Question: My axolotl-sitter is squeamish

Hello, I'm being a neurotic newbie again. I have to go away for four days later this month (unavoidable)

My other half is happy to look after my pets but is not comfortable to kill worms. I blanch tiger worms prior to feeding.

If I blanch then cool and immediately freeze worms would that work? Then they could be removed and would defrost quite quickly..

My alternative is to let my other half feed frozen bloodworms while I am away.

Background: we've had the Axolotl less than a month, he is an adult (2 years) and had some damage done to him by fish in his last home. He's also a little thin, as the fish were chomping his food as well as his gills. But he seems happy enough, he's learned to eat worms like a champion. He spends his days doing aquatic yoga and generally being fabulous.

Thanks again for the massive Axolotl knowledge bank on here :happy:

Re: My axolotl-siter is squeamish

I'm not sure about freezing the worms, the frozen bloodworms I think would keep your axie from feeling too hungry even though they're not as nutritious as earth worms. Have you tried feeding your axolotl a whole live worm? While some might not take them some do, my axolotl isn't the best example but he has eaten whole live worms. Another option could be some axolotl/carnivore pellets.

Re: My axolotl-siter is squeamish

Don't worry, I've had axolotls for years now and I'm still neurotic

Adults should normally be perfectly fine to go 4 days without food, and I regularly leave my lot for 4 days while I go away with work. Doesn't stop me making myself sick with worry, but they're always fine!

However, if you think your little guy is too skinny and you're worried, fatten him up first

Axolotl pellets are more than satisfactory for times when you need an 'easy feed'. It sounds like you and axolotl have got the worm thing down for staple diet, but grab some pellets for when you're away.

Your axolotl might take a few days to get used to them though, so grab some ASAP and try him out. Do try live worms though, if your OH would cope with those.

Re: My axolotl-siter is squeamish

Earthworms turn to mush when frozen. But pellets are a great option, as are live worms or bloodworms for a few days.

Re: My axolotl-siter is squeamish

Thank you for the advice, that's great.

OH will not feed live worms or kill worms himself so I will check out pellets and see how that goes.

I'll feed him up before I go too (axie not OH!)

If all else fails there will be bloodworms in the freezer.

Hopefully they'll be ok, Perhaps I will stop stressing out about all things axolotl..

Re: My axolotl-siter is squeamish

HazeyJane said:

(axie not OH!)

Click to expand...

LOL - Worms + Pizza

Re: My axolotl-siter is squeamish

mewsie said:

LOL - Worms + Pizza

Click to expand...

Just imagining his face...

If he's anything like mine he'll just shrug, put 'em on toast, cover in cheese, grill.

You can eat ANYTHING if you melt cheese on top.....

Desperate times, desperate measures and all that. Protein is protein!

mewsie said:

Desperate times, desperate measures and all that. Protein is protein!

Click to expand...

OH says "bleugh"

So wormy pizza off the menu I think. I'm sure they'll be fine.

I absolutely love feeding up my axie..

He gets so animated when the worms arrive, he's so different to how he was when he arrived.. He just snapped food but now he seems to anticipate it as well. Hopefully he'll soon be as big round his tummy as he should be.. It'd be good if he could be a little plump before I go away.