After molt leg question

[Scarlettohairy33]

My g. Rosea just molted her 3rd one and her legs look a little bent is that normal? Does it take them a while to straighten out? Please help thank you

 

[sasker]

This could be normal. The exoskeleton needs to harden, so their legs are like spaghetti right after a molt. It is also possible that there is something terribly wrong with your spider, but I can't tell you more unless I have seen what you mean.

Could you attach a photo of the bent legs? That would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[miss moxie]

Directly after molting, tarantula's exoskeletons are very soft and delicate. That's why it can be a disaster when they molt while being shipped to someone. Not enough space to move their limbs, so they harden up at wrong angles.

Agreed, a picture would help us know more about your tarantula's current state.

I just posted this picture in another thread but it shows how wonky a freshly molted tarantula can look right after a molt.

 

[Scarlettohairy33]

Thanks for your help its kind of hard to see but her front legs are at a weird angle and kind of intertwined

 

[Scarlettohairy33]

Directly after molting, tarantula's exoskeletons are very soft and delicate. That's why it can be a disaster when they molt while being shipped to someone. Not enough space to move their limbs, so they harden up at wrong angles.

Agreed, a picture would help us know more about your tarantula's current state.

I just posted this picture in another thread but it shows how wonky a freshly molted tarantula can look right after a molt.

That helps thanks shes only 12 hrs post molts so that might be it

 

[miss moxie]

Looks fine to me.

Feel better? Tarantulas like to stretch out sometimes, not even always after a molt. In fact the above three photos were from Ts that did not molt recently, though to be fair the first tarantula had just been shipped to me so they were cramped in a 32 oz. deli cup with paper towels for a while.

 

[Scarlettohairy33]

Looks fine to me.

Feel better? Tarantulas like to stretch out sometimes, not even always after a molt. In fact the above three photos were from Ts that did not molt recently, though to be fair the first tarantula had just been shipped to me so they were cramped in a 32 oz. deli cup with paper towels for a while.

Thanks so much i feel much better i appreciate your help

 

[miss moxie]

You are very welcome! That's why we're here.

 

[spotropaicsav]

Give her a couple weeks or more for her exoskeleton to harden up, try not to disturb her much as it could hinder this process. Usual care for your T, gently

 

[Andrea82]

I like how her hide is a castle, just wanted to mention that

 

[Scarlettohairy33]

I like how her hide is a castle, just wanted to mention that

She likes to sit on top of it

 

[Scarlettohairy33]

Give her a couple weeks or more for her exoskeleton to harden up, try not to disturb her much as it could hinder this process. Usual care for your T, gently

Im waiting a couple weeks to feed her to make sure her fangs are hardened enough, and not disturbing her

 

[The Grym Reaper]

Looks like post moult yoga, my A. geniculata pretending she's a Pokie

View media item 38104

 

[Andrea82]

She likes to sit on top of it

That looks adorable

However...the distance between the substrate and the top of her tank seems to be a bit large. If she climbs to the top and falls, she could get seriously injured. I would put more substrate in for peace of mind. Especially terrestrials are at risk since they are bulky and try to climb where they're not supposed to.

 

[mconnachan]

Thanks for your help its kind of hard to see but her front legs are at a weird angle and kind of intertwined

The spider from your pictures looks fine to me, I may be missing something, although she looks fine from what I can see. It looks like post molt yoga, fascinating creatures.

 

[mconnachan]

She likes to sit on top of it

Yeah you need to sort out the amount of substrate in the enclosure - the rule of thumb is 1.5 x DLS (Dual Leg Span) to avert any falls that can and would be fatal to a terrestrial species, example - if your spider is 4" you should add enough substrate so there's a gap of 6" between the substrate and the lid of the enclosure, this should be done ASAP, lovely spider BTW, s/he looks adorable.

 

[The Grym Reaper]

DLS (Dual Leg Span)

I hate to be that guy but *Diagonal Leg Span

 

[mconnachan]

I hate to be that guy but *Diagonal Leg Span

I know this as well, I don't even know why I wrote that , err I'm "that guy" - LOL, thanks @The Grym Reaper

 

[darkness975]

Im waiting a couple weeks to feed her to make sure her fangs are hardened enough, and not disturbing her

Once it is hardened up from the molt, you need to add more substrate to negate the risk of a fall.

Also, the hide is not really very dark inside , it appears translucent.

The lid appears to be one of those metal mesh lids. Those aren't good as they can get their tarsal claws (feet) stuck in them. You should swap that lid for a pexi glass one with air holes drilled / melted into it.

Regarding your original inquiry: the spider appears to be okay from what I can see.

 

[mconnachan]

You see where she's got her leg on the side of the enclosure this is how deep the sub needs to be pal. I know it's a lot but it will negate any chances of death by falling, especially with a bulky species like this. I've seen a lot worse believe me, at least you're listening and accepting the great advice that's been given, but definitely sort the depth of substrate and your spider will be safe from any falls.