Ah. I'd wait a couple of molts before deciding either way. I've found that as they hit the 3" or so mark, they are more easily sexed, even if you've not a lot of experience with it.Yes, I did take the cricket out already. I just threw him in there. Wasn't sure when it molted, it burrowed itself and I barely uncovered it today. Just checking if he/she was hungry that's all. Good looking out though!.... btw, its probably almost 2".
Here's a growth comparison of my Chaco, in case you're interested - the top molt took place on April 9, 2010, then the last one, December 9, 2010, and Cocoa as he looks today ... (just fed him his first post-molt cricket today, by the way).Beautiful! What kind of a size increase did you get this molt?
I agree with keeping prey items out of there when a molt is coming for sure, but why wait so long to attempt to feed again? :? I feed my small T's within 2-4 days post molt - and they are always very hungry. I could see waiting a week or two after a molt if it was an adult, but from what I've read, slings and juvies harden up much faster after a molt and are also in much greater need of rehydration and nutrients after their pre molt fast.It's way to early for feeding! I'd get that cricket out of there and try again in a couple of weeks.
You can start feeding a tarantula as soon as its fangs are fully hardened. Basically when they are black in color. If they are red, then the fangs are not ready and the tarantula is defenseless. Younger tarantulas harden up faster than older more mature/larger specimens. So as a general rule of thumb waiting a week or two is ideal.I agree with keeping prey items out of there when a molt is coming for sure, but why wait so long to attempt to feed again? :? I feed my small T's within 2-4 days post molt - and they are always very hungry. I could see waiting a week or two after a molt if it was an adult, but from what I've read, slings and juvies harden up much faster after a molt and are also in much greater need of rehydration and nutrients after their pre molt fast.