Concerned about refusing food

[gbbeaut24]

I have a 7 year old GBB and I’m wondering when to be concerned about refusing food. How long is normal/Ok? I make sure there’s water in the enclosure.
I feed Dubias. I would usually know he was hungry when he’d poke just his little palps outside of his hideout, drop the roach in there and he goes for it.
Lately, He will sometimes react to the food when I drop it in there (come out a little/put his front legs on it and hold it there) but then backs out. It has probably been about a year since he’s eaten.

 

[darkness975]

I have a 7 year old GBB and I’m wondering when to be concerned about refusing food. How long is normal/Ok? I make sure there’s water in the enclosure.
I feed Dubias. I would usually know he was hungry when he’d poke just his little palps outside of his hideout, drop the roach in there and he goes for it.
Lately, He will sometimes react to the food when I drop it in there (come out a little/put his front legs on it and hold it there) but then backs out. It has probably been about a year since he’s eaten.

What is the abdomen size?
Is it a confirmed male?
Post pictures of the enclosure.

 

[Smotzer]

Agree with @darkness975 above.

But I’ll add that you generally never need to worry about a tarantula not eating, if all else is normal.

Has it eaten since a molt?

 

[viper69]

I have a 7 year old GBB and I’m wondering when to be concerned about refusing food. How long is normal/Ok? I make sure there’s water in the enclosure.
I feed Dubias. I would usually know he was hungry when he’d poke just his little palps outside of his hideout, drop the roach in there and he goes for it.
Lately, He will sometimes react to the food when I drop it in there (come out a little/put his front legs on it and hold it there) but then backs out. It has probably been about a year since he’s eaten.

I've raised several, including AFs.

1. Generally- never, though as they get older they eat less
2. There is no normal, we each feed our Ts differently, and at different temps- I always make sure there is water. You have to judge on your own. If you have owned your T for 7 yrs you will know its behavior better than anyone here because YOU own it.

If confirmed male- then this is why it is not eating.

 

[gbbeaut24]

Here are enclosure photos, can’t get a good one of his abdomen currently but, it’s definitely less “plump” than it has been. I’m almost certain it’s a male. I checked a couple of molts and each time when compared to some pics on here there’s no spermathecae or pouch, just a line. He has eaten since the last molt, it was a WHILE ago- probably 2 years.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

View attachment 463084 View attachment 463085
Here are enclosure photos, can’t get a good one of his abdomen currently but, it’s definitely less “plump” than it has been. I’m almost certain it’s a male. I checked a couple of molts and each time when compared to some pics on here there’s no spermathecae or pouch, just a line. He has eaten since the last molt, it was a WHILE ago- probably 2 years.

Yeah but is it a sub adult or mature male?? Huge difference one eats a lot more.

 

[gbbeaut24]

Yeah but is it a sub adult or mature male?? Huge difference one eats a lot more.

Mature, I’ve had him since a teeny sling the size of my thumbnail 7 years ago

 

[Smotzer]

Some mature males will never eat again so that’s also normal.

 

[gbbeaut24]

Some mature males will never eat again so that’s also normal.

Thank you, this makes me feel a little….better. So, if it’s potentially normal that at this stage in life may never eat again- do I just not offer? Should I continue to offer if it seems like he’s waiting and then just remove it once he backs out (like I’ve been doing)
Any idea how long this could go on for

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Thank you, this makes me feel a little….better. So, if it’s potentially normal that at this stage in life may never eat again- do I just not offer? Should I continue to offer if it seems like he’s waiting and then just remove it once he backs out (like I’ve been doing)
Any idea how long this could go on for

I’ve had some that eat until there last month or two and others stop much earlier .

 

[darkness975]

Thank you, this makes me feel a little….better. So, if it’s potentially normal that at this stage in life may never eat again- do I just not offer? Should I continue to offer if it seems like he’s waiting and then just remove it once he backs out (like I’ve been doing)
Any idea how long this could go on for

You can offer. But don't be surprised if it refuses food. Mature males only have one thing on their mind.

 

[gbbeaut24]

Update: He’s actually walking around today which has been a while..is the white stuff around his mouth parts ok?? Photo attached. I’ve read about fungus and things that could cause them not to eat

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Update: He’s actually walking around today which has been a while..is the white stuff around his mouth parts ok?? Photo attached. I’ve read about fungus and things that could cause them not to eat

It could be poop the spider looks plump enough. I wouldn’t worry about feeding it for a while..