Hi All
I just wanted to get a few opinions on my enclosures and substrate, as well as ask a question or two. Both enclosures are identical and measure roughly 30cm (12") across their widest side.
First off, my Lividum (Electra) on the side of her enclosure:
The enclosure itself:
As a few people suggested, I plan on significantly increasing her substrate level so that she is free to burrow as deep as she likes. What she currently has won't suffice when she gets bigger. I'm not sure where I can buy nice, clean substrate sans additives here though, so I will look around.
She also hasn't bothered eating for a week or two, and has taken to sealing herself off in her burrow with a light webbing, which means crickets can't get in anyway. Anyhow, I've taken to offering a cricket every second day or so, since they're a pain to get out of the tank if she doesn't eat them.
Otherwise, she seems a healthy specimen. I was informed that she was only around half a year old by the pet store, but clearly she's quite a bit older! Not sure how old exactly.
My Smithi, Shelob (poor image unfortunately):
Her enclosure:
As you can see, Shelob is a lot more visible due to the fact that she only has vermiculite in her tank, and therefore can't burrow. She does like to push the stuff around though, and has made herself a little nook which she spends pretty much all her time in. I was thinking that perhaps she might be more comfortable with some peat (or similar) mixed into her substrate, but she seems content so far.
She's a little skittish at times, hasn't kicked hairs at me though. When I first got her I was feeding her a cricket a day! Have cut down the diet though, so no worries. She also isn't the world's greatest climber. Whilst Electra seems quite at home on the glass of her tank, Shelob just slides down all the time.
When I first got her, her abdomen was pitch black, and has now started going a bit lighter, which you can sort-of see in the picture. Is this normal say, after a molt?
Based upon feedback from Windchaser, and considering I am new to all this, she must be at least around 3 years old? Have not measured, but must be between 3" to 3.5" I think.
Cheers.
I just wanted to get a few opinions on my enclosures and substrate, as well as ask a question or two. Both enclosures are identical and measure roughly 30cm (12") across their widest side.
First off, my Lividum (Electra) on the side of her enclosure:
The enclosure itself:
As a few people suggested, I plan on significantly increasing her substrate level so that she is free to burrow as deep as she likes. What she currently has won't suffice when she gets bigger. I'm not sure where I can buy nice, clean substrate sans additives here though, so I will look around.
She also hasn't bothered eating for a week or two, and has taken to sealing herself off in her burrow with a light webbing, which means crickets can't get in anyway. Anyhow, I've taken to offering a cricket every second day or so, since they're a pain to get out of the tank if she doesn't eat them.
Otherwise, she seems a healthy specimen. I was informed that she was only around half a year old by the pet store, but clearly she's quite a bit older! Not sure how old exactly.
My Smithi, Shelob (poor image unfortunately):
Her enclosure:
As you can see, Shelob is a lot more visible due to the fact that she only has vermiculite in her tank, and therefore can't burrow. She does like to push the stuff around though, and has made herself a little nook which she spends pretty much all her time in. I was thinking that perhaps she might be more comfortable with some peat (or similar) mixed into her substrate, but she seems content so far.
She's a little skittish at times, hasn't kicked hairs at me though. When I first got her I was feeding her a cricket a day! Have cut down the diet though, so no worries. She also isn't the world's greatest climber. Whilst Electra seems quite at home on the glass of her tank, Shelob just slides down all the time.
When I first got her, her abdomen was pitch black, and has now started going a bit lighter, which you can sort-of see in the picture. Is this normal say, after a molt?
Based upon feedback from Windchaser, and considering I am new to all this, she must be at least around 3 years old? Have not measured, but must be between 3" to 3.5" I think.
Cheers.