My T. albopilosus buried itself?

[spiderteeth]

Hi there, I’m a first-time tarantula keeper and I believe I’ve done lots of research, but recently my T has buried itself in it’s burrow. I just woke up this morning and where the entrance used to be (red circle) has been closed off with soil. Is this a normal habit? Should I take action?

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Was it eating? If not it might be premolt and yes hiding is normal. One of my lp shut its burrow off this year.

 

[Charliemum]

Was it eating? If not it might be premolt and yes hiding is normal. One of my lp shut its burrow off this year.

Its a do not disturb sign, alot of t's especially burrowers seal their burrows off , sometimes its for a moult sometimes it's just coz they like to sit in the dark n look into the abyss it's just what t's do, I wouldn't worry, will probably come out in a month or 2 with a new outfit just keep the waterdish full ready for when your floofer opens the door again, don't offer food till a week after your t opens the burrow so you know they have hardened enough and you should be fine, I have 3 curlys and all have sealed their burrow at some point. My Honduran female Cookie spent 6 months buried once but they are built for it ....this is usually when ppl get another t to watch while the first is buried, before you know it you'll have 70+ with more on the way the struggle is real

 

[spiderteeth]

Was it eating? If not it might be premolt and yes hiding is normal. One of my lp shut its burrow off this year.

Ah, that answers my question! It wasn’t eating and I saw the darkish tint of premolt before. I suspected this was a molting behavior but I wanted to make sure. Thank you!

Its a do not disturb sign, alot of t's especially burrowers seal their burrows off , sometimes its for a moult sometimes it's just coz they like to sit in the dark n look into the abyss it's just what t's do, I wouldn't worry, will probably come out in a month or 2 with a new outfit just keep the waterdish full ready for when your floofer opens the door again, don't offer food till a week after your t opens the burrow so you know they have hardened enough and you should be fine, I have 3 curlys and all have sealed their burrow at some point. My Honduran female Cookie spent 6 months buried once but they are built for it ....this is usually when ppl get another t to watch while the first is buried, before you know it you'll have 70+ with more on the way the struggle is real

Hahaha omg. Thank you so much for the advice and jokes. If my parents weren’t such arachnophobes I would already have 70+ !

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Its a do not disturb sign, alot of t's especially burrowers seal their burrows off , sometimes its for a moult sometimes it's just coz they like to sit in the dark n look into the abyss it's just what t's do, I wouldn't worry, will probably come out in a month or 2 with a new outfit just keep the waterdish full ready for when your floofer opens the door again, don't offer food till a week after your t opens the burrow so you know they have hardened enough and you should be fine, I have 3 curlys and all have sealed their burrow at some point. My Honduran female Cookie spent 6 months buried once but they are built for it ....this is usually when ppl get another t to watch while the first is buried, before you know it you'll have 70+ with more on the way the struggle is real

Unlike me tarantulas aren’t claustrophobic. They seem to be happy sealing up their burrow in a dark abysse. None of my curlys have burrowed and the smallest one is still unsexed and my magnifying glass got lost I can’t find it . Hope no one took it or threw it away I need to buy another one.

 

[Charliemum]

Hahaha omg. Thank you so much for the advice and jokes. If my parents weren’t such arachnophobes I would already have 70+ !

I am lucky n even though I am only 3 years into keeping t's I only have me to answer too and my partner has been breeding t's for 35+ years so he brings me t's instead of flowers or chocolate so my collection grew rapidly next weeks delivery takes me upto 78 nw sp and 2 ow my first 2 lol
Your very welcome, I find ppl respond better when I put jokes in if I was blunt n just blurted off a load of info ppl tend to take offence and think you are being funny coz they asked a question, but I find when I make jokes and give suggestions not orders ppl are more likely to take my advice, I love t's so if I can help I always will regardless of if they are my t or someone else's

Ppl on AB have helped me alot over the years, its an excellent resource the more ppl using n sharing it the better care our t's will have .
Also welcome to AB

Unlike me tarantulas aren’t claustrophobic. They seem to be happy sealing up their burrow in a dark abysse. None of my curlys have burrowed and the smallest one is still unsexed and my magnifying glass got lost I can’t find it . Hope no one took it or threw it away I need to buy another one.

