How do you know if an axolotl is too thin?

[Livette]

My male axolotl is about 6 months old. He's eating every day, small amounts of frozen turtle food (minced fish) and frozen blood worms. I'm getting some earthworms soon, but he looks thin to me. he still swims happily and snaps at his food.

how thin is too thin? anyone have any photos for guidelines?

[Becky]

Better still how about you post a photo of yours and we can tell if he looks too thin.

[Livette]

i'm trying, but can't get the damn picture to send from my phone to my email. i'll post one on the weekend.

[frances dansie]

A good indicator is that his body at its widest be approx the same width has his head.
Earth worms are more nutritious, but if you want to build him up the occassional strip of raw beef heart will help.

[Livette]

well, if that's the case, he's certainly too skinny, but good news - last night he ate heaps more than usual, and looks happier. I'll keep trying him on different types of food, thanks. I was just a little worried because i've lost 2 lately from heat - axolotls are not exactly the ideal pet when you live in Qld, and have 40 degree temps in summer. I'm looking into a cooler at the moment, but was worried i'd lose my last little guy. He's been in mourning. Yes, really, he has. He went into hiding for days and refused to come out, which is unusual for him. But now he seems to be getting back to his usual happy self.

thanks so much for your help, guys.

[frances dansie]

Glad he has eaten a bit more, good luck,

[Lisa]

They need to eat more a higher temperatures. A couple of months ago mine got quite skinny and I was battling to keep the temperature around 20degrees. A spell in the fridge for a couple of weeks, followed by daily feeding (earthworms, pellets and bloodworm cubes) and he's gained weight and is now fine. And he's been back in the fridge for three weeks during february too, during which time he didn't eat at all. The fridge is a life saver (literally) in summer here I've found. This is my first summer with my axie, and he's in a small tank which doesn't help.

[Livette]

thanks for the advice.

the temperature has really cooled here over the last couple of days, and he seems to be eating well, and his belly is noticeably bigger than it was a few days ago. amazing how quickly they can gain or lose weight.

also amazing how much we care about the little guys!

[MistressOfAxies]

Cool bananas Livette your in Brisbane too *waves* nice to see a neighbour lol I know doesn't it do your head in how much you care about them, I worry about mine way too much then I should. If I go to bed & think about how they're going I end up having a bad dream one of them dies, so now I don't think about them in bed or try not to hehe.

[Lisa]

Yes, they do seem to lose and gain weight quickly. And I definately worry about mine more than I would have predicted when I got him. Its a good thing none of the other critters around here (human and pet) are as temperature sensitive!!