Qustions about Axies in the fridge

[rheann]

When axies go into the fridge, how many days total could they stay in the fridge? Could they stay in the fridge for one week? My husband and I are going on a trip Thursday, and we won't be back until the 13th. I have decided that my brother inlaws won't have to worry about feeding them, but I am worried about the axies with the water changes, their tank still isn't finished cycling yet so they can't go into it. If I can leave my axies in the fridge, then I would only have to worry about my brother in laws just checking on them to make sure they are ok.

 

[anne-marie]

I don't see why not. Lower temperatures mean increased oxygen content, slower metabolism and less food. Seeing as how axies are native to mountain top lakes (which I imagine would get pretty damn cold in winter), 7 days probably isn't a problem. However, I have absolutely no experience at axolotl chillin'. It's all pure conjecture

!

 

[rheann]

Thanks Anne

I think I will just keep them in the fridge the whole time i am gone then. The last day I will feed them will be Tuesday night, that way after they poo on Wednesday, I can just change their water, then do another quick water change Thuersday morning, and I will have my husbands brothers just check on them to make sure they are ok every day. My biggest concern was the water changes if they would do them, or do them correctly.

 

[joan]

If it's a concern, get the water all ready ahead of time, and leave it next to the axies. It will need to be fridge temp anyway. Have him suck out the water with a turkey baster, or just pour it into the sink (while holding the axolotl in with his hand). Then just pour in new water slowly. I've not had a problem doing this on various occasions. It's a little freaky for the axolotl, but it doesn't harm them, being out of water for just a few seconds.

 

[nathan]

my axie flicked out of the container when doing something like that and flopped onto the ground it lost a tiny chip in his tale but ended a fine and is still alive today.

 

[nathan]

i am just saying there very hardie i wasn't trying to scare you

 

[rheann]

Thanks Joan

I have a little net that I use to hold them out of the water, it's a very soft net and it keeps them from hurting themselves. I'm afraid to toucht them with my hands on account I might damage their skin. Titus's arm is almost compeltly grown back! I am so happy

I have lots of water sitting out for the axies.

 

[cynthia]

Rheann - If you are going to put them in the fridge put some water for him to use to change them with in the fridge too.

Hope all goes well while you are away.

 

[rheann]

Thanks Cynthia

I'll do that. I will show them how to do it. I know the water won't have to be changed as much, but they will need their water changed. I would hate to think I would be living in a bathroom. It would be like eating breakfast lunch and dinner on the toilet seat.... or in the bowl for that matter.

 

[joan]

if you're worried about them flipping out of the bowl, get gladware with lids. Cut a bunch of holes in the lid (with the pointy stuff AWAY from the axies!), and press that on there. You wouldn't have to worry much about oxygen depletion, since they're in the fridge.

 

[cynthia]

They may not even need holes cut in the lid, that would keep everything contained.


Practical Refrigeration by Sandra Borland August 2000 The Axolotl Newsletter

When we were kids, we were all told not to put the lid on tightly or to punch holes in the lids of containers holding the various poor critters we caught and stuck in jars. But it will be OK for your axolotl to not have holes. You wouldn’t want to stick your animal in the fridge, then totally forget about it, of course, but remember that (1) when cooled, the axolotl needs less oxygen because its metabolism is slowed, and (2) when it is cold, more oxygen is dissolved in the water. So if you take the axolotl out every few days to change the water and feed it, there should be plenty of oxygen for the animal. In this way, if you are squeamish about salamanders in the fridge you don't have to worry about amphibian water being splashed on your food. If you really feel a need to put holes in the lid, just cut some slits or a small hole with a knife in the center of the lid to minimize escaping splashes.

 

[rheann]

Hey thanks again, Guys. I have my fridge set up as funny as it sounds, so that the shelvs in the fridge pretty much cover the tops of the containers, so the Axies can't jump out lol. They can try, but they're just bumb up against the bottom of the shelf they are under. I tend to be compulsive about cleaning, I will clean, clean, clean, so when I started putting my axies in the fridge, I cleaned the fridge up and rearanged the shelves so that it could fit the containers without worry. When they aren't in the fridge, I cover the tops with vegtible strainers so the water gets plenty of ventilation, and the cats can't get to them, and the axies can't get out. I also kept the ice cream bucket lids as a back up, so If I need them, I use them but it hasn't come down to it yet. One of my husband's brothers came over today, and I explained to him about the Axies, but I asked him if he could come over tomorrow so I could explain everything one more time, and he is happy to do so. He acctually came over today to take care of them funny enough, he thought that we had already left, he's a great guy.