Beginner - dropped tarantula - inactive

[Caitlyn]

Please help! I just bought a tarantula, it was kinda' an impulse buy. When we went to the store the guy selling us the tarantula dropped her, he actually dropped two tarantulas when he was showing them to us. He dropped the tarantula all the way to the ground. I didn't really think much of it because I didn't know that could kill them at the time. Anyways, we brought the tarantula home (it's a 3-year-old zebra) and set up a cage for her. It's been about two hours and she's barely moved. She went straight to the water dish when we put her in and sat there until about 20 minutes ago when she walked a couple inches away. She's been moving her legs and fangs around occasionally, but nothing else. We put a cricket in there for her, but she hasn't tried to eat it, even when it was right at her face. The guy said he didn't know exactly the last time she ate but he estimated a little less than a week ago. I've poked her gently and she didn't react, even when I poked her front leg. Could there be something wrong with her or is this normal? I know barely anything about tarantulas.

 

[DanBsTs]

Can you see any fluids coming from the tarantula in question? That would be a dead giveaway. Also, pics of T and setup will help.

 

[Caitlyn]

Can you see any fluids coming from the tarantula in question? That would be a dead giveaway. Also, pics of T and setup will help.

There aren't any fluids coming out.

 

[boina]

A drop like that can easily lead to internal damage even if you don't see anything. You will have to wait it out. Since your tarantula may very well have internal injuries it is essential that she has exactly the right setup. It would be a really good idea if you could post a pic.

it's a 3-year-old zebra

I don't know who told you the tarantula is 3 years old but I very much doubt there's any truth to that. When it comes to tarantulas you don't deal in age you deal in leg span. So, how big is the spider in leg span? Also, what is a zebra? There are several different species of tarantula carrying the description 'zebra' somewhere in their common name. Whatever the species of tarantula you have determines how you need to set it up.

 

[Nightstalker47]

Never buy tarantulas from pet stores, they are the worst...I take it you understand not to handle after seeing that idiot drop two in front you.

I would do some research around here and look to purchase from reputable vendors in the future. You will receive healthier specimens and much better advice.

 

[Caitlyn]

A drop like that can easily lead to internal damage even if you don't see anything. You will have to wait it out. Since your tarantula may very well have internal injuries it is essential that she has exactly the right setup. It would be a really good idea if you could post a pic.



I don't know who told you the tarantula is 3 years old but I very much doubt there's any truth to that. When it comes to tarantulas you don't deal in age you deal in leg span. So, how big is the spider in leg span? Also, what is a zebra? There are several different species of tarantula carrying the description 'zebra' somewhere in their common name. Whatever the species of tarantula you have determines how you need to set it up.

I don't really know what the leg span is, I believe it is a Costa Rican zebra?

 

[boina]

I don't really know what the leg span is, I believe it is a Costa Rican zebra? View attachment 286631 View attachment 286632 View attachment 286633

Yep, that's Aphonopelma seemanni, or Costa Rican Zebra, and it looks fully adult - likely older than 3 years at that size. What it needs is pleanty of moist substrate and very good ventilation. Is that a kritter keeper? I'd add more substrate, pack it down well, and keep it continually moist, but not wet. The wooden hide is not the best choice. Sitting on moist substrate it'll mold like crazy. Now, a little mold doesn't harm anything, but you'll have more than a little mold in a very short while with that hide... I'd much rather get a hide made from cork bark.

Other than that you really need to give it time. Tarantulas need time to adjust to a new environment. I wouldn't bother her with food for a few days, maybe even a week or longer if she seems stressed. She doesn't look as if she's starving and tarantulas generally can go months without food.

 

[Nightstalker47]

Yep thats an A.seemanni, I would give this specimen much more substrate depth...they are avid burrowers even as adults.

 

[Caitlyn]

Yep, that's Aphonopelma seemanni, or Costa Rican Zebra, and it looks fully adult - likely older than 3 years at that size. What it needs is pleanty of moist substrate and very good ventilation. Is that a kritter keeper? I'd add more substrate, pack it down well, and keep it continually moist, but not wet. The wooden hide is not the best choice. Sitting on moist substrate it'll mold like crazy. Now, a little mold doesn't harm anything, but you'll have more than a little mold in a very short while with that hide... I'd much rather get a hide made from cork bark.

