Axolotl Fridging Guide

Hi Nanda,

Are you able to post some photos of the axolotls? If you could take some photos from above the axolotl looking down on them (bird's eye view), from the side, and straight on, that would be most helpful.

He may not have eaten as many stones as Tequila. Fingers crossed that that may have been the only two he swallowed. Is Lucio eating at all? If he's eating, that's a good sign.

If he is not eating, then he may be having trouble passing a stone lodged in his gut. If the stone is too large for him to pass (even with help from the fridge), you may need to take him to a vet for assistance. What size range were the gravel stones?

Although bloodworm is a good item for axolotls (and prawns are a nice treat), they are not nutritionally complete, and should not be used as a staple diet. Earthworm is an excellent staple as it contains all the nutrition an axolotl needs in one wriggling package. :happy: If you are reluctant to feed them earthworm, axolotl pellets (or salmon or trout pellets) are also an acceptable staple. These staples mixed with occasional bloodworm will be a good varied diet. I bring this up as malnutrition can lead to health problems for the axolotl further down the road.
 
wow 9c is a little hot for stuff in the fridge
 
Really great guide!
I'm so nervous though, never fridged my axies before, and now i'm trying it for one of them has a floating problem. It just seems so cold in there.
I'm scared! Checked my fridge for a couple of days before to ensure the temperature is stabile. I just make up these images in my head that it breaks and the temperature drops.
 
Ive never had a problem with floating bums before, but today I noticed Stanley's back end has been floating. Maybe he just has to poop? How long until I should start to worry? Does he need to be fridged?

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emmyk said:
Ive never had a problem with floating bums before, but today I noticed Stanley's back end has been floating. Maybe he just has to poop? How long until I should start to worry? Does he need to be fridged?

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Click to expand...

My axolotls will sometimes get a floaty bum if my temp rises slightly. It has always gone away after a day or two.
 
It was hot the other day. I hope that's it.

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WARNING:
There is a horrifying post in the Sick Axolotl forum at the moment from someone who fridged their gravel-impacted axie. While they were at work, the power went off. When the (digital) fridge reset with the restoration of power, it did so AT THE ORIGINAL LOWER TEMPERATURE, not at the axie-friendly temperature the owner had set it at. When the owner got home from work, the axie's back half was entirely FROZEN in a block of ice.
Beware of digital fridges in these times of uncertain power supply. This is a very scary tale indeed.
 
Maybe a silly question, but in step 2 (Preparing for fridging) it says "fresh water". Does that mean tap water, not water from the aquarium?

Does the axie not need to be slowly acclimatized, just like in step 4 (Returning to the tank)?
 
And another question: are there any health conditions when fridging is NOT a good thing? Or can I apply "whenever in doubt - fridge"?
 
nilssverker said:
And another question: are there any health conditions when fridging is NOT a good thing? Or can I apply "whenever in doubt - fridge"?
Click to expand...

Fridging is usually considered a last resort when an axie is extremely sick, or for when an axie is impacted due to ingestion of gravel. It is stressful for the axie to be kept a a temp that cold.

So no, it's not a cure-all to be used whever your axie seems a bit 'off'. It is for buying time when an axie is at death's door, or for curing impaction. If in doubt - figure out what the problem is BEFORE you decide how to treat your axie.
 
It also slows bacteria or fungal growth. But it is not a cure all.
 
Hey,
Is it normal for an Axolotl to go extremely still under fridge conditions?
The temperature is about 4-5 degrees and he's been in the dark for about a day and 6 hours.
 
TallTree01 said:
Hey,
Is it normal for an Axolotl to go extremely still under fridge conditions?
The temperature is about 4-5 degrees and he's been in the dark for about a day and 6 hours.
Click to expand...
Yes. They essentially go into a type of 'hibernation' mode, thier metabolism slows down, they don't eat, and they often don't move much.

4C is very cold though, 8-10C is better for them but no so good for keeping your cheese fresh.

Why are you fridging him?
 
He is a floater. :(
He and his mate have Been doing it for months. Hopefully the fridge will help him get back on his feet. I plan on keeping him in til Saturday. Is this enough time?
I've already seen improvements as he is only floating a little on the tail end rather than full body struggling. :)
 
I found with floaters it's easier to keep them in a tub at room temp, with floating plants for cover or a cork mat to wedge under. A few days in the fridge should be fine.
 
Ok I took him out and he's fine. He set some pellets today and is swimming around with his mate. He is still floating a tiny bit near the tail. Is this ok? Should I stick him back in the fridge?
I put my leucistic in the fridge. I'll keep him in til Tuesday. The same amount as the gold one.
 
He's started to float again :( Should I bother isolating him or just accept that he floats and move on?
 
I have made one. No one is responding though so I am posting here instead. :)
 
Do these same guidelines apply for blood blisters? My axolotl is currently in the fridge but the blister just seems to expand even more. Should I try anything else?
 
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