Yer they are teeny when they come I have one of each form
Nicaraguan
Honduran
Ometepe
They all burrowed as slings my Nicaraguan and Honduran are females and they have carried on digging but my Ometepe is male he stopped digging at about 2 inches and just sits on his corkbark now hardly ever uses his burrow but he is so handsome I am not complaining mine seem to enjoy the moisture in the sub too maybe try wetting some sub down they may burrow?

You probably can't see your little one in there coz it burrowed just make sure you put babes somewhere safe where no one will mistake her viv for empty .

 

[viper69]

I believe I’ve done lots of research

You haven’t, this is basic behavior and how you missed learning this is impossible to understand - read way more on AB

no action is needed

 

[Smotzer]

Burrowing in general is a normal behavior, and before a molt this is very normal and they seal themselves off to molt.

Welcome to AB and to the hobby!!

 

[BoyFromLA]

I believe I’ve done lots of research

Read the below posts, and it will be very helpful to go one by one, and consume them.

Admin Announcement - Tarantula Information for Beginners (and More)

Below are some helpful resources. (Rather than having half a dozen or more pinned threads, which clutter the top of the board, we are pinning this index.) While the focus is on beginners, there are other threads on health and more advanced species that may be useful to more experienced keepers...

arachnoboards.com

recently my T has buried itself in it’s burrow.

From the photo you’ve posted back in July, I can tell that your tarantula was pretty plump back then. Since then it’s been preparing to molt, and still is as of this moment. That’s why it’s buried itself, so that it won’t be bothered by anything while molting.

Is this a normal habit? Should I take action?

Again, please read the helpful post I linked up there. This information should’ve already covered when you were researching for your tarantula.

For your questions: it’s very normal, and usual behavior, and no further action is required, but just to watch, observe, and wait.

 

[MariaLewisia]

Read the below posts, and it will be very helpful to go one by one, and consume them.

Admin Announcement - Tarantula Information for Beginners (and More)

Below are some helpful resources. (Rather than having half a dozen or more pinned threads, which clutter the top of the board, we are pinning this index.) While the focus is on beginners, there are other threads on health and more advanced species that may be useful to more experienced keepers...

arachnoboards.com

View attachment 455993

From the photo you’ve posted back in July, I can tell that your tarantula was pretty plump back then. Since then it’s been preparing to molt, and still is as of this moment. That’s why it’s buried itself, so that it won’t be bothered by anything while molting.



Again, please read the helpful post I linked up there. This information should’ve already covered when you were researching for your tarantula.

For your questions: it’s very normal, and usual behavior, and no further action is required, but just to watch, observe, and wait.

Spoon feeder, our lord and saviour, almighty protector of independent searching, saves the day once again!

 

[spiderteeth]

You haven’t, this is basic behavior and how you missed learning this is impossible to understand - read way more on AB

no action is needed

I’m sorry. Like I said this is my first time keeping a T and I watched lots of youtube videos on general care and I continue to seek out the best information every day. I know now.

Read the below posts, and it will be very helpful to go one by one, and consume them.

Admin Announcement - Tarantula Information for Beginners (and More)

Below are some helpful resources. (Rather than having half a dozen or more pinned threads, which clutter the top of the board, we are pinning this index.) While the focus is on beginners, there are other threads on health and more advanced species that may be useful to more experienced keepers...

arachnoboards.com

View attachment 455993

From the photo you’ve posted back in July, I can tell that your tarantula was pretty plump back then. Since then it’s been preparing to molt, and still is as of this moment. That’s why it’s buried itself, so that it won’t be bothered by anything while molting.



Again, please read the helpful post I linked up there. This information should’ve already covered when you were researching for your tarantula.

For your questions: it’s very normal, and usual behavior, and no further action is required, but just to watch, observe, and wait.

Awesome. Thank you so much for your in depth advice! I really appreciate the time you took to help me specifically and I will check out the things you suggested. Have a great day!

Burrowing in general is a normal behavior, and before a molt this is very normal and they seal themselves off to molt.

Welcome to AB and to the hobby!!

Thank you!

 

[viper69]

I’m sorry. Like I said this is my first time keeping a T and I watched lots of youtube videos on general care and I continue to seek out the best information every day. I know now.

No need to be sorry, we all start somewhere! These animals are basically black boxes with legs, science knows very little about their physiology. So the most important thing for any new pet owner, esp of exotics, like US, is to RESEARCH, preferably BEFORE you buy it.

