Keeping them Avics alive?

[Chaotic Potato 77]

Ok, just throwing this out there, I'm not a big fan of Avics. Not sure why, I'm just not. But as the T distribution system has deemed appropriate, I had 3 in my possession....well now 2.

One of mine, an Avic Avic, molted on 2.07 and I discovered it yesterday that it had decided to kick the bucket in its cork bark tube. It looks like it was a hydration issue, but not 100% as I'm not an expert. Water bowl was on the ground, I misted at least once or twice a week, but the mist may not have gone directly down the cork tube web.

My question for those who are more experienced with Avics, is how do you keep them alive? I've got 2 others, an Avic Avic and an Avic Junuensis, that I'd like to keep alive til adulthood and beyond. The current Avic Avic was missing 2 legs and a pedi pre molt but now is fully legged up again, so I'm estatic for that.

Anyone got any tips? Both have good cross ventilation, one has a water bowl glued higher up on the wall, the other one has a water bowl closer to its web on the ground. Both are kept with dryer substrate as that's what I've read to do, but I'm totally down to change if needed.

Any suggestions, tips or photo examples would be greatly appreciated. I'm open to learn.

 

[coffeemoat]

Hey there! Can you post a pic of your current enclosure/s? Hard to diagnose/ trouble shoot if we can't see the set-up. Ventilation is huge for Avics, could be that there wasn't enough ventilation + too much misting. Misting is generally a no-go. Too much dampness can be a killer for these guys. Dry substrate, no misting, keep water bowl filled.

Linking Viper's husbandry post for you, it's super helpful. Please give it a read. Viper's post

 

[Ratmosphere]

Avicularia/Caribena: How to create an enclosure for slings.

Before I start, I need to say that this is the method that works best for me when keeping half inch slings. I see so many new people on this forum ask "How do I set up an enclosure for a my Avicularia/Caribena sling?" Hopefully this will help. What you will need: A drill, a 1/16" drill bit...

arachnoboards.com

Never had a death with this method. Even if the sub gets damp, not a concern with the amount of ventilation provided.

 

[Chaotic Potato 77]

I already tore down the deceased Avics enclosure. It was in a 8wx12lx14h zilla. Top mesh was replaced with a drilled out acrylic sheet. Substrate was dry, water bowl was on the ground, though now its prob not a good idea.

For my current Avic Avic, it's in a 6x4x6 container. I haven't had the time to clean up all the poop yet. Substrate is dry, except around the water dish. I generally keep things dry for the avics. But I did read that they prefer to drink water from their webs rather than their bowls, hence the misting.

 

[Ratmosphere]

Even if you don't witness them drink from bowls, provide one and always keep it filled.

That setup doesn't even look bad, if anything I'd add more ventilation holes to the other sides.

 

[Chaotic Potato 77]

Even if you don't witness them drink from bowls, provide one and always keep it filled.

That setup doesn't even look bad, if anything I'd add more ventilation holes to the other sides.

I always try to keep all water bowls full.
I've got another enclosure that I was pondering moving it to. I can def drill more holes though, but I was hoping to get one more molt in the 4x6 before I moved him.

The Avic Juruensis is in one of these round containers. Holes drilled below the silver band and the lid. Water bowl glued to the wall and not on the ground.

 

[TheraMygale]

For the record its not a problem to have bowls on ground. Thats rarely the issue.

i dont see top ventilation? This could be the culprit.

your enclosures dont have enough cross flow.

think about winds. Thats how they live. Winds blowing, so humidity isnt stuffy.

cross ventilation is key.

 

[Chaotic Potato 77]

For the record its not a problem to have bowls on ground. Thats rarely the issue.

i dont see top ventilation? This could be the culprit.

I appreciate the feedback.

 

[TheraMygale]

I appreciate the feedback.

Its not too late.

check cross ventilation with @l4nsky in your search through the AB search bar.

it will help. I will try to find it for you but i might not find it.0

 

[Chaotic Potato 77]

I appreciate feedback! The acryllic lid is only secured with magnets, so not completely sealed, air can come and go in between the cracks. But I will def drill some holes there. Thanks!

 

[TheraMygale]

That wont be enough.

you need holes on sides, and on top.

 

[Chaotic Potato 77]

Gotcha! I will drill more holes in the enclosure walls and top. Thanks!

 

[Ratmosphere]

Add some more ventilation holes to that jar style enclosure.

I do find if there are enough ventilation holes on all sides, they are not needed at the top.

 

[cold blood]

Some basic tips....the wood should be taller and flatter, to provide good footing for the t to stretch out on and hunt from....the plants should surround, and be in contact with the wood....this is important, the wood and plants work together and should not be separate.

I would also avoid cork tubes and instead use flatter wood leaned on the side...tubes may look natural and neat, but they 1. Encourage hiding, and we want to see our ts, and 2. A hiding t is impossible to monitor, so we can't recognize when a problem may be occurring and fix it quickly, instead it's not usually noticed until it's too late.

 

[Chaotic Potato 77]

Add some more ventilation holes to that jar style enclosure.

I've got the second jar on standby. I'll drill more holes in it, move the Juruensis and that should help with ventaliation.
I've got another 4x6 that I can finish drilling and just move the avic there.

But now this does lead to the conversation, how much ventilation is too much ventilation? Or is there no such thing?

 

[cold blood]

I do find if there are enough ventilation holes on all sides, they are not needed at the top.

Agreed....and if it's kept dry, you don't need to go nuts on the amount of ventilation either

Yes, IMO you can over do ventilation.....the key is actually air movement.....so placement is FAR more critical than volume.....venting at the top, and some near the substrate is ideal....this promotes air movement....As warm air is drawn out of the top, it's drawn in at the bottom, providing you with the vital airflow you want to see.

 

[Ratmosphere]

I've got the second jar on standby. I'll drill more holes in it, move the Juruensis and that should help with ventaliation.
I've got another 4x6 that I can finish drilling and just move the avic there.

But now this does lead to the conversation, how much ventilation is too much ventilation? Or is there no such thing?

It all depends. If you look at my guide in the beginning of the thread, I drill 12 air holes per side on each enclosure. Some may say it's overkill, but I think it's just right.

 

[Chaotic Potato 77]

I would also avoid cork tubes and instead use flatter wood leaned on the side...tubes may look natural and neat, but they 1. Encourage hiding, and we want to see our ts, and 2. A hiding t is impossible to monitor, so we can't recognize when a problem may be occurring and fix it quickly, instead it's not usually noticed until it's too late.

Lesson learned! No more cork tubes! It's def hard to see down them. It is the first and only cork tube I've got in my T squad setups.
I've got a band saw and sander that I've used to cut cork bark and stuff down before. I'll be more dilligent going forward.

 

[TheraMygale]

Agreed....and if it's kept dry, you don't need to go nuts on the amount of ventilation either

Do you think enclosure had enough ventilation?

Lesson learned! No more cork tubes! It's def hard to see down them. It is the first and only cork tube I've got in my T squad setups.

I definitely want that tube if you don’t want it anymore

inflation is haaard hahaha

 

[cold blood]

Do you think enclosure had enough ventilation?

Yes, but I'd like to see it's placement located better