Question: How long to fatten up an axolotl?

[StormyPhoenix77]

Could anyone give me a time estimate of how long it takes to get an axolotl to fatten up to optimal width? Currently my axie is about half of what he should be, and I'm just curious what other people's experience has been. The only threads I found were "how to fatten up an axie" not how long it would take. This past week he has been eating about 1.5 earthworms and 6 or so wax worms a day/every other day (depending on how hungry he's feeling I suppose).

I'll attach a picture of what he currently looks like so you can see how skinny he is.

Thanks in advance for any input you can provide!

 

[auntiejude]

There is no firm answer, that's why you can't find one!
It could take a week, a month, or several months. It could look like they're doing fine and then they have a bout of anorexia. You just have to play it by ear and let your axie guide you as its appetite increases and it plumps up.

 

[StormyPhoenix77]

Thanks. I have been keeping track of how much he has eaten, the first week he had minimal interest and regurgitated a lot of food, only keeping down a total of 3 worms for the whole week. This week he has eaten 1/2 an earthworm and a few waxworms every day, and acts like he is always hungry. As he gets healthier will his appetite continue to increase?

Also, he is 18cm long with a 2.5cm head, yet it appears he can only eat finely chopped worms. I've seen other people feed much smaller axies whole waxworms and earthworms, but mine can't seem to swallow them whole or even in big pieces. I have to chop them up to about 5-7mm. I don't see anything in his mouth or throat, is he just being finnicky?