Could the Worm be too big?

[EpicEpic]

I have 2 slings.

One of them is a scavenger. The other one is 3/4" and takes down juvenile crickets no problem and within a few seconds.

Today, all I had is some mealworms. Found one of the smaller ones...probably same size as the slings DLS, and squished its head, its moving around some but the sling is showing no interest.

I know it COULD be in premolt (no signs)/just not hungry

I also know might not like mealies, since this was first try with one.

If he doesn't take it In a couple hours ill remove it but...

Do you think the mealworm is too big for the T?

I found the smallest one I could find and didn't want to dice it up because it's used to eating live prey.

 

[UtilityTurkey]

Generally you don't want to offer prey items that are larger than the T's abdomen. If it's hungry though it will scavenge pretty fast, even if it's never seen a mealworm before. Now that being said, I've seen tiny T's take down mealworms and superworms much larger than them, it can be pretty funny to watch them battle and I think they get a kick out of it.

 

[EpicEpic]

Generally you don't want to offer prey items that are larger than the T's abdomen. If it's hungry though it will scavenge pretty fast, even if it's never seen a mealworm before. Now that being said, I've seen tiny T's take down mealworms and superworms much larger than them, it can be pretty funny to watch them battle and I think they get a kick out of it.

The spider is just passing by it as if its not there. Even though the worm with the crushed head still has some wiggle to it. It had two nice sized crickets within the past 12 days so I'm not too worried. Whatever the case....this won't "scar" the T, right? Lol!

 

[viper69]

I can't see the mealworm.

 

[EpicEpic]

I can't see the mealworm.

I know you LOVE pics Viper

But the container its in makes for shoddy pictures.

The spider is 3/4". The mealworm is 3/4". The spiders abdomen is 2-3x as thick as the worm.

Please try and use your imagination this one time. Would appreciate it. Not trying to be snarky at all.

Leaving them alone for a while to see if s/he goes after it but so far s/he's walked past the wiggly worm a couple times and nothing. s/he usually snaps good sized crickets right up.

 

[CJJon]

I've found that most hungry T's that are taking live food will at least try and take a worm when hungry. I've seen some give up on a worm that is too big and others fight like crazy.

I say take it out. Assuming that it's a plump sling. Pics (or better description) needed.

 

[EpicEpic]

I've found that most hungry T's that are taking live food will at least try and take a worm when hungry. I've seen some give up on a worm that is too big and others fight like crazy.

I say take it out. Assuming that it's a plump sling. Pics (or better description) needed.

Its plump. As a matter of fact, a week ago after its last cricket it was SUPER plump. Thats why I waited a week for it to go down some. It didn't even try to tackle the worm. Even though it passed by it a couple times. Since its head is squished I'd figure I'd leave it in a couple of hours. Without a picture....what other description would you be looking for? Thanks!

The picture I added was it from 7 days ago.

Its noticeably less plump now lol but still looking healthy!

I can't see the mealworm.

Had stepped out for a few. This is the best pic I can get of both the spider and mealworm. Thanks Viper.

I've found that most hungry T's that are taking live food will at least try and take a worm when hungry. I've seen some give up on a worm that is too big and others fight like crazy.

I say take it out. Assuming that it's a plump sling. Pics (or better description) needed.

Here. I actually got a pic of both the spider and mealie. Best I could do.

 

[CJJon]

Daayyuuuum! Baby got back!

That is one plump sling. The worm is too big though.

 

[EpicEpic]

Daayyuuuum! Baby got back!

That is one plump sling. The worm is too big though.

Hahaha! I actually added a pic of the spider/mealworm. Not sure if you saw it. Its definitely not that plump now.

 

[CJJon]

Hahaha! I actually added a pic if the spider/mealworm. Not sure if you saw it. Its definitely not that plump now.

I did...still a little plumper!

 

[viper69]

Here. I actually got a pic of both the spider and mealie. Best I could do.

All specimens/species are different.

1. That T is plump
2. Some species/specimens at that size, won't take a prey item that large.

 

[EpicEpic]

All specimens/species are different.

