AZ Blonde not burrowing

[Katielee]

I have an Arizona blonde that is not really using her shelter. She tends to stay in the position you see in the photo. Any ideas on why this is. She did burrow when I first got her but I had to rearrange her tank and she hasn't since. She is my first and want to make sure I do the best by her.

 

[PMetallicaFreak]

based on the stress posture it's probably acclimating. Also what's the purpose of the temperature and humidity indicators?
You're observing your T a lot, probably, which leads to over caring, indicated by the temp and humidity things, I have to break something to you. Ts spend a lot of time in low energy states and take time to do things like web around, burrow, or excavate the substrate. You also indicate over caring syndrome by saying "She is my first and want to make sure I do the best by her." As the years pass by you realize tarantulas don't do very much or need very much but they are beautiful to look at and fun to feed and care for (building homes for them).
Some people will probably mention the open vertical space, though personally I think it's fine, it doesn't look that tall.
Also the other thing will be the screen lid. Modifying to lid is pretty trivial. You can take it off and use an acrylic pane.

 

[Neonblizzard]

How long have you had this T? Could be just getting used to its surroundings, i would try maybe burying that hide deeper so the opened is a lot smaller, they like cramped spaces to feel safe and they might not even recognise that as somewhere they could potentially burrow.

I've heard some people say that their A chalcodes never bothered to make a burrow, could be that too.

I will definitely throw my hat in the ring and say there's waaay too much height to that enclosure, needs more sub to reduce fall height ASAP. Mesh lid is also a problem

The temp and humidity gauges are not necessary - these guys only need a water dish and bone dry substrate and that's it.

Edit: i would remove the stones too : more hard stuff for the T to fall onto or get squashed under if they dig under them

 

[Katielee]

based on the stress posture it's probably acclimating. Also what's the purpose of the temperature and humidity indicators?
You're observing your T a lot, probably, which leads to over caring, indicated by the temp and humidity things, I have to break something to you. Ts spend a lot of time in low energy states and take time to do things like web around, burrow, or excavate the substrate. You also indicate over caring syndrome by saying "She is my first and want to make sure I do the best by her." As the years pass by you realize tarantulas don't do very much or need very much but they are beautiful to look at and fun to feed and care for (building homes for them).
Some people will probably mention the open vertical space, though personally I think it's fine, it doesn't look that tall.
Also the other thing will be the screen lid. Modifying to lid is pretty trivial. You can take it off and use an acrylic pane.

The temp

How long have you had this T? Could be just getting used to its surroundings, i would try maybe burying that hide deeper so the opened is a lot smaller, they like cramped spaces to feel safe and they might not even recognise that as somewhere they could potentially burrow.

I've heard some people say that their A chalcodes never bothered to make a burrow, could be that too.

I will definitely throw my hat in the ring and say there's waaay too much height to that enclosure, needs more sub to reduce fall height ASAP. Mesh lid is also a problem

The temp and humidity gauges are not necessary - these guys only need a water dish and bone dry substrate and that's it.

I've had her for just over a month. Like I said, she did burrow at first but once I realized there wasn't enough substrate I took her out and redid the enclosure. The temp/hum gauges were put in there because I have to keep my house at a certain climate for other reasons and wanted to make sure it was ok for her as well. I will take them out when I have to clean her tank so that the Velcro noise doesn't stress her.

 

[Neonblizzard]

The temp

I've had her for just over a month. Like I said, she did burrow at first but once I realized there wasn't enough substrate I took her out and redid the enclosure. The temp/hum gauges were put in there because I have to keep my house at a certain climate for other reasons and wanted to make sure it was ok for her as well. I will take them out when I have to clean her tank so that the Velcro noise doesn't stress her.

The more i look its got me thinking... What size is the T? Because tbh that enclosure to me could be half the size of what it is. What are the measurements of the tank?

You'll find monitoring and maintaining the enclosure much easier if it was smaller, and you may find that the T settles much quicker too.

Would also save you a lot of substrate fixing the enclosure height as is

 

[Dorifto]

Your enclosure looks big to be so empty. You can add some dry grass or other kind of natural looking decorations to make it feel more secure. I'd remove the rocks and cover the cork bark with substrate to create a higher zone.

Search desert tarantula enclosure on google, there are plenty of nice setups to borrow some ideas.

 

[Smotzer]

Enclosure is too big the way it is set up with no where for it to feel secure, you’re not seeing typical behavior, whether or not it burrows is another story, because it does not feel like it is secure and can act naturally.

Options to correct :
1. You can either downsize considerably like half the size at most.
2. Re-set up the entire enclosure with substrate at least 50-60% filled up (you want no more than 1.5x DLS to prevent fall damage, you have the risk now), the hide buried into the substrate more with a small opening, and considerable fake plant decorations to clutter up and provide some natural security. Remove the rocks ASAP that height plus those rocks could spell fatality.
Also if that hide is not open on the bottom get something different.

- after you have done either 1 or 2 allow a couple to a few weeks for it to fully settle in (sometimes more), not attaching to any observed 'odd' behavior in this period.

 

[viper69]

The temp

I've had her for just over a month. Like I said, she did burrow at first but once I realized there wasn't enough substrate I took her out and redid the enclosure. The temp/hum gauges were put in there because I have to keep my house at a certain climate for other reasons and wanted to make sure it was ok for her as well. I will take them out when I have to clean her tank so that the Velcro noise doesn't stress her.

the substrate to lid height should be no
More than 1.5x the Ts diagonal leg span other wise your Ts name is SPLAT DEAD.

Too much open space
Also the hide is too large, Ts like tight fitting spaces for a hide.

 

[PMetallicaFreak]

Your enclosure looks big to be so empty. You can add some dry grass or other kind of natural looking decorations to make it feel more secure. I'd remove the rocks and cover the cork bark with substrate to create a higher zone.

Search desert tarantula enclosure on google, there are plenty of nice setups to borrow some ideas.

OP I agree with this. I add some dry moss and leaves and such, lots of my Ts will use them as part of their homes.