Cleaning a burrowing T.'s enclosure. Help!

Reptiloso

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jan 3, 2011
Messages
19
I have a 4th or 5th instar Puerto Rican Pygmy T. (not sure, she's wild caught, got her when she was barely a hatchling) that has been underground for some time now (she did eat quite well some time before her last molt, which was about a week and a half ago). I want to clean up and "remodel" her enclosure, but i'm concerned that i'll harm her in some way. Would it be ok if i just carefully dug her up with a soft plastic spoon? Need recommendations!
 

shanebp

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Dec 14, 2009
Messages
353
You could create the new enclosure and then move your tarantula :)
 

codykrr

Arachnoking
Old Timer
Joined
Sep 22, 2008
Messages
3,112
unless its outgrown its current enclosure, I wouldnt move it at all. just leave it be.
 

gmrpnk21

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Nov 1, 2010
Messages
319
If you know where she is, carefully dig her out or lure her with food into a catch cup.
 

Reptiloso

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jan 3, 2011
Messages
19
the thing is, i'm not gonna move her into a new enclosure, i just wanna clean out and refit the one she's in
 

Bosing

Arachnoangel
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 16, 2007
Messages
891
What I do is I scoop the substrate out slowly, move the T in a temporary tank and clean the enclosure. Put the new substrate in, and reintroduce the T. It should be happy afterwards. =)
 

jonnyquong

Arachnosquire
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 20, 2008
Messages
138
For stubborn burrowers, I slowly flood the container with water if I feel I really need to get them out. No digging, and little to no chance of hurting the spider. :D
 

Reptiloso

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jan 3, 2011
Messages
19
Here's some pics of the PR pygmy. As i said, its been about 2 weeks now since she molted. Do you think the enclosure is right for her? Should i consider adding a bottlecap for water at this stage?


 

KoriTamashii

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Nov 21, 2009
Messages
419
No need for a water dish just yet. Just keep a corner of the sub really moist and she'll do just fine.

No need to disturb her until a couple more molts down the road. :)
 
Top