Mexican Red Knee moulting schedule

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Audrey16

Arachnopeon
Joined
Oct 25, 2009
Messages
40
Hi Everyone,

I am new to this so hope I am posting in the right place. I have a question about my adult female mexican red. We have had her for about 18 months now. She moulted in the first week of having her but has not done so again since. I have read up on the signs of premoult; not eating, bald patch etc. She is eating fine, she does have a bald patch but I think it is just from hair flicking and the skin underneath is not dark at all its a nice orange colour. Therefore I dont think she is going to moult soon.

I just wondered if this is normal? I thought even adults still moult yearly and have been waiting for her to do so. I dont know if maybe the change in seasons and day light hours is confusing her or if she just doesnt need to moult. Anyone got any thoughts?

Amy :eek:
 
Roski

Roski

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
May 16, 2009
Messages
562
Depending on the individual, an adult female tarantula can go for one, two, and even more years without molting. Yes, her bald patch is just a result of hair kicking, and if the abdomen underneath is not dark, she is not yet geared for a molt. She knows her schedule. If she's eating, she's happy. There's nothing to worry about :)
 
G

gvfarns

Arachnoprince
Old Timer
Joined
Jan 31, 2008
Messages
1,579
I would say once every year or two is normal for these guys when they are adults. She's due for a molt in the sense that she'll molt within the next year or so most likely. Beyond that it's tough to say. Definitely there is no cause for concern in a T not molting for a long time. Nothing teaches patience like a Brachypelma.
 
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Satellite Rob

Arachnoangel
Old Timer
Joined
Jun 2, 2008
Messages
927
You should see her bald shot darken about a month before she molts.You will
see her pale skin color turn to almost black.If you have a camera take a of
her bald spot.This way we can tell you if she is going to molt or if there is
something else is going on.Usually a adult female will molt every 10 to 18
months.Theres a lot of things that could change the process of growth.Like
power feeding it or keeping her to cool and thats just to start off with.So
show us a picture.
 
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A

Audrey16

Arachnopeon
Joined
Oct 25, 2009
Messages
40
okay I'll take some tomorrow and put them up here if I can work out how to do it hehe :)
 
N

night4now

Arachnoknight
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 23, 2009
Messages
171
You are right, it doesnt look like she is even thinking about molting. (She doesnt look unfed tho!) I am sure she is fine, and she is beautiful!
 
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Satellite Rob

Arachnoangel
Old Timer
Joined
Jun 2, 2008
Messages
927
Shes not fat.She average size and weight.She is showing no signs of molting.
So what is giving you a reason for your concern.Is it just because she hasn't
molted in 18 months or is there something else that making you worry.Is she
eating or is she acting strange.Tell us what problems she having.Point us in
the right direction.Because she looks like she is in good shape.
 
A

Audrey16

Arachnopeon
Joined
Oct 25, 2009
Messages
40
Shes having no problems really, she eats well most of the time and doesnt display any odd behaviour or anything. I just wondered if it was usual for them to go so long without moulting, it prob seems like a long time that she last did it because she did it in the first week of having her and not since. My little chilie rose has shed 3 times in comparison and I didnt know if there was something that might be stopping lily from moulting.

It seems all is well though so I wont worry about her anymore, ill just wait for her to do it when shes good and ready :)
 
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