Odd Tarantula Behavior

[WorldofWildlife]

I have here a Caribena versicolor, which was purchased from another owner. He is approximately 2 years old. He already was a bit shy and had a tiny abdomen. He was kept in a small acrylic enclosure with ultra dry conditions. When I got him, I gave him a more naturalistic setup. The result was him being more active and eventually eating. He would eat very minimally and wander about the enclosure. I still think he has more growing to do, because I don’t see and adult features. I’m assuming it’s a boy, since it is happy with a tiny abdomen. But like I said no tibial hooks or anything. However, now he refuses to eat and sits crouched on the floor. When disturbed, he frantically moves all legs and scoots to another spot to crouch. So, my question is, what is wrong with him? He’s been iffy ever since I got him. Since I got him from someone else I would imagine the fault would lie with them.

Thank you.

 

[Tentacle Toast]

First off, the more pics, the merrier. Second, if it's eaten, & has access to clean water, that's pretty much all you can do.... it'll acclimate at its own pace. If it were mine. I'd gently offer a meal again in a few days, & again in a few more weather it accepted it or not. @viper69 is "the" avuc authority on the site here, & I'm sure he'll offer more. In the meantime, snap a few more pics of him & the enclosure you've got him in, as well as as much information on him you've got. Good on you for rescuing him. It's also good you're here; you'll find all the information you need to make it the best experience it can be

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

View attachment 497090
I have here a Caribena versicolor, which was purchased from another owner. He is approximately 2 years old. He already was a bit shy and had a tiny abdomen. He was kept in a small acrylic enclosure with ultra dry conditions. When I got him, I gave him a more naturalistic setup. The result was him being more active and eventually eating. He would eat very minimally and wander about the enclosure. I still think he has more growing to do, because I don’t see and adult features. I’m assuming it’s a boy, since it is happy with a tiny abdomen. But like I said no tibial hooks or anything. However, now he refuses to eat and sits crouched on the floor. When disturbed, he frantically moves all legs and scoots to another spot to crouch. So, my question is, what is wrong with him? He’s been iffy ever since I got him. Since I got him from someone else I would imagine the fault would lie with them.

Thank you.

Looks really leggy for a non mature male. I don’t know why it isn’t eating.

 

[viper69]

Sounds like a MM- would need pics

How’s the ventilation- need pics- not words

Are you misting, how often?

 

[Andrew Clayton]

View attachment 497090
I have here a Caribena versicolor, which was purchased from another owner. He is approximately 2 years old. He already was a bit shy and had a tiny abdomen. He was kept in a small acrylic enclosure with ultra dry conditions. When I got him, I gave him a more naturalistic setup. The result was him being more active and eventually eating. He would eat very minimally and wander about the enclosure. I still think he has more growing to do, because I don’t see and adult features. I’m assuming it’s a boy, since it is happy with a tiny abdomen. But like I said no tibial hooks or anything. However, now he refuses to eat and sits crouched on the floor. When disturbed, he frantically moves all legs and scoots to another spot to crouch. So, my question is, what is wrong with him? He’s been iffy ever since I got him. Since I got him from someone else I would imagine the fault would lie with them.

Thank you.

Dry substrate and a water dish is advised, don't mist, that's what most people think the cause of SADS was.

Being on the floor is not a good sign, these guys live high up in the trees. Can you post photos of the entire setup?

Sounds like a mature male though.

 

[WorldofWildlife]

He is in a zoomed 12x12x18 screen top with light. Humidity is around 60-70%. I’m assuming he was regularly fed crickets by previous owner. So, I tried crickets, but don’t want them. He did take a couple roaches previously, but now he doesn’t eat.

 

[WorldofWildlife]

 

[Mike41793]

497138[/ATTACH]

I would say MM, my crappy eyes are seeing the very edge of emboli in this 3rd pic on the underside of the pedipalps

Plus he just looks lanky like a MM

 

[WorldofWildlife]

Ok, so if it is a mature male, then he may be reaching the end of his life?

 

[WorldofWildlife]

Update, the tarantula has sadly passed away yesterday. However, it is confirmed, upon closer inspection, that he was a mature male. The hooks are seen and being nearly two years old, has just about died of old age. Gives me relief that nothing was done wrong on my part. First time having a T pass on. Thank you all for your help.