Holding axolotls?

[suitable4frank]

I've always just thought you can't physically hold an axolotl out of water, but after seeing images from someone I might be buying an adult from I'm not too sure what to think?

I asked how long they actually held them out for and they said a couple of minutes? Not only has this confused me but it's made me wonder if it's a sensible idea buying an axolotl from these people.

I only thought you could "pet" them or let them crawl on your hands if theyre in the water?

 

[keiko]

They have rudimentary lungs and can survive quite a while out of water. There are cases where an axie has jumped out of their aquarium and crawled on the floor for hours. However it's not good for their slime coat to be handled very much.

 

[allied123]

On this same note, I was told it damages their slime coat to even touch them but they come up to my hand and rub on it while im trying to put their food jar in or anything, I guess my question is, is it damaging to touch them?

 

[suitable4frank]

Can the axolotl I might be buying be damaged then if it's been kept out of water and handled quite a lot? I was thinking it might be nice to have such a tame little guy that will be happy to have a little communication with me.
I'm not planning to take it out of the water, maybe just play with it and give it some more attention, but is this even okay? These photos have really made me think, sorry!

 

[keiko]

is it damaging to touch them?

Yes and no. On our skin we have a lot of oils etc that can damage the axie's slime coat and cause an infection. However if your hands are first washed and then wet in the aquarium it's not as bad. So I would advice against picking the axie up out of the tank unless necessary, but if the axie comes sit on your hand when your hand is in the tank then I don't think it'll do any harm.

Can the axolotl I might be buying be damaged then if it's been kept out of water and handled quite a lot?

The slime coat will renew itself very well. So check that there isn't any irritation etc when you get the axie and it should be fine.

 

[auntiejude]

Handling your axie for a few minutes in the tank will not cause any real harm - if it comes to investigate your hand when you put it in the tank, if they want to sit on your hand, if you need to hold your axie still to look at an injury - thats fine. Just wash your hands first and rinse them thoroughly.

But you shoudn't be handling an axie unnecessarily because of the potential for damage - so no picking your axie up and stroking it like a kitten.

I make sure that all my axies are familiar with my hands and 'train' them to come to my hand in the water - it's much easier when you do need to catch one that way.