Deformed Fang

[SpaceyJack]

Bought this Aphonopelma michoacan last week but only whilst feeding her yesterday did I notice one of her fangs sticks out. I’ve observed her for a bit and it’s definitely stuck in this position, she’s not just sticking it out for a short while. She didn’t eat when I fed her yesterday which concerns me but she does seem to be in premolt so that could also be why she didn’t eat. I don’t know if this is something she’s always had or if she had a problem after her last molt. Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar thing happen with their tarantula and if they were okay?

 

[fcat]

Poor baby. I've had two broken fangs on a small Aphonopelma sling but luckily I didn't have to wait long for a molt.

Honestly I wouldn't be too concerned about not being able to eat before it molts again. I would however be celebrating the next molt going off without a hitch. They aren't bent at a 90 degree angle where they would be more inclined to get stuck, but whatever was compromised for them to take that positioning or shape could create a snag when it comes time to free herself from the exuvia there.

Lots of first hand accounts here, might as well spend the long time before she has molting reading up so you can be prepared for every case scenario.

Is she otherwise behaving normally? No difficulty walking?

 

[viper69]

Take time ie another molt to maybe go back normal

 

[TheraMygale]

Keep an eye. Offer prekilled every now and then until the molt.

If she got that big, she had to have been eating… unless fat enough to get to another molt.

Watch for hydration: she will need enough fluids for her next molt. Regenerating a fang is more then just a leg.

A big water bowl, and somewhere in the enclosure where there is moist substrate, and maybe a plastic leaf with water on it. In case she doesnt take to the water bowl.

If her fang is stressing her, prekilled is good. Go for softer feeders. Freshly molted too. Fat juicy hornworms and such. Less stress on the fangs. Easier to bite into.

Make sure you keep close eye on the molting process. If you spot struggle, youll be quicker to assist with moisture if needed. And read @boina’s info on stuck molts. I will try to find it for you.

Tarantula Stuck in Its Molt? Look Here for Advice

Tarantulas sometimes get stuck during molting – it happens, nobody really knows why. Accordingly there are a lot of threads that go “Help, my tarantula is stuck, what should I do?” More often than not the advice is to do nothing because ‘the tarantula knows best how to be a tarantula’. I think...

arachnoboards.com

This way, you will be more then prepared. In case of in cases of. And you won’t be stressed because youll know the limit of what can be done.

 

[Konstantin Konstantinov]

Hi
I had LP with dislocated fang very similar to your case.She injured herself during a slip and fall while testing the lid of the enclosure even with the little height the enclosure had.She still managed to eat prekilled using just one fang.It will correct itself after next moult. Fingers crossed it all goes well for you.
Regards Konstantin

 

[Brewser]

Welcome to Arachnoboards,
This shouldn't effect ability to Hunt & Eat to the point of starvation.
Here's to a Successful Future Molt, resulting in corrected fang placement. and a Healthy Smile.
Best Regards,

 

[TheraMygale]

Hello fellow member, any news on your tarantula?