Question: Is there a way to make an Axolotl less scared of you?

[Palmz]

Hi!

I've had my axolotl "Chino" for about 6 months now and since the beginning she's been rather scared of me. Like if I move some rocks around she might panick and run into the glass. Or if i accidentally touch, lets say her tail, she freaks out like never before. Once she almost came out of the tank as a result. So Im wondering if there's a way to relieve her anxiety?
The water temp is always 20-22c or 68-72f and very clear all the time. I usually tend to feed her with my hand, in order to make her used to my hand.

 

[Rhysmachine101]

Well apparently, 20 to 22 is perhaps a little high for an axolotl- they like it between 16 and 18 ( my tank actually fluctuates between 17 and 20; little bit warm sometimes) so perhaps she is mildly uncomfortable- perhaps not stressed- but maybe she daydreams about taking a holiday down south now and again.

Apart from that I would have to say, just acclimatise her to your presence-slowly, perhaps even offer her some wriggling worms out of your fingers, for a bit of positive association.
On a more depressing note- that might just be part of her personality.

I own 4 axies and one of them, Toothless (How to Train Your Dragon- they look the same), is the calmest one of the lot.
If I am moving some rocks around and he is in my way I can just move him and he is fine with it; doesnt bat an eyelid...so to speak
My other Wildtype, Frills, is insanely sensitive and will freak out 9/10 times if I happen to brush him with so much as the siphon!

Your Chino might be the same.
But try everything you can first before writing it off to personality. Good luck!

 

[iChris]

My axie is very chilled, and is not bothered by my presence at all. as with all animals, their personalities will vary.

 

[siona]

(How to Train Your Dragon- they look the same),

They DO!:rofl: I love that film

"And now the spinning. Thank you for nothing, you useless reptile"
I'm gonna watch that tonight

 

[dragonlady]

To add to what Rhys has suggested...It may be her personality. I have 3 sisters in the same tank. All have been raised by me and have lived together since I bought them as tiny juveniles (1in/3cm)One sister goes out of her way to get my attention, nipping at my hand until I pay attention to her. The other two would just rather I left them alone except to feed them - of course.

20 - 22 is a little on the high side, but if this has been her temp the entire time, I wouldn't try to drastically change it. Keep an eye on all the parameters. Chemistry changes can stress them. Even if the water is clear, the nitrite/nitrate, ammonia, or pH levels could be off. If these fluctuate, this could stress her. A stable environment can help with a jumpy axolotl.

I would suggest that you not make any sudden movements around her - maybe you don't realize how fast you are moving around her. Think about what you do when she freaks out. Do you turn on a light? Hand feeding her should help her trust you. Develop a regular routine with her. Feed her at about the same time on regular intervals (every other day, every two days, whatever). Clean her tank at regular intervals. Move slowly and deliberately. While you hand is in the tank, pay attention to where she is. If she is close to your hand, move a little closer until you are nearly touching her or until she moves. If she takes off, still move slowly. Don't ever jerk your hand away. She should calm a little in time depending on her age. If she is still under a year old, she should mellow a little with age.

 

[mewsie]

Awww, Bless her!

One of mine, Chester, was the same for a few months after I got them - he'd go NUTS if I disturbed anything or put the light on.

That changed when I started hand-feeding them wriggly worms instead of defrosted bloodworm! The bloodworm, they couldn't care less about me, now if I wriggle my finger at the top of the tank, Chester will swim up and check it out (usually disappointed at lack of worm!).

Not only is that nice because it means he's not scared anymore, but they are sooo sweet when they swim upwards!

I think, like Shannon said, moving slowly and deliberately is a good idea, pop your hand in front of her nose and keep it still, let her get chance to feel it's normal.

 

[bmp1976]

My Axies have never been scared of much. I think hand feeding is the key, mine come to me at feeding time and even if it isnt feeding time they want my finger!!!!!!

 

[Morrison]

They DO!:rofl: I love that film

So I am not the only one who think that beasty looks a bit 'axish'

 

[Erzs]

I so badly want to see that film! =[

Is it possible you could be waking her? I've done it before, startled Alan and that was it! Axolotl chaos! But usually she's fine with me being around her.

I hand feed all my axolotls and always have. Like has already been said above move slowly. If I startle my axolotls by moving something in their tank I wait for them to settle, then move my hand over, let them sniff it (they'll usually either search it or bite me!) and then they don't seem to mind me changing the decor in their tank any more.

I think it's just letting them know you're there. I hope she calms down and gets better used to you soon!

 

[Sarahanne]

Does it bite? Does it hurt? Always wanted to hand feed mine!

 

[Tephra]

They do bite, but you barely feel anything. Just some suction on your hand/fingers. Their teeth aren't strong enough to puncture human skin

 

[Mortimer]

Well apparently, 20 to 22 is perhaps a little high for an axolotl- they like it between 16 and 18 ( my tank actually fluctuates between 17 and 20; little bit warm sometimes) so perhaps she is mildly uncomfortable- perhaps not stressed- but maybe she daydreams about taking a holiday down south now and again.

Apart from that I would have to say, just acclimatise her to your presence-slowly, perhaps even offer her some wriggling worms out of your fingers, for a bit of positive association.
On a more depressing note- that might just be part of her personality.

I own 4 axies and one of them, Toothless (How to Train Your Dragon- they look the same), is the calmest one of the lot.
If I am moving some rocks around and he is in my way I can just move him and he is fine with it; doesnt bat an eyelid...so to speak
My other Wildtype, Frills, is insanely sensitive and will freak out 9/10 times if I happen to brush him with so much as the siphon!

Your Chino might be the same.
But try everything you can first before writing it off to personality. Good luck!

 

[EmbryH]

How old is she? From what I've seen the younger ones tend to be more skittish, but they mellow out as they get older, eventually realizing that you aren't going to eat them.

 

[Morrison]

Lolol I've made a drawing lately where Toothless (dragon) meets my Xotl (wildtype).

My 3 coppers and wildtype juvie are pretty skittish as well. The biggies are more like: Meh whatevah, feed me and I'll foul the tank. Care...