Axolotl Not eating

[aim840]

Hello All!!!

I am really concerned about my Axi.
He hasn't eaten for just over 10 days now. I have tried various different foods to try and get him to eat (Live wax worms, earth worms and meal worms, frozen blood worm and pellets and have also tried prawns!) Someone suggested garlic over an earthworm? He doesn't as a rule swim about a lot, but he is happily moving around- not struggling etc. My husband took a water sample and had the water tested by a trusted friend/pet shop worker and they were happy with all the levels.
Any advice would be really appreciated- Can they go for days without eating??

Thank you again

 

[Skudo09]

i don't think I have ever heard of using garlic and would probably avoid that idea. I don't know if it would be the same for axolotls but in other animals garlic is toxic. But maybe someone here knows more than I do on that idea.

It is best to get your own liquid test kit for ammonia, nitrite,nitrate and PH rather than relying on the pet/aquarium stores. Having your own means you don't have to make a trip to the store and as you should be testing regularly (I would test at least once a week) having your own kit will save time and Petrol. Also you need to know exactly what the levels are and not just be told the water is ok as often when they say this, there is something wrong. This is not to doubt your friend /pet shop worker and the levels may all be good but I would still suggest having your own kit. What is the temperature in the tank and if you were given the actual readings, what were they? Was the tank cycled before hand?

If he is new to your tank, he may just be settling in. Sometimes they do go on hunger strikes too. But don't panic unless he is losing body condition. Firstly it is good to rule out any issues with water so at least we know it is not the water.

 

[AguamigosTexas]

Any update on your axolotl/what worked to get him to eat? Ours slow down and eat less during the winter, but after 10 or more days I'd be getting concerned, too! I hope you've isolated the problem.