Most youtube posters out there are filled with inaccurate info. I know your age bracket more so than otherst (assuming you are 17) thinks Tik Tok and YT and many other SM sites are the best for anything- THEY are the worst for almost everything, this includes any type of caresheet you find too (except AB). Why? Because as a NEW person you cannot tell the difference between that which is TRUE, and that which is PURE internet GARBAGE- such as humidity values are important- they aren't except for a few species. There's TONS of misinformation, esp exotic animals

AB is the SINGLE largest wealth of arachnid info on the damn planet so take advantage of all the people here.

Now, before you say "hey I thought you said internet info is garbage, that includes AB"..I didn't. With anything on the net, CONSIDER THE SOURCE, where it's from, and WHO posted it. Does what they posted fall in line with everyone else- usually a decent sign of trusted info, but not always. Did the person who post have like 3 posts, they could know exactly what they are talking about, but often here IME they don't. Their information is spotty at best.

you will find many posts on here that conflict - doesn't always mean one is right, and the other is wrong. There are many things which are neither. When in doubt, ask a SPECIFIC question here about what you read. Even link us if you remember.

You have a great T, now go back and read.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Read the below posts, and it will be very helpful to go one by one, and consume them.

Admin Announcement - Tarantula Information for Beginners (and More)

Below are some helpful resources. (Rather than having half a dozen or more pinned threads, which clutter the top of the board, we are pinning this index.) While the focus is on beginners, there are other threads on health and more advanced species that may be useful to more experienced keepers...

arachnoboards.com

View attachment 455993

From the photo you’ve posted back in July, I can tell that your tarantula was pretty plump back then. Since then it’s been preparing to molt, and still is as of this moment. That’s why it’s buried itself, so that it won’t be bothered by anything while molting.



Again, please read the helpful post I linked up there. This information should’ve already covered when you were researching for your tarantula.

For your questions: it’s very normal, and usual behavior, and no further action is required, but just to watch, observe, and wait.

Dang that one looks huge my biggest is 4.5” …

No need to be sorry, we all start somewhere! These animals are basically black boxes with legs, science knows very little about their physiology. So the most important thing for any new pet owner, esp of exotics, like US, is to RESEARCH, preferably BEFORE you buy it.

Most youtube posters out there are filled with inaccurate info. I know your age bracket more so than otherst (assuming you are 17) thinks Tik Tok and YT and many other SM sites are the best for anything- THEY are the worst for almost everything, this includes any type of caresheet you find too (except AB). Why? Because as a NEW person you cannot tell the difference between that which is TRUE, and that which is PURE internet GARBAGE- such as humidity values are important- they aren't except for a few species. There's TONS of misinformation, esp exotic animals

AB is the SINGLE largest wealth of arachnid info on the damn planet so take advantage of all the people here.

Now, before you say "hey I thought you said internet info is garbage, that includes AB"..I didn't. With anything on the net, CONSIDER THE SOURCE, where it's from, and WHO posted it. Does what they posted fall in line with everyone else- usually a decent sign of trusted info, but not always. Did the person who post have like 3 posts, they could know exactly what they are talking about, but often here IME they don't. Their information is spotty at best.

you will find many posts on here that conflict - doesn't always mean one is right, and the other is wrong. There are many things which are neither. When in doubt, ask a SPECIFIC question here about what you read. Even link us if you remember.

You have a great T, now go back and read.

I quoted an article and video yesterday were this guy is thinking he can train a tarantula.
Cmon man

 

[viper69]

Dang that one looks huge my biggest is 4.5” …

I quoted an article and video yesterday were this guy is thinking he can train a tarantula.
Cmon man

RIGHHTTTTT Let's use some critical thinking here, does the T hear him as we do- no, what is likely happening IF anything is the T feels the vibrations of him speaking as "movements", and we know how much they "love" to be touched, so the T walks away.... or he is turning on a little fan to gently blow on his Ts because he's a phony.

I know, let's call his Ts and speak to them!

I'd like to see him try this with some OW species.

 

[Charliemum]

RIGHHTTTTT Let's use some critical thinking here, does the T hear him as we do- no, what is likely happening IF anything is the T feels the vibrations of him speaking as "movements", and we know how much they "love" to be touched, so the T walks away.... or he is turning on a little fan to gently blow on his Ts because he's a phony.

