Looking for Axolotls (Iowa)

I am going slowly insane trying to explain to people what an axolotl is.

I've been to a "specialist" aquatic store in Davenport (Quad Cities) and they tried to tell me that all axolotls are albino and the "Mud Dogs" are the darker version. I'll be honest... never heard of a mud dog so I went home and googled... no such thing! There's mud PUPPIES and sand DOGS but nothing combining the two and no.. not all axolotls are albino (though I knew the albino part was wrong)!

I used to live in Victoria Australia and they were relatively easy to come by but now I want another (it's been a couple of years since my last one) so I'm looking around and having no luck.

I'm willing to travel, within reason.. I just want to know where I can find a stockist in the Davenport area. I'll even try Chicago, or Des Moines or anywhere in-between. I don't have a tank here yet but first I want a stockist and THEN I'll buy a tank. I'm thinking two this time so they have someone to talk to

Thanks to anyone in advance who can help me

Hey Vanessa,

Actually, some people refer to tiger salamander larvae as mud dogs so be careful if you find someone trying to sell you one. I can imagine your frustration - I get that same reaction here in VA too! lol If you don't mind paying for shipping, you could check out the For Sale section at the bottom of the Forum page that might help. Personally, I think you'd be better off dealing with a forum member who knows these animals rather than buying from a pet shop. Most pet shops I hear about regard these guys as fish, keep them poorly, and treat them like fish at best.

Yes, you can find axolotls in very many color variations so yet another example of the lack of knowledge...Best of luck.

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][FONT=georgia,palatino]Philip Vena[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]We Protect Axolotls[/FONT]
[/FONT][FONT=georgia,palatino]4531 Cornell Avenue[/FONT]
[FONT=georgia,palatino]Downers Grove, IL 60515-2609 USA[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][FONT=georgia,palatino](Near West Side of Chicago) [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Phone: 1-630-242-0151 [/FONT]


[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]That is the best I have to offer. It is a good website. I thought about ordering mine from it (it's rather expensive though), but the pet store close to me got one in =][/FONT]
[/FONT][/FONT]

Why don't you just look on the for-sale section here? LOTS of people have axolotls for sale all the time.

And if you buy from a private breeder, you won't be supporting anyone's corporate greed!

Thanks everyone for your opinions. I've decided that I'll order from Jay Sommers, a member here. I've read good reviews and emailed him already and he has all kinds available (including gfs ) and I think the prices are reasonable.

I'm super excited. I've researched heaps. Read more (feel like I'm studying for an exam ) and tomorrow (Wed) or Thursday I'm hoping to stop into PetSmart/Petco in person and source a suitable tank

Tank wise I started a thread here: http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-be...ze-2-adults-well-eventually-theyd-adults.html and everyone has been extremely helpful so I think I'm prepared.. hope so

Sykadelic said:

(feel like I'm studying for an exam )

Click to expand...

Did we not tell you about the test? Its only a 2 hour multiple choice, you'll be fine

Glad to hear you've found your axolotl-dealer. Looking forward to hearing all about the new set up, and hopefully some pictures soon eh?