Help the noob...I'm sure you get this all the time...

[SolomonGrundy]

Hello, I have a few questions that I really need help with. I have recently acquired a tarantula and was told that it was a female mexican brown. My wife's uncle had this t and since he has advanced lung cancer his doctor told him to get rid of it and I always like t's so I said sure, I'll take it. I have purchased a 10 gallon aquarium and have been reading online ever since and I have to say I'm fascinated by what I've found out and am now considering getting more. When I got this t she was a nice bright redish brown then one day I came in and she had changed color completely to a dark almost black with lots of grey hairs. I immediately assumed that this was a pre molt situation and like I have been reading about she has refused food several times prior to the color change and now is dragging webbing across her tank and in front of her hide all over the place. So the other day I was reading how it was very important to keep the humidity up in her cage so i sprayed the sides of the aquarium with water to boost the moisture level and she immediately went to the top of her log and stayed there till it dried back up. Anyway I'm concerned because since the "color change" there has been no molt and it has been almost three weeks. I also am concerned because I've had her for over three months and she has never once eaten since I've had her. I've been afraid to put crickets in with her since the color change since I knew she would be vulnerable if she did molt and I didn't want a stupid cricket to hurt her. Anyway I really don't know what I'm doing yet so any help with Id'ing her true species and/or advice with the molting situation will be greatly appreciated. Please see the before/after picture below. Thanks in advance. Love the board and am glad to be a member.

 

[captmarga]

Are you sure she did not molt already? She would remain the dull color until AFTER the molt. From the photo, it looks as if she did already molt. Given her size, three weeks is not an unusual time after molt to wait to eat.

She needs a water dish, even just a bottle cap will do. Hentzi/anax do not usually like wet sub, so dry is fine, mist a side if you must, but not the whole tank.

Keep reading up, there is a lot to learn on the boards!

Marga

 

[Storm76]

I'd like to see a pic of her complete tank setup...

 

[Clusterwhoops]

Need more pics

 

[paassatt]

Step one:

Do not choose white as your HTML color code when typing a post.

 

[SolomonGrundy]

Nice...

Of course you guys were right... I got to looking and under the log there is her old skin in there, unbelievable how i missed that i been looking all over and she hasn't really been in the log for a while now so I guess I just didn't look in there good enough with a light. I have attached a pic of the full setup. I had some greenery in there but the crickets were hiding in it and I didn't think she could get to them so I took it out. Any suggestions?? Thanks guys...

 

[Jared781]

Step one:

Do not choose white as your HTML color code when typing a post.

AHAHAHHA i didnt even notice the WALL of text lol

 

[paassatt]

I'd suggest getting a smaller enclosure for the spider.

 

[AndreEdge]

I think that enclosure its perferct for a T.Blondi

 

[SolomonGrundy]

Here are some pics of the shed (I don't know the proper name for it). Why would you think she needs a smaller enclosure? Would this make her happier you think? Any other setup changes additions etc. anyone thinks I should try. I'm all about having a happy pet here. Also, I know it was mentioned earlier but can anyone confirm the species. I know I'm asking a lot of dumb questions so thanks for the patience.

 

[rockhopper]

Enclosure size is a preference and I don't think there is anything wrong with what you have. Height from top to substrate would be my only concern. There are plenty reports on here of people's T falling from the top and being injured. You can't really prevent them from climbing, but you can control the distance they fall.

 

[SolomonGrundy]

That makes perfect sense. Haven't ever seen her even attempt to climb the glass walls but that don't mean it hasn't happened. I have been considering a smaller enclosure so that maybe I can fit a couple more in my office and maybe start a collection... it appears this could be addictive...

 

[dragonlily]

I agree with rockhopper, if a 10 gallon is all you've got, just had more soil so if she does fall theres less chance of injury.Also I suggest getting rid of lid/light and replacing it with a regular mesh lid. Your T doesnt need the light, ambient light from the room will let it know night from day. If you want help with ID just post the pics in the "tarantula id" section, you'll get some good help there (i've used it myself). And dont worry about asking loads of questions its the best way to learn Congrats on your new T, she's very pretty (sorry to hear about your uncle)

 

[paassatt]

OP mentioned crickets hiding and the spider not being able to get to them. Using a smaller enclosure would eliminate this, and make it easier for the spider to eat.

 

[rockhopper]

If the T is hungry it will find the food. Unless of course there are crevices where the T can't reach it etc. A lot of people like to just shove it in their face repeatedly until they eat, but that doesn’t mean thats the only way to do it.

 

[Storm76]

An enclosure half the size would probably be more suitable, although that is, like already mentioned, personal preference. Eliminating the "threat" of a T falling and filling in more substrate is also a good idea. General rule on that one though is T is able to reach lid with tips of front legs and that would be quite a waste of that current enclosure in my opinion. Since you already hinted at that it could become an "addiction" (which you just have to trust most on here saying "IT IS!") that current tank she is in would fit nicely for a larger terrestrial species. An LP perhaps (since Theraphosa have REALLY bad urticating hairs and require way more specific care) could be an idea.

 

[SgtSparkles]

i like to keep most of mine from 2.5 gal to 5.5 gal for sure, picking up two more 2.5's tomorrow

 

[SolomonGrundy]

An LP perhaps

What exactly is an LP??

---------- Post added 03-30-2012 at 09:43 AM ----------

i like to keep most of mine from 2.5 gal to 5.5 gal for sure, picking up two more 2.5's tomorrow

Any suggestion on where I could get or at least look at some options for 2.5 and 5.5 gal enclosures. I haven't had lots of luck finding T specific equipment, looks like most things are made for reptiles...

 

[rockhopper]

Take a look at http://www.tarantulacages.com/. Pretty cool enclosures if you are buying pre built. There are other vendors out there as well.

 

[SolomonGrundy]

If you want help with ID just post the pics in the "tarantula id" section, you'll get some good help there (i've used it myself).

I'll do that. Also, my uncle is ok still, he asks about the spider about twice a week. It makes me sad that he can't have it because he REALLY loves this girl. Thank you for your help.