How much should axolotls eat?

[cb]

Hey guys, i need a bit of help, from what i've read axolotls should be eating like 2 - 3 times a week?
I feed mine about 3 or 4 medium sized crickets a day, every day, i only feed her that much because she does this thing, where if she sees me and she wants food, she'll stand up on her back legs waiting for me to put some in her tank.
Is it harmful for her to be eating so much, should i start feeding her less?

[Caitie]

How old/big is she? And what are your water temperatures like? Axies can vary greatly in how much they need to eat- The first factor is age- up until they're around 2 inches, they need feeding everyday. The next factor is temperature- one down in the low teens/high digits will only need feeding twice a week, one at the 16-18c mark every second or third day, and every second day/ most days above 20 up to 23 (The absolute highest you want your water temp to get on a frequent basis, and where finding an appropriate cooling solution).
Also, crickets probably aren't the best everyday food- excellent for an OCCASIONAL treat, but low in a lot of essential nutrients without serious gut loading. Perhaps try adding in some earthworms, pellets, bloodworms and blackworms (in order of how nutritious they are- Bloodworms and blackworms are also mucky, so you may need to teach her to eat from a pipette).
And welcome to the hobby :)

[cb]

i'm not sure on age, but she's about 7 inches, the water is usually 18 - 20 degrees.
well thats good to know, i was doing it the other way around, feeding her bloodworms as snacks. i'll start feeding her bloodworms then haha. :)
thanks for you help

[Caitie]

Have a look at this: Caudata Culture Articles - Food Items for Captive Caudates it'll give you a good idea of some excellent foods for your axie, and whilst bloodworms are good, don't forget that variety is the spice of life :)
(Also, go earthworms a few times if only for the joy of seeing your axie wrestle with them !)

[cb]

where would i get earthworms?!
i've looked around, i thought they'd be cool to watch her eat, but i can't find any and i'm not too keen on digging through my back yard every time she needs feeding! haha.

[Mandi]

I buy Trout Worms meant for fishing bait. Just make sure you ask the people at the bait shop if there are any chemicals in the dirt with them. Usually there isn't but you can't be too careful

[(Dee)]

I got mine at Bunnings warehouse. They came in a box of 1000 - so I started a worm farm now I just pop out & collect worms for every feed.