1st instars

[J.huff23]

Do first instar slings eat? some say yes and some say no. Whats your opinions? I thought they did, but I read that they dont eat till 2nd instar.

 

[recluse]

I think it might depend on the species and conditions. I have had eggs with legs cannibalize eachother even before 1st instar. Why and for what reason are probably simple............they needed sustenance.

 

[Rochelle]

It's been our experience that they eat better at 2 star. At 1 star they are still living on what is left of their reserves from the eggsac.
I would be leery of giving prey items at this point, lest they become prey items, themselves. However - that's subjective to each individual eggsac. Some will inevitably cannibalize.

 

[J.huff23]

I just got five, 1st instar P.cambredgei's. So I shouldnt feed them untill 2nd instar?

 

[Rochelle]

You can try to feed them. The worst thing that will happen is they won't eat. With only 5 of them; presumably separated - it will be simple to keep an eye on the festivities, and remove the prey items after you're sure they aren't going to be eaten. Give them several hours, since the wee ones will often run away from their first meal.

 

[J.huff23]

I dont think they want to eat. I left a prey item in each deli cup overnight and they were not touched.

I will try to feed them every once in a while though just to be sure the dont starve to death.

 

[Talkenlate04]

They are not going to eat. Don't waste your time. They will do just fine living on the yoke of the egg till the next molt occurs.

 

[desertdweller]

I let my females raise their sacs and I have seen her catch food and offer it to her 1st slings. I always go by the size of their abdomens. At first instar they usually don't need to eat like Ryan and others have said.

I love what you said, Rochelle, they run away from their "food." I have seen this and it is hilarious.

 

[Drachenjager]

Do first instar slings eat? some say yes and some say no. Whats your opinions? I thought they did, but I read that they dont eat till 2nd instar.

generally no but they can and do cannibalize each other even before first instar and beyond. i had some 1st instar seemanis that ate each other lol had 10 and eventually only 5 in the container. but they were bigger than the ones i separated out by at least 25%

 

[Drachenjager]

also i wont be separating out 1st instar slings again. or at least not my half if a breeding loan. They seem to do better and grow better if kept together till at least 2nd instar. I also would never sell them at 1st isntar period. If breeding loand and the owner of the male wanted them shipped at 1st i guess i would but thats the only way . if they arent able to eat 1/16" crix i hate to send them away lol