Fossorial species

[Shadow89]

i recently got my first T and I realized that I had gotten the wrong enclosure size (it’s a 6x6x8 in with about 2in of substrate with a top opening) for my B.vagans and I don’t want to go out and buy another cage and let the one I have collect dust. I was thinking about getting a fossorial species from my local pet store - not it’s not a chain these guys specialize in exotic pets - but I have no idea how to care for them or which one I should get. Idc if it’s a new world or old world but I would prefer a faster growing one.

Also I was gonna get a enclosure that would better suit the vagans; it has been known to climb up the walls at night

 

[EtienneN]

My favourite fossorial is H. pulchripes. It’s an Old World from South Africa and it only gets about 4.5” or so, so not super huge. It’s pretty ‘laid back’ for an OW too, I’ve never seen mine threat pose. They can be speedy so do rehousing either in a big plastic Rubbermade bin or the bathtub with a ring of olive oil around the upper sides and rim so the T can’t get purchase and escape. Granted, this is probably overkill for this species, but it sets good habits for when you get an OBT.

 

[lostbrane]

My immediate reaction is, be patient. Even if it collects dust it can find a new purpose in the future.

To be honest, that size of an enclosure wouldn’t house most fossorials for long, so you’d need to repurpose it again at some point.

Maybe a dwarf species?

 

[The Grym Reaper]

Look into Ephebopus, they're NW fossorials that don't get that large.

 

[StampFan]

My favourite fossorial is H. pulchripes. It’s an Old World from South Africa and it only gets about 4.5” or so, so not super huge. It’s pretty ‘laid back’ for an OW too, I’ve never seen mine threat pose. They can be speedy so do rehousing either in a big plastic Rubbermade bin or the bathtub with a ring of olive oil around the upper sides and rim so the T can’t get purchase and escape. Granted, this is probably overkill for this species, but it sets good habits for when you get an OBT.

Olive oil around the top of the enclosure? Really? I've never heard of this with a T. Are other people doing this? You'd think there could be some very, very negative consequences if it gets on the book lungs or elsewhere.

 

[Vanisher]

i recently got my first T and I realized that I had gotten the wrong enclosure size (it’s a 6x6x8 in with about 2in of substrate with a top opening) for my B.vagans and I don’t want to go out and buy another cage and let the one I have collect dust. I was thinking about getting a fossorial species from my local pet store - not it’s not a chain these guys specialize in exotic pets - but I have no idea how to care for them or which one I should get. Idc if it’s a new world or old world but I would prefer a faster growing one.

Also I was gonna get a enclosure that would better suit the vagans; it has been known to climb up the walls at night

One of my favourite fossorials is Ephebopus murinus. Gorgious spiders. Watch out though, they are highly defenssive for being NW tarantulas. But being fossorials, they rather retreat when disturbed. In fact, my immature specimen moulted today, but the excuvia is way down in its burrow, so i cant examin it

Olive oil around the top of the enclosure? Really? I've never heard of this with a T. Are other people doing this? You'd think there could be some very, very negative consequences if it gets on the book lungs or elsewhere.

I donnt think olive oil is something to recommend

 

[disentomb]

One of my favourite fossorials is Ephebopus murinus. Gorgious spiders. Watch out though, they are highly defenssive for being NW tarantulas. But being fossorials, they rather retreat when disturbed. In fact, my immature specimen moulted today, but the excuvia is way down in its burrow, so i cant examin it

Probably my favorite species based on looks - these things are stunning. But mine will definitely not hesitate to threat posture on me anytime I open the enclosure, haha! Regardless, I love this species to death and I would love to add some additional specimens to my collection!

 

[Vanisher]

Yes, they are a favourite of mine aswell! Really hope mine is female? I hope to breed this speicies

 

[EtienneN]

Where'd you get putting olive oil in the T enclosures guys? No, it doesn't hurt them because its just like a micro-thin layer right over the edge. I've never had a T actually try to go up and over, usually the run straight towards the other end of the tub and it's easy to just put a catch cup out in front. Some people actually use Vaseline to do this . I definitely don't recommend that, but I stand by my olive oil statement. It doesn't hurt the spiders. Can you do it without? Absolutely and I certainly don't go spray olive oil everywhere every time I have to transfer OW spiders. I've also heard some say that pure water works too, but I'm sceptical that would work, because they can climb wet enclosure walls...

I find the method of working in a giant plastic bin preferable to the bath. The sides are deeper for one, and for another, you can position yourself a lot better to see what is going on.

 

[viper69]

Olive oil around the top of the enclosure? Really? I've never heard of this with a T. Are other people doing this? You'd think there could be some very, very negative consequences if it gets on the book lungs or elsewhere.

1. Yes
2.Yes
3.Yes

Buried in the forum there should still be a thread on this many, many years ago.

 

[Mirandarachnid]

Olive oil around the top of the enclosure? Really? I've never heard of this with a T. Are other people doing this? You'd think there could be some very, very negative consequences if it gets on the book lungs or elsewhere.

I donnt think olive oil is something to recommend

I've used the olive oil method myself a couple times, no ill effects noticed over a year later. Like @EtienneN said, put a thin layer of oil around the lip of the larger tub you are doing the rehouse in, not the enclosure itself.