how fast? ...i hope fast...

[inkl]

i want to get an acanthoscurria geniculata, but right now the only one i can find is only 1/4" and i dont have a place to sell me pinhead crix to feed the damn thing, so want i wanna know is do they grow fast? would it be very long before i could feed it on smallish to normal sized crickets?

inkl

 

[mebebraz]

you can always crush up the smallest crix that you can get ahold of to feed the t.

 

[Code Monkey]

They're pretty fast growers. I started with one 1/4" hatchling in June 2002, it's now a bit over 3", I started with 2 other 1/4" hatchlings in November 2002, they're between 1" to 1.5".

I wouldn't worry much, they'll happily take chunks of cricket, or crickets pretty much as big as they are. They are *very* enthusiastic feeders.

 

[Jeff_C]

Very Fast

I concur with Code Monkey. These guys will eat anything and they grow fast.....don't worry about pinheads just start with small meal worms with crushed heads (or chunks depending on size).

Check out this molt record on my 'little' guy:

Received: 12/02 ¼" (from Swift)
Molt: 1/03/03 ½"
Molt: 3/12/03 ¾"
Molt: 4/12/03 1”
Molt: 5/01/03 1 ¼”
Molt: 6/14/03 1 ¾”
Molt: 7/11/03 2 ¾”

Here's what they look like at 1/4":

and then again at almost 3" (7 months later):

You gotta love how fast they grow and their beauty. Should be part of everyones collection.

Regards,
Jeff

 

[Code Monkey]

Re: Very Fast

Originally posted by jcohen9999
I concur with Code Monkey. These guys will eat anything and they grow fast.....don't worry about pinheads just start with small meal worms with crushed heads (or chunks depending on size).

Check out this molt record on my 'little' guy:

Received: 12/02 ¼" (from Swift)
Molt: 1/03/03 ½"
Molt: 3/12/03 ¾"
Molt: 4/12/03 1”
Molt: 5/01/03 1 ¼”
Molt: 6/14/03 1 ¾”
Molt: 7/11/03 2 ¾”

I'm going to assume that you keep your Ts above room temp with growth rates like that. I'm fascinated to have a 3.25" T after just 14 months, not no 7 months like you.

 

[conipto]

Re: Re: Very Fast

Originally posted by Code Monkey
not no 7 months like you.

Grammar Police aside, I've noticed mine are molting more in general with the slightly raised temp in the bug closet in this apt. Anyone know of a downside to this, other than overall lifespan?

Bill

 

[Jeff_C]

Yes, this is at higher than room temps. I keep all my Ts in an enclosure that is set to be about 75 degrees F. The heating elements (2 small 25 watt bulbs and a flexwatt heat strip) also heat small bowls of water to maintain the humidity at 65-75%.

I also guess the fact that I feed my slings 2x a week would explain the rapid growth.


Jeff

 

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by jcohen9999
I also guess the fact that I feed my slings 2x a week would explain the rapid growth.

Must be the food, I don't have temps much different than yours (72 in winter, 76 in summer). There's an interesting example of the difference feeding regimens can cause.

 

[inkl]

would the higher temps and more food make them have a shorter lifespan? like if they mature quicker, won't they die earlier? are they hard to take care of as 1/4" things?

 

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by inkl
would the higher temps and more food make them have a shorter lifespan? like if they mature quicker, won't they die earlier? are they hard to take care of as 1/4" things?

It's very likely that anything you do to increase their metabolism shortens life span. You still get the same amount of T growth, T action, etc., just sped up.

 

[Jeff_C]

I think I read in the TKG that they have a preprogrammed number of molts (give or take) depending on the species (but I cant find the page right now).

Jeff

 

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by jcohen9999
I think I read in the TKG that they have a preprogrammed number of molts (give or take) depending on the species (but I cant find the page right now).

Jeff

It's variable with Ts, but it's still probably within a fairly tight range according to species.

 

[rosehaired1979]

Re: Re: Re: Very Fast

Originally posted by conipto
Grammar Police aside, I've noticed mine are molting more in general with the slightly raised temp in the bug closet in this apt. Anyone know of a downside to this, other than overall lifespan?

Bill

I believe for these its 10yrs if its female.