Finally got my first T! (Brachypelma emilia) But does the enclosure seem too big?

baileyy

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jun 12, 2023
Messages
5
Got this adorable little guy or gal (hopefully gal) yesterday. When I put her in the enclosure, I thought she maybe seemed a little small for it. This enclosure is 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 4 7/16". I do have a T Cribs 3x3 cube coming though.. should I re-house her in that when it comes? Also, do the ventilation holes seem too big? Screenshot_20230629_073415_Gallery.jpg 20230628_195049.jpg 20230629_091613.jpg
 

Cmac2111

Arachnomac
Arachnosupporter
Joined
Jan 23, 2021
Messages
150
If the spider's carapace can fit through the ventilation holes then it can escape, if not then its fine. The enclosure has a lot of clutter, giving its food more chances to get lost, and there's a chance in this setup that the sling may be hard to keep track of, especially if it burrows away down into the sub you might not see it for ages. Setups similar to the image below are best for small slow growing terrestrial slings IMO as they will adopt the entire enclosure as their 'burrow' (rather than digging one out for themselves in a vast enclosure), meaning better eating and faster growth rates. Meanwhile, you'll be able to monitor the spider's condition at all times. Deli cup, a little bit of sub, water dish... all I ever use for slower growing terrestrial slings.

IMG_0472 | Arachnoboards
 
Last edited:

TechnoGeek

Arachnosquire
Joined
Aug 13, 2019
Messages
125
First of all, congrats and B emilia is a great choice for your first T.

As for enclosure size, it's defo bigger than what I would use, especially for a slow grower. It's fine but just make sure you squeeze feeders before dropping them right in front of your T cause if they escape the T will be hard pressed to find them.
 

fq314

Arachnosquire
Joined
Jun 25, 2023
Messages
60
Welcome to the hobby! I wouldn’t worry too much about the size, just as long as it can’t escape.
 

baileyy

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jun 12, 2023
Messages
5
First of all, congrats and B emilia is a great choice for your first T.

As for enclosure size, it's defo bigger than what I would use, especially for a slow grower. It's fine but just make sure you squeeze feeders before dropping them right in front of your T cause if they escape the T will be hard pressed to find them.
Thanks! I'm planning now on switching to the 3x3 when it comes. I may try feeding tomorrow.. I have some super small mealworms from breeding them. I'll make sure to disable them so my T can get it easier.
 

baileyy

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jun 12, 2023
Messages
5
Welcome to the hobby! I wouldn’t worry too much about the size, just as long as it can’t escape.
Thank you! And I looked at the carapace and it looks like it's quite a bit bigger than the holes. So I think I'll be good. I also used the same size drill bit that tarantula cribs uses for their sling enclosures.
 

viper69

ArachnoGod
Old Timer
Joined
Dec 8, 2006
Messages
18,549
Got this adorable little guy or gal (hopefully gal) yesterday. When I put her in the enclosure, I thought she maybe seemed a little small for it. This enclosure is 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 4 7/16". I do have a T Cribs 3x3 cube coming though.. should I re-house her in that when it comes? Also, do the ventilation holes seem too big? View attachment 448745 View attachment 448746 View attachment 448747
thanks for the damn circle!!! 😎 so many don’t do that!!

nice design

too large for me, also the hide is a cavern

I keep slings of that size in something smaller than a 16oz deli cup, like a large condiment cup
 

Dementeddoll

Arachnoknight
Joined
Nov 25, 2016
Messages
173
Definitely deli cups when they’re too tiny. Makes it easier and since it’s a docile species rehousing shouldn’t be a hassle or worry at all.
 

Tarantulasareanimalstoo

Arachnosquire
Active Member
Joined
May 2, 2023
Messages
85
“If the spider's carapace can fit through the ventilation holes then it can escape, if not then it’s fine.”
Interesting I heard that it was fine as long as the abdomen could not fit through the hole but I guess better safe than sorry.
Also I’ve heard about slings chewing through a deli cup before. I guess it depends on thickness of the plastic, so personally if I have money to spend I’ll buy a T crib but if not I’m sure I could find something. I have heard about small pieces of tubaware containers being thick enough, thoughts on that?
 

IntermittentSygnal

Arachnotic
Arachnosupporter +
Joined
Aug 7, 2022
Messages
987
16oz deli cup is approx 4.5”diameter by *3” tall. OP already has a 3x3 square enclosure.
 
Top