Question: Is this hide suitable ?

[Elliriyanna]

I found this is the back of my closet it has a few shelves inside its about 15 inches long and much smoother than it looks. Do you think it would be a suitable hide? And for up to what size?

 

[FX1C]

If it is aquarium safe - then it should be ok. What was it used for before?

Check inside to make sure there's no hollow areas that someone could get stuck in - check for rough edges & sand them smooth.

The only problem with a hide like that is you might find your axolotl hides away & you won't get to see them as much... I torture mine by using open ended hides faced so I can easily see the lotls in their 'garages' (<- my husbands term)
The other benefit of having lots of entries / exits is no one will ever feel cornered. My open ended hides & lots of escape paths keep any issues away as they can always get away from each other - I have a theory that cave style hides may backfire as the worst thing you can do to any animal is to corner it - that's when they may lash out to escape. I'm noticing the little ones in their oil burners don't like being cornered so they stick their heads out.

It's a great looking hide! The things you find in the back of the cupboard lol



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[Elliriyanna]

dad had rapheals ( cant spell) that loved it

it has little shelves inside but they are easy to get up and down from

this wont be the only hide but i may set it up so i can see in since it has no back

i felt it over and only one spot worries me and thats a chip in the back i can use aquarium sealant and just put a large rock over it

when should i take it out? i imagine they will outgrow it

 

[Elliriyanna]

Here is the inside

 

[Elliriyanna]

Do the shelves look axie safe?

 

[FX1C]

I guess you take it out when you start to notice it's a struggle to get into..

They like to struggle to squeeze into hides - I've got squirt trying to 'squeeze' into the smallest hide in the tank... He pushes it into the corner & then just keeps trying & the look on his face when he does get in is one of satisfaction *lol didn't have my phone on me twice!

It's all about observation & making sure they can't get trapped - you could always rearrange & prop that hide on some rocks like a lid & that'd be a cool hide with peep holes on the top when they outgrow it



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[Elliriyanna]

If I propped it up wouldn't that risk them getting caught in the hole that is currently on top?

 

[FX1C]

My hides have peep holes in the logs along sides & the smaller guys can slip in & out of them but squishy has to go around the long way! I know these guys aren't bright but I think they know their own limits to a point - if there are bigger exits then they'll use those.

Like I said observation is the best method to see if there are spots they can get stuck in or places they can't get past easily.. I keep all hides as open ended tunnels with lots of paths around so that none of mine can ever get or feel cornered.



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[Elliriyanna]

Thanks for the advice ... I do plan to switch hides later especially if I ever decide to get more than 1