Is this normal behaviour???? newbie advice

[jo73]

Since Sunday (it's now Thurs),1 of my axies has been hiding in a cave. I managed to get him out to give him a worm yesterday evening which he ate no problem - I had to physically remove him tho, which I don't know if I should be doing - then today he's back in the cave. Is it normal for them to hide for days on end? I'm worried. I've checked my water and it's fine.

 

[sebguy]

It is normal behaviour as far as I know, my axolotls always go through phases.

 

[jo73]

Thanks for that. Everything is so new to me.

 

[sebguy]

No problem, you can always just post a new thread if you have any questions,
or if you don't think that the're worth a new thread you could just private message me

 

[jo73]

I appreciate that. Sorry if this sounds like a silly question but do I just leave him in the cave without food ( he's in head first I can't get to him) or do I physically remove him to feed? He has lost a bit of weight the past few week because I was told 4 week ago to cut their food while my tank was cycling. ( I had been trying to cycle the tank since it crashed in June, it finally cycled last weekend).

 

[sebguy]

Well, they say that is his body is the same width as his head then the lotl is a good weight
and as long as he's not getting to skinny then I don't think that he should be forced from the
tank.

 

[charleybambino]

My male leucistic only comes out when it is dark.......I leave a few pellets sprinkled around each night...usually gone by morning!!.......otherwise he stays head first in his hide too!

 

[jo73]

Thanks guys for your replies. His body is roughly the same size as his head, I think maybe he was a bit on the plump side before if I'm truthful. I'll leave a few pellets inside as you suggested and hopefully he'll be ok. Cheers.

 

[TatoTesla]

Axolotls tend to be kind of sensitive to light so if there's a lot of light in your tank, it may be acting as a stressor or an irritant to him. Mine don't seem to mind the light but I know that it can really bother some individuals. If you have a light and don't want to get rid of it, you could try adding plants to provide cover as well as help your tank flourish. Or you can add a different kind of hide (like a cave-like hide or a terra cotta pot on its side) for your axie to hide comfortably in but you will still be able to see him. Aside from that, I think your little guy is fine.. Just a little shy.

 

[jo73]

Thanks. I don't have a light in the tank so it's not that bright in there, I have a cave, a couple of tunnels, a large bridge for them to hide under and quite a few fake plants placed together where they can hide. I'm thinking of temporary replacing the cave and trying to make a cave like hide hole with a removable top so he can still hide in the dark but I can get into him to feed him. Saying that tho, he's eaten 2 worms today cos he's turned himself round in the cave! Awkward bugger. I'm probably stressing for nowt. I appreciate everyone's help tho. THANK YOU.

 

[jo73]

Axolotls tend to be kind of sensitive to light so if there's a lot of light in your tank, it may be acting as a stressor or an irritant to him. Mine don't seem to mind the light but I know that it can really bother some individuals. If you have a light and don't want to get rid of it, you could try adding plants to provide cover as well as help your tank flourish. Or you can add a different kind of hide (like a cave-like hide or a terra cotta pot on its side) for your axie to hide comfortably in but you will still be able to see him. Aside from that, I think your little guy is fine.. Just a little shy.

I think you're onto something with the light. All this started Monday evening when I temporary emptied the tank of hides and plants to rinse them out, so I'm wondering if it was too light for him and that's the reason he's gone into hiding? He's still facing out of the cave at the mo so hopefully he's starting to de-stress himself. I hope so.

 

[TatoTesla]

I think you're onto something with the light. All this started Monday evening when I temporary emptied the tank of hides and plants to rinse them out, so I'm wondering if it was too light for him and that's the reason he's gone into hiding? He's still facing out of the cave at the mo so hopefully he's starting to de-stress himself. I hope so.

I really wouldn't worry too much. It seems that you've just got a sensitive little guy, that's all. It could be the light or it could be that he was just a little freaked out when you took everything out of his tank. He'll probably be swimming around again soon.

 

[jo73]

I really wouldn't worry too much. It seems that you've just got a sensitive little guy, that's all. It could be the light or it could be that he was just a little freaked out when you took everything out of his tank. He'll probably be swimming around again soon.

I think you're right cos he's out of the cave completely now. :happy: