Hi

[paul]

Hi

I have 4 young 10 month old axies that range in length of 7" to 9". I am sure they have now reached sexual maturity and the male dark one has recently started nudging the others (females I think!)and swimming around them. I am expecting to find eggs soon, but after reading that they are best left for 2 years before breeding, I am wondering if it will harm or weaken the females if they spawn before this time. What should I do - seperate the male or leave him in? My main concern is for the parent axies and not any eggs at this time. I welcome all replies. Thanks.

Paul

 

[suzanne]

Hi Paul,

Welcome to the forum!
I guess the only real way to ensure axies don't mate once they've matured is to keep the males & females seperate.
I'm afraid I don't know how mating at such a young age will affect them...I think someone else can best answer that.
I do know that little babies take alot of time, effort and expense to raise. Axolotls can lay up to 300 eggs at a time! Phew what a effort lol.
If you have not had your axolotls for a long time I would suggest maybe not allowing a mating until you feel you are experienced and ready enough to raise the little ones. If you do decide to go ahead and let them have babies, alot of first time breeders cull the amount of eggs so they don't have to raise so many.

There's a great section on breeding in the axolotl site at this link:
http://www.axolotl.org/breeding.htm

Hope this helps some.

 

[casey]

Hi Paul,

I have heard that laying eggs puts a lot of stress on the female so it's best to give them time to fully develop first.

That's why most people wait, also you need to have a lot of time to care for the babies and be well prepared.

I'd suggest separating them, you can do this using a tank divider.

Someone else might be able to help you more than I have.

Also, welcome to the forum.

 

[paul]

Hi again

Thanks a lot for your help

Regards

Paul