Dead juvenile p metallica

[jcast]

So this happened a while ago and I was pretty bummed out when it happened, I had recently gotten a p Metallica from a convention , it was maybe 1/2”-3/4” and I had kept it fine for about 4 months, I got it when it was probably maybe an inch, it molted twice I believe, and one day I found it dead(it hadn’t molted recently) there was no enclosure probably, I had cork bark for it to climb on an the enclosure was considerably tall and it was web pockets in the ceiling like an avic would, but I saw it dug itself into the ground and was just dead. It’s legs were transparent and I carefully emptied the dirt o ur of the enclosure and found nothing, so I know it wasn’t a molt, and the carapace was attached fine so I don’t think it was a failed molt. Can someone help me so I don’t make this mistake again, I’ve been scared since then to take care of smaller t’s

 

[Ratmosphere]

Could you post some pics of the setup?

 

[jcast]

So since it’s been so long I don’t have all the same stuff in the enclosure, however most of the bottom half was filled with moss and coconut soil and a small cork bark the reached pretty into the enclosure, the file of the pic of the enclosure was too big but it was a tarantula cribs small arboreal enclosure, the top half is attached with magnets

 

[Brewser]

Was there Water ?

 

[jcast]

There was no water bowl but I made sure the put water in the webs regularly

 

[NMTs]

This could have been caused by any number of things, really - hard to say exactly what without seeing the setup and knowing a lot more about your husbandry. It could also have nothing to do with you doing something "wrong" - sometimes spiders die for reasons completely out of our control...

All you can really do at this point is research proper care for the species and make sure your husbandry is dialed in when you try again. But you should definitely try again!

 

[jcast]

I saved up to get another p Melina afterwards that was a bit bigger since I figured the previous one died because it was smaller and I didnt know how to take care of slings. This one was about 1 1/2” when I got it, if I had to guess it’s 2 1/2” now

 

[NMTs]

View attachment 493942
I saved up to get another p Melina afterwards that was a bit bigger since I figured the previous one died because it was smaller and I didnt know how to take care of slings. This one was about 1 1/2” when I got it, if I had to guess it’s 2 1/2” now

Good - sounds like you're figuring it out! I will say, that's a tall enclosure with a lot of vertical space that you aren't really using. I would get another long piece of cork that goes up almost to the top, just to give your T more cover up there. Also, add a water dish. Even if you put water in the web, there should always be a dish for it to drink from whenever it needs to.

 

[jcast]

I couldn’t get a good picture, but basically this is what it looks likes now, rarely comes out, runs inside when I walk in the room

 

[Requiem4aSpleen]

My pokies are very hardy, but they kind of tell you when they need some moisture. When I check on my T's I can see a noticeable drop in the water level. They mainly use the dish as a dumpster but I have caught them drinking. I think providing water is the best thing you can do because you can eliminate some husbandry flukes just from that alone. Especially when their approaching premolt, I see mine floating above the dish wanting some moisture. May not be for drinking but they appreciate it.

I've heard people being successful without providing a dish, but to me it's too risky.

 

[jcast]

This is all I could manage without taking him out, there’s a water bowl now but I don’t have anything smaller for him and since he’s been through a lot of stress today I’ll probably rearrange the cork bark better for him in a few days

 

[Kada]

My suggestion is, fill in the upper space better. Doesn't have to be cork, Metallica doesn't need a lot of moisture, and so a lot of woods won't have mold issues.

If that were my tank I would put in a nice chunk of wood (from the bottom up to near the top. Not sticks, wide, big ol chunks. Something it can have a proper dark space and make a retreat in. Fill in way more substrate. Currently my setups for this species are around 15ish cm depth. And of course, always a water dish.

It's important in my opinion. To have wood and such placed in first, right to the bottom. This prevents a tunnel collapse when they dig. And p. Metallica will dig despite also being arboreal. I find mine are all happy making a tunnel in a tight dark spot, and build web upward. Exactly what one might expect from a rotten tree hole dwelling species.

For me it would be a complete enclosure redesign. I feel it's better just to stress the spider out once. Rather than break up the work over days. I would gather all materials and just face the fact the spider is going to be stressed while cage construction happens. But only once. Once setup, it can settle in, dig, web etc and no need to worry any further.

 

[Introvertebrate]

.......................They mainly use the dish as a dumpster........................

Does that ever concern you? Those boluses start making the water nasty after a while. Taking the bowl out and washing it is not always practical. Not if she stays outside of her hide.

 

[Requiem4aSpleen]

Does that ever concern you? Those boluses start making the water nasty after a while. Taking the bowl out and washing it is not always practical. Not if she stays outside of her hide.

I use disposable cups, so i can throw them out after.

Most of my issues with my Ts not retreating have been the result of something dumb i did. My P met was out alot when she was young, I still see her. But not often.

My best advice is providing a dish you can grab quick with some tongs. Ceramic dishes are hard to grip and a pain to clean.

 

[Introvertebrate]

Thanks. I opened the lid but lost my nerve. I keep thinking she may make a run for it. That wouldn’t be the end of the world, but my room has too many hiding places. She’s a P. ornata by the way.

 

[Requiem4aSpleen]

Thanks. I opened the lid but lost my nerve. I keep thinking she may make a run for it. That wouldn’t be the end of the world, but my room has too many hiding places. She’s a P. ornata by the way.

Lol. I can't get an Ornata unfortunately. Their not too bad, you'll be good. 50% of pokie bites are dry bites. Not to say be whimsical but your chances of being bitten are low compared to other OW's.

 

[Introvertebrate]

Lol. I can't get an Ornata unfortunately. Their not too bad, you'll be good. 50% of pokie bites are dry bites. Not to say be whimsical but your chances of being bitten are low compared to other OW's.

Thanks. The seller was right here in my hometown. I guess you can still get ornatas as long as you don't smuggle them across the state line.