Australian Tarantulas

[Scotty Allen]

I am keeping all of my spiders in the same set up, appropriate size "kritter keeper" with a few centimeters of peat and a piece of cork bark. All are burrowing, but I notice that all of my Selenotholus sp. "Glenelva" are far more inclined to climb up the sides of their enclosure than any other species.

Wondering if any one else keeping Australian species has noticed this? Thoughts?

 

[jbm150]

I am keeping all of my spiders in the same set up, appropriate size "kritter keeper" with a few centimeters of peat and a piece of cork bark. All are burrowing, but I notice that all of my Selenotholus sp. "Glenelva" are far more inclined to climb up the sides of their enclosure than any other species.

Wondering if any one else keeping Australian species has noticed this? Thoughts?

How long have you had it? How big is it? Some take longer than others to burrow. All of my Phlogius burrowed...until one of my crassipes males decided against it. I rehoused it at 2.5" or so and it never burrowed again (gone through several molts in that time and is now over 4").

 

[fartkowski]

They might climb until they get used to their surroundings.
When I rehoused mine, I dug it a pre-made burrow, and it still climbed on the sides for several weeks.

 

[Scotty Allen]

Thanks for your input guys.

I've had one for a little over a month, a couple more for just a week. All are between 1.5 and 2". All are feeding well. All have either burrowed or at least started to burrow but even the one with the most extensive burrow system is often seen climbing the side, day or night. I'm about willing to chalk it up as normal behaviour for the species, was just wondering if anyone else is seeing the same thing.

 

[syndicate]

Hi Scotty,
Are you keeping the Selenotholus on dry or moist substrate?These along with Selenotypus are arid species and come from very dry regions of Australia.This would probably explain what your seeing!
-Chris

 

[Scotty Allen]

Thanks Chris. Looking at the setups, it may be a little humid for them. I'll redo them tomorrow with a drier substrate and see what happens.

 

[Sidi]

"kritter keeper" with a few centimeters of peat and a piece of cork bark.

I would have a lot more substrate.

I have a Stents sling, he burrows like mad but Im yet to see any climbing behavior

Housemate has an Aussie Goliath, thats a mad burrower too, only time I know of it climbing is when it decided to climb out and wander around the house, until I noticed it near my foot, in the dark, while brushing my teeth

 

[kutlu]

well i have a selecosmia crassipes but im pretty sure she's a stirlingi but anyway they burrow instantaneously for me and a very docile and handleable.:worship: