i think my tarantula is too old to rock n roll....

[luvsnail]

i have a pair of texas tan tarantulas, one male, one female, both collected locally from oklahoma. i've had them about four months now. water and hiding spots are both availible, temp is around 75-80 during the day, 70-75 at night. the male was a hyperactive little cuss, but i think his fuel tank is about empty. he's broken two of his toe pads off in his efforts to escape (several weeks ago, and no bleeding or other problems, didn't seem to slow him down much just made it harder to climb the glass), his formerly voracious appetite has come to a screeching halt, and he just looks like crap. having no idea of how old he is, and these being my first tarantulas...do you guys think he's approaching that last adult molt? any help/avice would be appreciated.

thanks!
nate

 

[MrT]

Nate,
Does your boy have tibal hooks on his front legs?
If so, he's in his last days.
I'd let them mate till she eats him.
Maybe you'll get an eggsac.

BTW, welcome..

Ernie

 

[luvsnail]

yup, he's got his hooks, and the tips of his pedipalps are swollen. we considered breeding them, but man i'm really not ready for seedling tarantulas just yet...maybe next season. we'll keep everyone posted...

thanks,
nate

 

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by luvsnail
yup, he's got his hooks, and the tips of his pedipalps are swollen. we considered breeding them, but man i'm really not ready for seedling tarantulas just yet...maybe next season. we'll keep everyone posted...

Think of it like this: most hookups fail to result in a successful eggsac. If you did breed him and get wee ones, just consider it as "meant to be" and learn from there.

 

[sunnymarcie]

I'd go for it, there is no way of knowing how long the male will live.