Just got my first grammostola aureostriata

[killy]

Just a baby, between 1/2 and 3/4 inch - as I've reported in other posts, I met a beautiful Brachypelma smithi and a gentle old Grammostola aureostriata at the L.A.Natural History Museum Bug Fair. I did a little checking, and the conventional wisdom is that these are 2 of the best for docility, newcomers and eventual easy handling - so now I have one of each - however, my GA has taken to burrowing into the substrate at the corner of the critter keeper (he's got discriminating tastes, apparently - he insists on a burrow with a view) and that's where he stays. I don't want to disturb him, but on the other hand I would prefer him to come out every now and then so that I can admire him, or at least be reassured that he's getting enough to eat. (I have witnessed my B Smithi dine on crickets on 3 occasions so far, so I know he's got a healthy appetite. :clap:

Has this happened to any of you? Any comments, advice, anecdotal references are welcome! :?

 

[satanslilhelper]

What size kritter keeper do you have it in? I just got my first one too, and I am keeping it a small deli cup. It is staying out in the open. If the enclosure is too big they will burrow down because they are scare of such big surroundings.

 

[killy]

Thanks 'Helper - that could very well be it - I think it's the smallest version size-wise, but relative to the diminutive size of the little guy, it's huge. I guess I was stuck in the "bigger-is-better" mode. Now that you mention it the container it was in when I went to pick it up was a deli cup - and before the burrowing started, it was climbing all the way to the lid of the keeper, which I know is not good in case of a fall - so I'll go with the experts, take your advice and transfer the Chaco to a smaller enclosure - thanks again !!

 

[Hilikus311]

Well to be honost most slings, if given the chance, will burrow. Don't worry bout it too much and also, what is the ambient temprature where they are being kept at? if it is a lil cool i have noticed that my slings then burrow.

 

[killy]

Thanks Hilikus - around 70 degrees Fahrenheit I'd say - should it be warmer? -
By the way, I just checked on him (11pm PDT) and he's out of his burrow - see what I mean?- it's to the point where Chaco sightings are so rare around here that they're cause for excitement ...