My B.Vagans balding like crazy

[nicholo85]

Hi guys, havent posted in a while. Im concerned about my Vagans. She seems to be losing hair faster than I would think is optimal. Shes not due for premolt since she just molted about 2 months ago. Shes also about 4-5 inches or so in size. My first guess was stress, but then I do believe I am keeping her in optimal conditions. Dry substrate, full water dish, a hide (which she never goes to). Also, all other 6 Ts of mine are not showing any balding at all. Would this be just the regular "odd" T behaviour?

The bald spots are also scattered. Some blad patches on the left and right rear upper sides of her abdomen.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I know a photo would provide much more info, but unfortunately my camera is currently with my brother.

 

[curiousme]

The bald spots are from kicking their urticating hairs. They do this whenever they feel like it basically and is not a cause for alarm. The spots are scattered on the left and right, because those are the easiest places to reach with their legs.

The bald spot also has no direct relationship with an impending molt.

 

[nicholo85]

Thanks for the quick reply. Yeah, Im aware that thats the spot where they usually kick off their hairs. Was just concerned why shes kicking them off so much. But if its no cause for alarm, then all is well!

 

[Bill S]

Curiousme is most likely correct. Is your tarantula being pestered to the point of frequently being defensive? You might also check to make sure there isn't anything like mites or fungus on the t that might be causing an irritation.

 

[Moltar]

Have you been handling it a lot? Are there uneaten prey items running around in the tank? Loud noises or vibrations near the tank? Directly exposed to a heating vent or fan? Is there a younger brother or household cat or other small animal that may be trying to get into the cage when you're not around? Are there pests living in there with the T?

All of the above things and more could be causing it to kick excessive hairs. It could also just be doing it because it feels like it or to line the burrow or for some other spidery reason we can never understand. The concern (rather than the hair loss itself) should be is my T unnecessarily stressed and if so, by what? Does it sit in a relaxed pose all day or does it sit "scrunched up" (afraid)?

Double check that nothing unusual is stressing the T while you're not around and if not, just shrug your shoulders and accept it.

 

[crawltech]

is the substrate deep enough for her to burrow??...

 

[nicholo85]

Have you been handling it a lot? Are there uneaten prey items running around in the tank? Loud noises or vibrations near the tank? Directly exposed to a heating vent or fan? Is there a younger brother or household cat or other small animal that may be trying to get into the cage when you're not around? Are there pests living in there with the T?

All valid questions, and all can be answered by a No. hehe. I dont handle them frequently, and often, the girl is actually all stretched and sprawled out. Again, all my other Ts are fully covered in hair, and its ony the Vagans that is balding. Her being the only one like this was my main concern. And I should add that she eats voraciously. Her and my A.genic go toe-to-toe on appetite.

Guess youre right. I should just shrug my shoulder and hope she molts sooner than later. That bald spot just looks ugly.