How's my setup?

[InvertsandOi]

Hello, I'm by no means new to the invert hobby, but yesterday I bought my first T. It's a B. smithi. The T has a leg span of about 1.5" to 2". I'm using a 6" round pyrex container. I cut a big hole in the lid and glue gunned metal mesh to it. The substrate I'm using is a 50/50 mix of coco fiber and play sand (thoroughly cleaned first). I understand this species likes to burrow and I've had luck using this substrate with other burrowing inverts. I worked a piece of cork bark in the substrate so it is in there securely, but has space for the T to hide under it, and the T took to it almost immediately. I added a small bottle cap as a water dish. I've had the T less than a day and I've already witnessed it eat 2 crickets, so I'm taking that as a good sign. I don't plan to handle it except maybe on rare occasions during bug shows for kids, depending on how confident I feel about it. I based most of what I did on care sheets, and things I thought I remembered reading on here about this species, so I thought I'd bring it to the experts to make sure I didn't screw it up. Any input or advice will be much appreciated.

 

[InvertsandOi]

Maybe I should've posted this to tarantula chat? If so I'd welcome a moderator to move it.

 

[Nightstalker47]

Looks good, the only thing that may be problematic is the screen mesh. Some larger Ts can chew right through screen, plus they are susceptible to getting their tarsal claws(feet) stuck in the mesh.

If you could replace the lid you would be all set, the setup itself is fine. I would just get another lid and punch some holes in it, easy fix.

 

[Ellenantula]

Not crazy about glass -- but that's just me. I do wonder, for ventilation, why you didn't just burn air holes in lid. I don't care for mesh screening, though granted, yours is still a sling.

 

[Ellenantula]

@Nightstalker47 You beat me by 60 seconds. lol
But GMTA.

 

[InvertsandOi]

Looks good, the only thing that may be problematic is the screen mesh. Some larger Ts can chew right through screen, plus they are susceptible to getting their tarsal claws(feet) stuck in the mesh.

If you could replace the lid you would be all set, the setup itself is fine. I would just get another lid and punch some holes in it, easy fix.

Thank you. You too @Ellenantula . I guess I'm just used to roaches and mantids, where the nymphs and small feeders can get through holes in the lid. Plus I wanted to make sure I had enough ventilation. I was under the impression that good ventilation is important for Ts. Should I cover the lid in holes, or should just a few suffice?

 

[Ellenantula]

Since you're using glass, I do think excellent ventilation will be important for this T. I have seen side-ventilated juvie enclosures which used mesh but since you're using glass that just isn't possible....

 

[Venom1080]

Sounds overcomplicated. Just coco fiber works, brachys don't burrow much once they get bigger, and even then, straight coco works.
Careful what kind of screen you use. Tarantulas can easily tear through anything not steel.

 

[InvertsandOi]

I'm pretty sure it is steel, but I'll just get another lid and put holes in it to be safe. I appreciate the help.

 

[Haemus]

You can still salvage that lid by replacing the mesh with a piece of similar sized acrylic with air holes drilled in. Makes for better viewing than meshes too.

 

[InvertsandOi]

You can still salvage that lid by replacing the mesh with a piece of similar sized acrylic with air holes drilled in. Makes for better viewing than meshes too.

Thank you! That's a great idea.

 

[viper69]

where the nymphs and small feeders can get through holes in the lid

Ts always escape through holes, and anything else they can fit through. Whomever suggested holes, w/out providing you the proper information to go along with it wasn't helping you out.