New Axi pooping pebbles?

[Shinsei]

Hi all, We purchased our first axolotl (about 3.5 inches long, age unknown) three days ago from a local pet shop which keeps it's axolotls on gravel. Our tank had been set up very carefully and was pristine. On the second day I found a small, round, smooth pebble about 5mm in the bottom of the tank. On the third day I found another.similar pebble. These could not have been introduced accidentally when setting the tank up. I am convinced our axolotl pooped these. If that's the c ase I hope there aren't any more caught up inside 'her'. Has anyone else experienced this, am I right in my belief?

 

[kumamon]

Hi!
The axolotl being housed previously on a pebble substrate is not surprising that they are passing pebbles now. The fact that she is pooping them out it a good sign that she is not impacted and should stop soon. I haven't experienced this personally but I know it can happen with axies.

Is your axie eating? (I know sometimes they don't eat for a little while when they are new) If she doesn't eat for an extended amount of time then she may be impacted with the pebbles - but doesn't seem to be the case as she is passing them.

As long as your axolotl has now all the right requirements for housing then she should stop passing pebbles and be nice and healthy!

Congratulations on adopting your first axolotl! I hope all goes well!
- Chloe

 

[Shinsei]

Hi Chloe, Thanks for the reply. Yes she has been eating. We bought a 95g Gama Blister pack of frozen blood worms that come in 30 tiny compartments. She has been having one a day, but leaving about half the worms. That seems like very little food to me, but maybe that's OK. She was pretty lethargic to start, but today she is much livlier and has been exploring the tank, swimming and generally bouncing around. I have just received a pack of dendrobaena worms that I will try her on.

Addendum: I just chopped up the dendrobaena worm and gave it to her - wow, she gobbled the whole lot up in a trice and was looking for more, that made my day

 

[kumamon]

That's great that she's eating and exploring!! Nice work for taking such good care of her, I'm sure she is loving her new home! :happy: