Brachypelma Smithi Questions

Michael Morgan

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Apr 4, 2017
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Hey everyone. I acquired a Brachypelma smithi sling abfew months ago. It molted on January 21st of this year and everything went well. It was eating fairly regularly for a few weeks and then just stopped. It hasn't eaten for about a month now. Its opisthosoma is still pretty plump but it hasn't lost any of its hairs. Should I be worried? Does anyone know whether or not it could be fasting instead?
 

EulersK

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Simply not hungry. A month isn't really much to bat an eye at, I wouldn't even call that a fast.

Losing setae ("hairs") is not a sign of premolt - that's a myth. What size is it? Their growth rate slows down significantly and they begin to display that infamous fasting at roughly 2". A picture would help (as always), but I'm sure you're perfectly fine. Just be sure to keep a full water dish, they'll continue to drink even when they're not eating.
 

nicodimus22

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B. smithi (and most desert species) can go for a very long time with no food. It could be full, or in pre-molt. This is normal. Keep the water topped off, and offer it food every couple of weeks in case it gets hungry.
 

viper69

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Make sure you have a bowl of fresh water there! Even slings and ADULTS with FAT abdomens will drink water. You can never predict when a T will drink even when the abdomen is large and plump looking.
 

darkness975

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Keep in mind that slings molt far more frequently than adults so it could just be gearing up for the next molt.

As others have said keep a full water dish in there.

Also, please post some pictures of the spider and its enclosure.
 

Michael Morgan

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Thanks everyone. This is my first tarantula so I don't want to inadverdently harm it so I really appreciate the advice. I didn't want to out a water dish in the enclosure because I'm afraid its too small and will drown. I've been putting a few drops of water directly onto the substrate every few days instead
 

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EulersK

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Thanks everyone. This is my first tarantula so I don't want to inadverdently harm it so I really appreciate the advice. I didn't want to out a water dish in the enclosure because I'm afraid its too small and will drown. I've been putting a few drops of water directly onto the substrate every few days instead
Well, slings can't drown (they float), but great setup you have there! I usually don't offer a water dish at that size either, just because it's a bit of a hassle. I lightly spritz the side of the enclosure for drinking water every other day or so. Many people offer water dishes. Pick your flavor.

But yeah. Premolt.
 

Michael Morgan

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Well, slings can't drown (they float), but great setup you have there! I usually don't offer a water dish at that size either, just because it's a bit of a hassle. I lightly spritz the side of the enclosure for drinking water every other day or so. Many people offer water dishes. Pick your flavor.

But yeah. Premolt.
Right on thanks!
 

Kayti

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My B. Smithi loves it when I mist water, and I also keep a shallow dish. She's in a 29gal enclosure by herself and she LOVES the extra space. She makes webbing around her den, but has a separate sunning spot, and she just felt great enough to molt. She finally came out today!! Loving this extra space. :)

Also, I put about 1 cricket every 2 weeks in there with her. She'll eat when she's hungry. If the cricket is still in there, I wait. Don't overfeed, because other animals cause undue stress. Also, no need to worry if they don't move/eat for a long time. B. Smithi's can go for 6mo without food/water, but it's not recommended.
 

D Sherlod

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If you have a small piece of Lego or a house from monopoly game ... turn it over.... presto perfect water dish.
 

Nightstalker47

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My B. Smithi loves it when I mist water, and I also keep a shallow dish. She's in a 29gal enclosure by herself and she LOVES the extra space. She makes webbing around her den, but has a separate sunning spot, and she just felt great enough to molt. She finally came out today!! Loving this extra space.
What do you mean by sunning spot, do you have a heat lamp in there?

Also your B.smithi may appreciate some extra moisture but misting isn't necessary, just over fill the water dish once in a while.
 

cold blood

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My B. Smithi loves it when I mist water, and I also keep a shallow dish. She's in a 29gal enclosure by herself and she LOVES the extra space. She makes webbing around her den, but has a separate sunning spot, and she just felt great enough to molt. She finally came out today!! Loving this extra space. :)

Also, I put about 1 cricket every 2 weeks in there with her. She'll eat when she's hungry. If the cricket is still in there, I wait. Don't overfeed, because other animals cause undue stress. Also, no need to worry if they don't move/eat for a long time. B. Smithi's can go for 6mo without food/water, but it's not recommended.
**face palm**
 

Michael Morgan

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Thanks everyone! She molted successfully a few weeks ago and now she's getting nice and fat. I'm thinking about rehousing her soon but I'm not sure about what container to use. I have some 8 oz. deli cups around but I think they might be a little too shallow. Any suggestions?
 

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Haemus

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Thanks everyone! She molted successfully a few weeks ago and now she's getting nice and fat. I'm thinking about rehousing her soon but I'm not sure about what container to use. I have some 8 oz. deli cups around but I think they might be a little too shallow. Any suggestions?
I agree with your assessment, 8 oz is a touch short. I'd keep it in a 16 oz, and just keep the substrate level higher. Should give you ample room for a water dish and a hide :)
 

cold blood

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Thanks everyone! She molted successfully a few weeks ago and now she's getting nice and fat. I'm thinking about rehousing her soon but I'm not sure about what container to use. I have some 8 oz. deli cups around but I think they might be a little too shallow. Any suggestions?

16oz deli...keep it like this.
 
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