1. Being in the US, I have to assume its a wild caught hopper, as I have never seen those for sale as feeders in the US...if that's the case, you are taking a huge risk....you are essentially risking saving 12 cents on a cricket and at the same time, putting a $200 spider's life at stake....definitely not worth the 12 cents worth of savings.
2. Totally inappropriate substrate. Coco fiber, peat moss, eco earth, jungle mix or plain top soil are all suitable substrates...wood chips are not.
1.) nope, I have a friend who raises all manner of insects including grasshoppers, which he feeds to his chickens oddly enough. I get my grasshoppers for free, no need to go out and look like a crazy person chasing grasshoppers in the streets. I live in a big city, I'm not bringing any bug I find outside into my home, let alone into my t or reptiles Homes. Don't assume, just ask lol
2.) I actually had this particular t with that substrate most of its life, never had any problems with it. Though I have recently changed it simply because I got a whole bag of Eco earth (it may have been a different brand I forget) for free from my job. I've seen a few people say bark is bad for T's, though I've personally never had a bad experience ever with it. I know a few people who only use bark or wood chips, and never had an issue. My Smithi grew just fine in it, along with my salmon pink. I've switched all my T's to dirt though recently, just because I've found it easier to manage. I'm not saying you're wrong though, I've just never had an issue with it. Thanks for the tips though. This beauty is in great hands.
@KezyGLA I actually have been thinking the same thing as its been growing. The guy I bought it from told me its a Smithi, so I took his word for it because it was just a brown sling with no adult coloration whatsoever back then. But as it's been growing I've noticed that it is a darker color than some of the other Smithi that I've seen. I won't be upset if it turns out to be an auratum, they are better looking Imo. A more vivid red with a deeper black. Im pretty sure that mine is a Smithi it, but it would be cool if it wasn't too.
@BMQ That's fantastic...I've heard hoppers can be difficult to raise (why they aren't typically in the pet trade)....but that's a fantastic feeder then.
Sub is still inappropriate, regardless of how long its been on that crap. My preference is dirt as well, cheap and natural.
I do have to agree with kez though, it doesn't appear to be a smithi. The one it is is a larger species, and actually a much less common species....very cool t.
Don't be offended by assumptions...its assumptions that are what generally get to the root of issues or offer the best help with regards to those we do not personally know...it took you all of a minute to explain, so I just don't see it as a big deal.
No worries I'm not offended, I just think it's better to ask than to assume. It saves you the trouble of being unnecessarily wrong about things. Excuse my nitpicking I'm a zoologist; when assumptions supercede questions I cringe a bit inside lol.
But seriously yea it would be pretty cool if it turns out I have an auratum. They are really beautiful, but I'll be happy either way. They look close enough in appearance Imo to make it something I won't be too hung up on. It's going to molt soon so hopefully a bit more of it's adult coloration will show. I'll post pictures whenever it finally decides it's done wearing the same outfit lol
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