but he doesn't seem to be in pain, and everything I've read seems to suggest this isn't too big of a deal.

 

[Nachtmare]

Thanks! So his size doesn't matter (as long as I cut it up smaller than his mouth)?

Well Axolotls don't chew up their food they swallow it whole(their teeth are mainly to keep food such as worms from slipping out of their mouths) so if the worm is too big he won't be able to swallow it. From what I've read worms are the best but everyone's axie is different so some dont like worms or some feed theirs worms and use things like bloodworms or brineshrimp as treats every so often

 

[Nachtmare]

as for the toes they should heal since Axolotls can regenerate but I don't know the best way for that. alot of people suggest salt baths/tea baths to help with the regeneration. Also that could be affecting his appetite as well. If you just look around on this site you'll find many posts about people using salt/tea baths for various reasons. So I'm sure he will be alright just do some research about it and you'll find your answers.

 

[Cacique]

You could cut the worms like Trenton said, about as wide as the axolotl's head I believe is recommended. If you can find them, you could also try live black worms. They can be a bit messy but my axolotl loved them, they would crawl out of the feeding bowl and get all over his tank but he would go around and hunt them down.

I've also had good success with hikari carnivore sinking pellets, but since he's young he might not be able to sniff them out. You could drop them so they fall right on his nose and he'll snatch them up, or you could pinch them in your fingers and hold them right in front of his mouth; he might get your fingers but it doesn't hurt.

Good luck!

 

[halcy]

Trenton: Good tips! I think for now I'm not going to worry about regenerating his toes, as taking him out for baths would probably only stress him out more, and, well, they're only toes. He's got some little stubs for a couple, so I don't think they're recent injuries. He crawls around okay, and swims fine, so.

Cacique: This might be a dumb question, but it's really okay for me to stick my hand in the tank to feed him? I haven't had aquatic pets since I was a kid, when I was a relentless goldfish killer, and I'm pretty afraid of somehow "contaminating" the water or whatever.

 

[Nachtmare]

I think thats a good idea. Let him get settled first before putting him in a whole other container. Good luck I'm sure he will be up and eating soon.

 

[allied123]

It's okay to stick your hand in to feed them, I use reptile feeding tongs when feeding yucky things lol just make sure you wash your hands well and rinse the soap off thoroughly! Also I understand that when you cut the worms it's best to use scissors (i think it's hard to keep them still and solid when using a knife). Keeping the tank water clean and cold (definitely under 18 Celsius, 68 Fahrenheit) will help with the regeneration of his toes.

 

[halcy]

Thanks! His tank is running about 68 F during the day, maybe a degree colder at night. I know that's getting toward the high end, but it's the height of summer here and tank chillers are expensive. Assuming this is the hottest it will get, do you think it will be a problem? He's in a 10 gal tank right now; I'll upgrade if he gets really large or if I end up getting another, but right now I have no plans to.

 

[Nachtmare]

68 should be fine and like you said it's the height of summer so if its not getting any warmer than 68 then you have nothing to worry about. If you do want to lower the temperature or keep it cool during the day you can put a bottle of frozen water and let that thaw inside the tank since your tank isn't that big so it shouldn't take long to cool down.

 

[keiko]

alot of people suggest salt baths/tea baths to help with the regeneration.

Salt baths are NOT used to help regeneration. You should only do salt baths if there's a serious fungal infection. Salt bath's are very irritating so they should only be used when necessary. Even with a fungal infection it's good to try indian almond leaves or chlorified water baths first because those are not as uncomfortable to the axie.

Indian almond leaves can be used in the tank if the axie has an infection or even just a cut, to prevent an infection. But in this case I assume the toes are already healed (no visible wounds) so there's really no need for even indian almond leaves. The toes will regenerate on their own, no need to do anything. Just make sure the water stays clean and cold and keep the axie well fed.

As for the feeding problem, he's probably just a bit stressed from the move and new place. Keep offering food and he'll probably eat in a day or two. Bloodworms are ok for now since he's still pretty small, but you could start offering cut up earth worms too so he'll get used to them. Once he grows a bit more earth worms or good quality pellets should be their main diet.

 

[Cacique]

Hey Halcy I just wanted to add that like everyone else, no issues sticking my hand in the tank. I do it about twice a day since he's on pellets at the moment, I think the only thing you shouldn't do is handle them too much, but if he comes to your hand is fine. My axie has gotten on my girlfriend's hand and just sat there once.

When I cut the worms once, before he flat out refused them, I used a double edged razor but I had plenty lying around. You could use something like a single edge razor for a box cutter instead of scissors. Just put the worm on a couple of paper towels and the razor blade should slice the worm easily.

Another trick I've read about is with the scissors like Allied123 said, but sticking the worm in something like a shot glass and then sticking the scissors in and cutting repeatedly.