Is this what GBB molting looks like?

[Sauga Bound]

Hello spider friends,

I hope you're all doing well. I've gotten some great advice here when I asked for it in the past, and I'm hoping the community can help reassure me.

I've had my GBB juvie (about 4" dls) for three months. It was healthy, ate well, and I've loved keeping her. Last week (about 7 days ago), she spontaneously decided to clear a corner of her enclosure of sticks/twigs and substrate, and make herself a thick lean-to web that fits her snugly. She has draped the web in dirt and closed it off almost completely. She often takes on contorted poses and I've found her lying on her back.

I've guessed she is in heavy pre-molt, but would like some other opinions from my description and the attached photos. Of course, I've Goggled this and read the answers from three major arachnid message boards, but I would like to know if others who own or have owned GBBs would describe this as common premolt behavior. How long do they usually take to molt?

Should I leave feeders in the enclosure overnight or let her fast (she has a healthy-size abdomen)? I've misted twice to give her the chance to drink from her web and the enclosure wall - thumbs up or down?

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.

All three of my spiders are currently in hiding, fasting, in premolt, or a combination of the three. LOL.

Sauga

 

[Ratmosphere]

Once they make a little hideaway like this, its most likely pre-molt. Never leave live prey in the enclosure during this time.

 

[TheraMygale]

Don’t leave anything that is alive in there. it is not worth is. A prekill would let you know if your tarantula is leaving that space.

in any case, it‘s behavior is beautiful, and it telling you to leave it alone. Especialy if it was eating and now its done. Its speaking to you. this is a learning experience.

no worries needed. It knows what it has to do.

 

[Sauga Bound]

Thanks for your advice. I was pretty sure I could understand her language, but you know we can second-guess ourselves sometimes when we're still learning. She's been such a joy to keep and I want to make sure I interpret her behavior correctly and respond appropriately.

I really appreciate the feedback and reassurance.

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

Your T is a chonk and doesn’t need to eat anymore to molt. It may be soon, it may be awhile, but she’s full. Wait and watch. We’ll be looking forward to seeing her in the Who Molted Today thread.

 

[viper69]

Maybe

 

[TheraMygale]

Thanks for your advice. I was pretty sure I could understand her language, but you know we can second-guess ourselves sometimes when we're still learning. She's been such a joy to keep and I want to make sure I interpret her behavior correctly and respond appropriately.

I really appreciate the feedback and reassurance.

i think you have the perfect energy and approach. Just keep doing you and learning.

your tarantula will give you signs. And then you can wait.

 

[HoneyOilers]

Maybe

Or maybe not? when you’re a man of few words, it’s very few!

 

[viper69]

Or maybe not? when you’re a man of few words, it’s very few!

Your post title requires a monosyllabic answer, NOT a monologue. No need to waste my time or yours!

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

No one can see through the webbing but maybe you . Who knows ?