Question: New member, new axolotl

Hey, names Sarah and I'm a newbie to the forum and fairly new to the.world of axolotl
I first saw axolotl years ago at the sealift centre and was fascinated...determined to have them. This Xmas my partner got me a tank set up and we got 2 axolotl a few days later.
I have an olive and albino(forget the correct name) axolotls aptly named olive oil and Popeye!
Things are going well, they seem happy and even recognise when I'm going to feed them.
I am however, a little confused over feeding. I only feed mine once every 3 days (they do get gassy) but quantity gets me. Feed as much as they eat in 20mins the books say, but I can't feed bloodworm individually so defrost them and add to tank...usually gone in half hour but unsure if this is enough for them. Fed them mealworms once, but then read why it's not a good idea and made my olive very constipated :$
I bought some crickets today and fed them one each as medium size and took a few minutes to swallow.
Just some friendly advice would help....am I feeding them enough and is bloodworm and crickets enough nutritionally (not fed both at same time, I vary it) . I have pellets but hear they not good so ave just in case I can't get anything else

Thanks x

the concensus is that earthworms are the best staple diet... much cleaner than bloodworm too...

how big are your axies and do you know how old they are? this info will inform how often you feed them

I can't imagine crickets are a great food for them, pretty crunchy on their tummies

p.s. would love to see a picture of the olive one particularly!

They between 4-5 inches in length I think...can't say I'm good with numbers! Trying to get a composer sorted to attract earthworms but can't imagine I can achieve this overnight. The crickets are dead not live and soaked in "juices" so outer shell softened. It's really hard to get the right foodstuffs in that have been advised....can only assume tesco don't sell earthworms

you can get all the worms you need from Buy Worms for Fishing Bait and Composting | Worms Direct -- or they are available in most pet shops that sell reptiles and amphibians or some fishing bait shops...

At the size you're talking about I reckon 1 earthworm each every other day would make them pretty content...

Will upload pics but olive is being camara shy...Popeye was well up for posing lol. My iPad however, will not let me upload from file so shall have to try another day

Ok thanks for tat, big help and made things much easier
X

fantastic. will look forward to pics of your axies as and when!

Schambers87 said:

Will upload pics but olive is being camara shy...Popeye was well up for posing lol. My iPad however, will not let me upload from file so shall have to try another day

Click to expand...

Just a heads up - if you have Wifi/3G on your iPad you can e-mail photos to yourself and then save them from your e-mail

And LeFarge is right, earthworms would be best. Crickets are fine occasionally though, during winter here it's hard to get earthworms so I've fed mine crickets.
Have a look at the Caudata Culture page on food for captive caudates for more info on different foods you can feed:
Caudata Culture Articles - Food Items for Captive Caudates

Olive decided she was finally ready to face her audience

If i get an earthworm composter and keep an eye on the materials i put in can i use them to feed my axolotl?
I also read rain water can be used when changing water - if so am going to get a rain water butt and an earthworm composter!

they are beautiful!

Thanks I luv em x