1. That T is plump
2. Some species/specimens at that size, won't take a prey item that large.

Thank you very much for your everlasting advice! I assure you it will not go to waste as every question adds to my repertoire of knowledge. I removed the worm, and will try with a cricket in another couple days. I appreciate everything you do for this forum Viper!

Thank you @CJJon as well!!

 

[cold blood]

Not sure why its become so common for keepers to give their slings whole mealworms, its like giving your dog a side of beef instead of a chunk of it.

Just give slings 1/4-1/2 of a mealworm....there's no logical reason to offer such large prey to a sling...especially considering 1/2 of the mealworm would stil be a huge meal for the little thing.

 

[EpicEpic]

Not sure why its become so common for keepers to give their slings whole mealworms, its like giving your dog a side of beef instead of a chunk of it.

Just give slings 1/4-1/2 of a mealworm....there's no logical reason to offer such large prey to a sling...especially considering 1/2 of the mealworm would stil be a huge meal for the little thing.

Thanks for chiming in. I can only speak for myself. I gave it a whole mealie with a squished head only because Its first 2 feeds with me were live crickets and didn't think it would take to dead prey. Lesson learned. It shouldn't have a problem going back to the crickets I know it loves right? Unless it's in pre-molt ofcourse. Is that correct?

 

[cold blood]

ts are opportunistic, they eat anything they can basically...its exceedingly uncommon for most species to be picky about what they eat....and they all scavenge, it doesn't matter if they are taking live prey as well.

Another note, fat ts, even slings, do not require food, just time to get ready to molt. So if its fat like it is, food should be of the very lowest priority...worry more about keeping the water dish filled.

 

[EpicEpic]

ts are opportunistic, they eat anything they can basically...its exceedingly uncommon for most species to be picky about what they eat....and they all scavenge, it doesn't matter if they are taking live prey as well.

Another note, fat ts, even slings, do not require food, just time to get ready to molt. So if its fat like it is, food should be of the very lowest priority...worry more about keeping the water dish filled.

I actually don't have water bowls In either of their containers. I was told that slings this small just need damp enclosures. I've even looked it up here on the forum. Is that old/unreliable info or is it a preference?

 

[UtilityTurkey]

I actually don't have water bowls In either of their containers. I was told that slings this small just need damp enclosures. I've even looked it up here on the forum. Is that old/unreliable info or is it a preference?

I know it's common for people to not use water dishes but IMO it's not worth taking the risk. As soon as my slings are big enough for deli containers, I also give them a bottle cap waterdish. More often than not they just use it as a toilet, but I feel better knowing it's there.

 

[SC Tarantulas]

That fat little sling can roll into its next molt cycle without eating anything else. I'd pull the food.
As for feeding large prey. Just cut it up and offer an appropriately sized piece.

 

[cold blood]

I dont use water dishes with the smallest slings, but its only because my housing is too small to accomodate one....that said, its easier for an experienced keeper to go without a dish and just keep part of the sub damp.

As a general rule, if you can fit a dish, its a good idea to add one....but if theres not ample room, its fine to just keep the sub damp.

Water dishes do not provide any risk.

 

[EpicEpic]

I dont use water dishes with the smallest slings, but its only because my housing is too small to accomodate one....that said, its easier for an experienced keeper to go without a dish and just keep part of the sub damp.

As a general rule, if you can fit a dish, its a good idea to add one....but if theres not ample room, its fine to just keep the sub damp.

Water dishes do not provide any risk.

The smallest thing I have is water bottle caps. Do you think that would be a better way to go then keeping part of the substrate damp like I'm currently doing?

The slings are 1/2" and 3/4" but I could fit a cap into each of their enclosures as they are 3" squares that came with my order.

Also I know this is off topic but not to start a new thread....a local breeder has a species im interested in. The A. geniculata we spoke about last night!....he has 1 left but says it is in premolt. Its only a 15 min drive away but would obviously need rehousing. How do you feel about that?

Thanks again!