The Fridge ???

[sharon]

I live in Australia and have been reading all the advice about putting Axoylotls into the fridge - our "Joxter" has not eaten for nearly 2 weeks after an aquarium told us to feed him fish, which eventually fed on him and we removed them immediately. The fish have basically nipped him around the gills and his usual bright red "frills" are now a pale pink colour and very small. I have offered him his usual meal worms and even tried pellets, but he is just not tempted. Tonight, after reading all the advice on the site, I was tempted to put him in the fridge, but my husband said, "How long does he have to stay there for?" - can anyone please advise on how long I should leave Joxter in the fridge for. I did read that they can stay in the fridge for up to 30 days, but I'm just wondering how long is the usual. I think I'm more stressed than Joxter - maybe I should put myself in the fridge!!!

 

[jordan]

Well, have you tried hand-feeding? If yes then Joxter should probably be put in the fridge. The length of time he remains in there is until he starts eating well again. Be sure to change the water each day and change it with water the same temperature, meaning having just water sitting in the fridge for the water changes. Good Luck!

 

[joan]

Sharon, up to a week is usually the recommended time. Have you tried feeding him earthworms, waxworms, or any other soft bodied type of food? Mealworms have biting mouthparts, and fish (which you've already discovered) can nip at their gills, so they're not really recommended foods. Pellets, since the aren't alive and wiggling, are sometimes not recognized as food. I would suggest trying other foods before putting him in the fridge. 2 weeks without eating is pushing the boarder for a healthy axolotl. Sometimes they just refuse food for their own reasons and go back to eating normally.

PS: I don't recommend putting yourself in the fridge

 

[cynthia]

Sharon - Did you cycle your tank before you put Joxter in it?

Along with putting him in the fridge, I would recommend testing your water parameters; Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph.

If you don't have a test kit pet stores will usually test your water for free. I would recommend getting a test kit (not the dip strip kind) so you can test your water frequently.

He will be fine in the fridge. Use a food safe container with lid (like an ice cream bucket).

If you have not found it yet http://www.axolotl.org/ is a must read for axolotl owners.

This is an article on tank cycling http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/cyclingEDK.shtml

 

[jordan]

yes, axolotl.org is an awesome site to find out a lot about axolotls

 

[sharon]

Thanks everyone for your advice - its really appreciated. I have tried handfeeding him and even wiggling the pellets, but will test the water as I have not done this. I will also try to get some of the other live foods, as suggested. However, I think its fridge time ... for Joxter, not me!