Petting Axolotls

I would give that a big ol' no, I'm afraid.

They really aren't a 'petting' kind of critter. As folks have mentioned above, they have delicate skin which is also very porous and they will absorb and be harmed by all manner of chemicals.

Their limbs and muscles are designed to work in the buoyancy of water, and they cannot safely move outside of it, trying to move outside of water could really hurt them.

They are also easily startled and VERY wriggly, and you should avoid holding or handling them at all costs- much as we'd all love to huggle them for being so adorable.

When I clean out my tanks, the braver of them will come and try to eat my elbow, so on tank cleaning days I wash my arms thoroughly, dry them off, don't use any hand creams or body lotions etc, and rinse them in the first bucket of tank water I take out before I start moving decorations etc. I recommend keeping clean tubs to hand to gently scoop them into along with some water if you ever need to transfer them or isolate them. Never, EVER try and carry them even a short distance, they're too precious!

I'd agree. Better to be safe than sorry!
 
Oh, to clarify, when I said at the surface of the water, I meant under the water, I'd never pull him out! :eek: But I understand :p

They still aren't for petting :)

They're for watching, and obsessing about, and for posting pictures on here for us all to see :)
 
They still aren't for petting :)

They're for watching, and obsessing about, and for posting pictures on here for us all to see :)

I wonder if the obsession stems from the fact that we can't cuddle them (as I'm sure most people would love to). We have to show our love in other ways. Like obsessing over their poop and posting 100+ pics on the internet :p
 
I wonder if the obsession stems from the fact that we can't cuddle them (as I'm sure most people would love to). We have to show our love in other ways. Like obsessing over their poop and posting 100+ pics on the internet :p

Haha I think you may be on to something! :D
 
Normal people don't talk about poop? :confused:
 
Normal people don't talk about poop? :confused:

Most of my friends work in care homes/ have young children so talking about axolotl poop seems like a tame conversation to have lol
 
Perhaps I shouldn't be petting him, but my Leviathan actively seeks contact. o_o He'll happily sit in my hands or slip around my fingers while I work in the tank, and he likes it when I run my fingertip very gently down the crest of his tail, or on the top of his head between his eyes. He'll LEAN INTO the contact, and I have to pull back so I don't harm his skin. The only time he's ever disliked being touched since I've had him was when my wrist touched his back leg by accident, and he hadn't expected it. Took off like a shot. XD

He nibbles on me freely but I'd almost call it 'affectionate' if I didn't know he's just testing me out for edibility... i.e. he doesn't latch on and shake, like he does with his worms, just kind of mouths me gently for a second and moves on to another place. He also gives 'kisses' through the glass... He's a super sweet little fellow. I'm kind of touched that he trusts me so much. ^^
 
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