Green bottle blue behaviour

[Jackparker593]

Hi guys, I recently bought a 2 inch GBB and she settled in well, webbed well, and has eaten ferociously! Got up this morning and she has covered the openings (front and back) to her hiding place with substrate like she's gone into hiding. Is this normal? I wondered if this was pre-moult behaviour but my golden knee is very different in pre-moult so wasn't sure.

 

[TownesVanZandt]

Don´t worry, just leave the tarantula alone and make sure the water dish is filled. This is completely normal pre-molt behaviour for a GBB

 

[Storm76]

Sounds like premolt or simply a T being a T and wanting to be left alone for awhile

 

[Chris LXXIX]

The self premolt system has been activated. Repeat, the self premolt system has been activated. This sequence may not be aborted. Owner proceed to offer a full water dish, and leave the Theraphosidae alone.

 

[leaveittoweaver]

Most likely pre molt. My GBB webs up both entrances when she is going to molt.

 

[borotasinisa]

Yes, as it ages it will become more visible and maybe molt in the open area, depends on the specimen...

 

[cold blood]

Wait on feeding again until it re-emerges.

 

[scott99]

She could be getting ready to molt or she could just be building up her web. I guess only time will tell.

 

[Jackparker593]

Hi guys, thanks for your comments! She was feeding everyday like within seconds of throwing a cricket in! Do I not feed her now until she comes out or just try the odd cricket every couple/few days and see what she does? If she's in pre-moult, is it better to not feed her for now? Do any of you know how long they tend to do this for?

 

[TownesVanZandt]

Hi guys, thanks for your comments! She was feeding everyday like within seconds of throwing a cricket in! Do I not feed her now until she comes out or just try the odd cricket every couple/few days and see what she does? If she's in pre-moult, is it better to not feed her for now? Do any of you know how long they tend to do this for?

You should never attempt to feed a tarantula that has closed up her hide or burrow like that. Most likely she is in pre-molt, but even if that is not the case, this is a clear "do not disturb" sign for you as a keeper. The tarantula will come out by itself when it wants to eat and until then the only thing you should do is keeping the water dish filled.

Edit: Also, is "She was feeding everyday" to be taken in a literal way? If so you are heavily overfeeding your tarantula!

 

[Jackparker593]

You should never attempt to feed a tarantula that has closed up her hide or burrow like that. Most likely she is in pre-molt, but even if that is not the case, this is a clear "do not disturb" sign for you as a keeper. The tarantula will come out by itself when it wants to eat and until then the only thing you should do is keeping the water dish filled.

Edit: Also, is "She was feeding everyday" to be taken in a literal way? If so you are heavily overfeeding your tarantula!

Thanks, no I didn't feed her everyday literally. Everyday I offered food she took it within seconds. I fed her every 1 in every 3 days

 

[Rogerpoco]

Only basing this on a single specimen,my GBB has the longest pre/post molt phase of any of my T's.

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Only basing this on a single specimen,my GBB has the longest pre/post molt phase of any of my T's.

Mine is my baby Goddess , the hissing Queen Baboon.

 

[Rogerpoco]

You've prolly heard this story-googled Blue-Bottle flies to feed baby mantids,saw the GBB...Fear of spiders dissapeared,HAD to have it.
Mine isn't vey nice,tho. I've seen them handled,but...not mine. Once,as a juvie. Skittish as any of my T/R's.

 

[Reid0210]

Only basing this on a single specimen,my GBB has the longest pre/post molt phase of any of my T's.

How long is your Gbb premolt? Mine hasn't eaten in months(3-4) and has no interest in food. Doesn't move around much. About 4"

 

[Rogerpoco]

That sounds right,mine is a little bigger,but has went 3+months w/o eating,hiding the whole time.
I'd suspect if it's been that long,it'll molt anytime.
As long as it's not all skinny-butt,I wouldn't worry.