I know, let's call his Ts and speak to them!

I'd like to see him try this with some OW species.

OK viper this may sound stupid but it is a genuine question so be nice I am not as educated and eloquent as you lol .
If t's sense through vibration, can the t recognise a vibration ? I always thought they had some sort of capacity to recognise vibrations after a while as when a t first comes it jumps at every bang or movement in the room but after a week or 2 they are out n don't flinch at any bang or movement, now is that them recognising the vibration or is it just desensitisation? Just curious

 

[viper69]

OK viper this may sound stupid but it is a genuine question so be nice I am not as educated and eloquent as you lol .
If t's sense through vibration, can the t recognise a vibration ? I always thought they had some sort of capacity to recognise vibrations after a while as when a t first comes it jumps at every bang or movement in the room but after a week or 2 they are out n don't flinch at any bang or movement, now is that them recognising the vibration or is it just desensitisation? Just curious

Recognize? That’s not specific enough. Do you mean they can tell the difference between a fork hitting their box vs something else?

If so, no Think of it like hair on your body. You can sense hair movement but you can’t tell if plastic or metal is moving a single hair, as there are no receptors in the shaft of the hair itself, ie the part growing past your skin; it’s merely keratin.

Can neurons can be desensitized generally, yes.

The behavior you describe of a T is not observed in all newly received Ts. I have many that were as slow as they are now.

Here’s a cool video that tells you sensitive they are compared to us. It will explain some of their behavior regarding their setae.

 

[Charliemum]

Recognize? That’s not specific enough. Do you mean they can tell the difference between a fork hitting their box vs something else?

If so, no Think of it like hair on your body. You can sense hair movement but you can’t tell if plastic or metal is moving a single hair, as there are no receptors in the shaft of the hair itself, ie the part growing past your skin; it’s merely keratin.

Can neurons can be desensitized generally, yes.

The behavior you describe of a T is not observed in all newly received Ts. I have many that were as slow as they are now.

Here’s a cool video that tells you sensitive they are compared to us. It will explain some of their behavior regarding their setae.

Thank you I shall be watching that as soon as I get my son to school

As for explaining recognise I don't mean specific things that touch them I ment general vibrations from elsewhere in the room like the opening n shutting of a draw or cupboard , I have noticed alot of my t's (I like burrowers) when they first come and hide they will venture out but if a door is closed or a draw ect they will bolt back to the burrow but after a few weeks they seem to not react in the same way to the same sounds/vibrations as if they have gotten used to it or know because the sky didn't fall after the first few times so it isn't worth bothering to run. I wondered if it was a form of recognition not like we would recognise something but being kind of able to tell that that specific vibration isn't worth reacting to?

 

[viper69]

Thank you I shall be watching that as soon as I get my son to school

As for explaining recognise I don't mean specific things that touch them I ment general vibrations from elsewhere in the room like the opening n shutting of a draw or cupboard , I have noticed alot of my t's (I like burrowers) when they first come and hide they will venture out but if a door is closed or a draw ect they will bolt back to the burrow but after a few weeks they seem to not react in the same way to the same sounds/vibrations as if they have gotten used to it or know because the sky didn't fall after the first few times so it isn't worth bothering to run. I wondered if it was a form of recognition not like we would recognise something but being kind of able to tell that that specific vibration isn't worth reacting to?

Oh I see! I feel that is very specimen dependent, and species dependent too. I have some that know the lid is being opened, and others that react like the sky is falling everytime.

Yet those that are “relaxed” do get animated from the same stimuli at times.

They are black boxes with 8 legs.

 

[Charliemum]

Oh I see! I feel that is very specimen dependent, and species dependent too. I have some that know the lid is being opened, and others that react like the sky is falling everytime.

Yet those that are “relaxed” do get animated from the same stimuli at times.

They are black boxes with 8 legs.

Fair enough, thank you for answering never really thought about it being species specific, gives me lots to think about as I watch them and their random behaviours I am going to watch that upload now aswell, thanks again for linking it !

 

[viper69]

Fair enough, thank you for answering never really thought about it being species specific, gives me lots to think about as I watch them and their random behaviours I am going to watch that upload now aswell, thanks again for linking it !

Sure