Horn worm for a change of diet?

[Wolfkyn]

I've had a Tliltocatl albopilosus for 2 1/2 years. It molted the first week I had it, and hasn't molted since. So safe to assume it's fully grown I'm guessing? He used to grab the crickets as soon as I placed them in there, which I loved because I knew he was eating. But for several months now, at least 4-5, he hasn't. Even backed away from them if they went towards him. Would a horn worm be a good idea for a change of diet? If so, should I kill the worm first? I don't know if they can cause harm to the tarantula. I feel bad I've never changed his diet up before. It's always been one cricket a week. The cricket is almost always dead by the end of the week, but without seeing my t eat the cricket, I can't be sure if he's eaten at all.

On a side note, I say "he" but don't know the sex. Is 2 1/2 years without a molt a good indicator of what sex it could be? I know females live vastly longer than males, so would that length of time suggest mine is a female?

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

I've had a Tliltocatl albopilosus for 2 1/2 years. It molted the first week I had it, and hasn't molted since. So safe to assume it's fully grown I'm guessing? He used to grab the crickets as soon as I placed them in there, which I loved because I knew he was eating. But for several months now, at least 4-5, he hasn't. Even backed away from them if they went towards him. Would a horn worm be a good idea for a change of diet? If so, should I kill the worm first? I don't know if they can cause harm to the tarantula. I feel bad I've never changed his diet up before. It's always been one cricket a week. The cricket is almost always dead by the end of the week, but without seeing my t eat the cricket, I can't be sure if he's eaten at all.

On a side note, I say "he" but don't know the sex. Is 2 1/2 years without a molt a good indicator of what sex it could be? I know females live vastly longer than males, so would that length of time suggest mine is a female?

Live is fine. I sex via molt .

 

[kingshockey]

you could but its not really cost efficient buying a single worm or a cup of smaller ones they will rapidly grow to big and fast to feed them all off unless you have other pets that will eat them. they would be good bait on a circle hook though i think as messy as it would be to bait a hook wit one

 

[Brewser]

Other Wormy Possibilities to consider include Waxworms and Mealworms.
Probably not hungry, but keep the water bowl topped off.
Best Regards,

 

[cold blood]

It's not eating, that's normal, it doesn't need a change of diet, in fact it doesn't need more food at all, it just needs to be left alone until after it next molts.

 

[Wolfkyn]

It's not eating, that's normal, it doesn't need a change of diet, in fact it doesn't need more food at all, it just needs to be left alone until after it next molts.

I'm sure you know more than I do, so I'll just stop trying to feed him and wait. But isn't it normal for them to lay down web matting when they're ready to molt? I don't see any more web than usual (which is very little). But maybe he's just not that close yet?

 

[darkness975]

I've had a Tliltocatl albopilosus for 2 1/2 years. It molted the first week I had it, and hasn't molted since. So safe to assume it's fully grown I'm guessing? He used to grab the crickets as soon as I placed them in there, which I loved because I knew he was eating. But for several months now, at least 4-5, he hasn't. Even backed away from them if they went towards him. Would a horn worm be a good idea for a change of diet? If so, should I kill the worm first? I don't know if they can cause harm to the tarantula. I feel bad I've never changed his diet up before. It's always been one cricket a week. The cricket is almost always dead by the end of the week, but without seeing my t eat the cricket, I can't be sure if he's eaten at all.

On a side note, I say "he" but don't know the sex. Is 2 1/2 years without a molt a good indicator of what sex it could be? I know females live vastly longer than males, so would that length of time suggest mine is a female?

As long as it is a healthy weight there is no need to be concerned with food refusal for a few months.

I personally avoid horn worms. I realize the ones in captivity are supposed to be safe as they are not fed the plants that give their wild counterparts their toxicity. But I rather play it safe.

 

[cold blood]

But isn't it normal for them to lay down web matting when they're ready to molt? I don't see any more web than usual (which is very little). But maybe he's just not that close yet?

This only happens right before molting....like right before.