B. Auratum growth

[Miss Bianca]

I've heard that some if not most Tarantulas of the genus brachypelma are slow growers. I am about to purchase a 4" Auratum that I am told is 2 years old. I trust the seller completely but does this seem accurate/possible? I have an Auratum spiderling that I've had for almost a year and eats about once a week and he's barely an inch.

Any responses will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ph0bia]

It sounds likely. My Auratum is a slow grower also, but some of the molts are surprising how far they go. This spider will reach upwards of 6-7" but slows down a lot as it matures.

At lower sizes, the molts increase the spider more than later molts and they also come more frequently.

I'm assuming you know a fair amount about the species, but one thing I'll throw in that many don't know (same goes for B.smithi, but not sure about others) is that they love to bask, so feel free to pop a desk lamp or something near the enclosure for her to bask under and a piece of cork bark under this light and near the hide for her to bask on. =)

Enjoy what I think is one of the most beautiful spiders out there, and although mine was very skittish at first, I can now easily handle her and even stroke her legs softly when she's sat on my palms ^_^

 

[Widowman10]

my first thought, since you didn't mention sex, is that it might be a male. they are slow growers, and some do grow fast, but remember males are going to grow a little faster than females.

 

[Miss Bianca]

my first thought, since you didn't mention sex, is that it might be a male. they are slow growers, and some do grow fast, but remember males are going to grow a little faster than females.

its a female the one I am getting, and the one I have the sling, who knows..

your post confused me a little by the way, you stated that males grow slow and then you stated that males are going to grow faster than females...

 

[ph0bia]

When he says "They are slow growers", I think the 'They' is referring to B.auratum as a whole.

Males tend to mature in about 4-5 years, I believe?

 

[Miss Bianca]

thanks for the input..

I get it I get it.. but 4" in 2 years just seemed a bit... fast...

when I compare that growth of course to the one I've been raising for a year and is barely an inch!! :?

 

[testdasi]

What temp are you raising the sling in? And what food do you feed? And how often do you feed?

High temp = faster growth, more food variety = faster growth, more frequent feeding = faster growth.

Before you say something is growing fast/slow, you should answer the above 3 questions first. Otherwise, it's all speculation.

And ask the seller the same questions as well.

And why is age so important?

 

[Widowman10]

When he says "They are slow growers", I think the 'They' is referring to B.auratum as a whole.

Males tend to mature in about 4-5 years, I believe?

yes, thank you

 

[ftorres]

What temp are you raising the sling in? And what food do you feed? And how often do you feed?

High temp = faster growth, more food variety = faster growth, more frequent feeding = faster growth.

This is very true.

B vagans and B albopilosum grow faster than the other Brachys in my opinion.

But if you feed a lot and keep them at a higher temp you will get a big tarantula in a little time.

francisco