Other than that you really need to give it time. Tarantulas need time to adjust to a new environment. I wouldn't bother her with food for a few days, maybe even a week or longer if she seems stressed. She doesn't look as if she's starving and tarantulas generally can go months without food.

Alright I added more substrate, she has about 3 inches of substrate now, I also took out the cricket that was in there. The cage is a kritter keeper. She's gone into the hide now.

 

[boina]

about 3 inches of substrate now

Uh...that's the absolute bare minimum... or not even that. This is a burrowing species, meaning she'll want to dig a burrow where she'll have some dirt above her head... How's she going to do that? Mine has a good 6" of substrate.

 

[Caitlyn]

Uh...that's the absolute bare minimum... or not even that. This is a burrowing species, meaning she'll want to dig a burrow where she'll have some dirt above her head... How's she going to do that? Mine has a good 6" of substrate.

Okay, I've added the rest of the substrate I have, it's four inches now. Should I run out and get more or will that suffice for tonight?

 

[Greasylake]

Okay, I've added the rest of the substrate I have, it's four inches now. Should I run out and get more or will that suffice for tonight?

It'll be fine temporarily. Personally I wouldn't make any more changes until I actually knew if the spider was going to recover, just so I didn't end up wasting my time.

 

[boina]

Okay, I've added the rest of the substrate I have, it's four inches now. Should I run out and get more or will that suffice for tonight?

Of course that will suffice for now .

 

[Greasylake]

Also if it doesnt make it then definitely take it back to the store. If they don't give you a refund I'll be very surprised.

 

[miss moxie]

If the T doesn't appear to be bleeding, I'd leave her be. These creatures aren't like dogs that need to eat all the time. Letting her settle in for a week before trying again won't hurt her at all. Keep her water dish filled and don't poke at her anymore. You added more substrate, which was the correct thing to do, but it also 'resets' her familiarity with her surroundings. She's gotta make herself at home once again.

 

[Crone Returns]

I don't really know what the leg span is, I believe it is a Costa Rican zebra? View attachment 286631 View attachment 286632 View attachment 286633

If that T and you are veeery lucky, she may be stunned, plus you put her in a new home.
I didn't see any ruptures, but yes, there could be internal bleeding. If she dies, her legs will curl underneath her. Please just leave her alone, keep her waterdish full.
And wait, be patient.

And I agree that she needs at least 6" of substrate .
You know we have really nice people here who'll sell you a wonderful specimen. Yes, it'll be expensive, but I can guarantee that they'll not drop their specimens.
Stick around and you'll learn!
Welcome to ABs!

 

[Teal]

This post makes me incredibly sad. Tarantulas should not be handled. If your spider survives, I would consider yourself incredibly lucky. People have had Ts that died from a fall within an enclosure that was too tall... 10" or so... let alone many feet onto a hard floor.

Your enclosure will do for now, but I personally think it is too small with too little substrate (yes, I read all the comments... 4" is still not nearly enough).

 

[viper69]

1. Return the tarantula- you have received a potentially damaged animal- such a long drink suggests 1. Dehydrated a bit 2. Bleeding
2. Impulse buys are not smart decisions at all.
3. It's good you are trying to do better by coming here, but you are better off returning the animal, doing research, asking questions, THEN buying when you are prepared.
4. If you keep it, that container is TOO small.

When someone drops a baby, people take notice. Dropping a tarantula, "here you go, it's in fine condition, I'll take your money now"

 

[FrDoc]

If the T doesn't appear to be bleeding, I'd leave her be. These creatures aren't like dogs that need to eat all the time. Letting her settle in for a week before trying again won't hurt her at all. Keep her water dish filled and don't poke at her anymore. You added more substrate, which was the correct thing to do, but it also 'resets' her familiarity with her surroundings. She's gotta make herself at home once again.

I digress. @miss moxie I am delighted to see you posting again regularly!

 

[miss moxie]

I digress. @miss moxie I am delighted to see you posting again regularly!

This is what I do. I disappear for a while and return specifically so people will tell me how much they missed me. It is the only time I feel alive.