Eggs and beginners??

[Goobs]

Hi i'm thinking of getting some axolotls and was wondering if it would be a good idea for me as a beginner to try to raise them from eggs? Or should this be left for someone with more experience with axies???

 

[Shizeric]

Axolotl babies are difficult to raise and should be left to more experienced keepers. I would suggest a juvenile or sub-adult so you still have the joy of watching the animal grow, without the frustration of hatching brine shrimp, or having to deal with unexplainable losses.

 

[Goobs]

Ok i think thats what i'll do, its still a very appealling idea to raise some axies from eggs. Although i suppose it would be very upsetting killing a whole batch due to my inexperience.

 

[Kaysie]

The hardest part about hatching eggs is having enough tiny live food on hand to keep them well nourished. They also tend to chomp on each other if given the chance.

I think if you got an juvenile/adult, and learned the basics about keeping an axolotl (water quality, axolotl needs, etc.), then you could give hatching eggs a go.

 

[Goobs]

Thanks for the advice. I'm sure i'll have a lot more questions once i get my axies

 

[bayhicoach]

I disagree with this approach that you're way too inexperienced to do this. I learned everything I know about axies by doing it from scratch. Now, of course, I didn't go into it blindly, I read lots and made a plan. Then I did everything the way that was suggested for the first month to six weeks. As I gained some knowledge of my own and had some success I altered the plan somewhat but in general the advice was right-on. I got two groups of 10 eggs each from two separate individuals on this board. Because both wanted me to be successful they sent "a couple of extra eggs." I ended up with a lot more animals than I anticipated since I expected some losses and really had none. I am currently dealing with 13 animals who are nearing sexual maturity. Once I can sex them I will select the color morphs I want and reduce my population to a reasonable amount - man do these guys put away the worms. Go ahead - the reason the eggs are so inexpensive is because they are abundant. Take a chance, you'll learn alot doing it and maybe have some fun too.

 

[Nimby]

The thing that puts me off eggs as a beginner project is either getting too few or too many axolotls, I'm not sure what I'd do if all the eggs hatched!

 

[bayhicoach]

Well, I'd have to agree with that. I certainly have and continue to deal with what to do with all the "extras." Part of my conundrum is that I have six different color morphs and want to make sure I have the right sexes and combinations etc. Also, I'm a bit reluctant to turn my extra animals over to just anyone so I have to search for appropriate homes every time I want to reduce my population. This next reduction will be the most difficult since my critters are so large now. People can actually see what they're getting into.