Feeding Axolotls in a feeder tank

[Alevens48]

Hi Everyone. Wanted to know everyone's opinions on feeding juvenile axolotls in an external feeder tank. New axolotl parent; unsure if this feeding process is beneficial or harmful.

Thank you
Alexis

 

[Donna001]

Hi there and welcome to the forum. :happy:
How big are your axolotls and what are you feeding them?
If they are quite young and they are being fed blood worms it can be quite messy. Some people put their axolotls into small plastic tubs with the blood worms, let them eat, then move them back to the main tank. Other people use a glass jar in the main tank. Put the worms in the jar, lay it on it's side, and the axolotls will either find it or can be guided towards it.
If they are older, then earthworms should be the main diet, and I hand feed mine.
If you can provide some more information on your axolotls we can offer further advice.
It would also be great if you could post some pictures, because we love seeing pictures.

 

[Alevens48]

Thank you

Knox is exactly 3 inches (just measured) wild type. I'm not sure how old that is exactly. He/she's been eating a mix of bloodworms and brime shrimp. Knox seems to be a pretty lazy eater and actually seems to prefer being hand fed with tongs. I've been trying to feed him bloodworms first, however, he seems to struggling eating them unless they are super small. He tends to give up eating bloodworms, but seems to love brime shrimp if given.

Is it safe to transition him/ her to a feeder tank for feeding?

 

[auntiejude]

It gets very stressful for axies to move from tank to tub for every meal.

 

[Donna001]

Try using a jar or bowl in the main tank to hold the food for your little ones. That should be less stressful and less messy. :happy:
When my juveniles were young I used the lid from a jar to hold blood worms for them in the feeding area (piece of slate) in their tank. They got used to it very quickly. They also grew quite quickly and transitioned to baby earthworms within a month or so. Since then they have been hand fed.