Playing dead?

Pmurinushmacla

Arachnobaron
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Nov 26, 2020
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Do tarantulas play dead? I just unboxed 2 ornata slings, and while one was fine, the other was moving in its "vial" (was super tight paper towel wrapped in tape, tape was impossible to unwrap, I had to basically cut it in half) and then when I got it cut open (slowly pressed on one side moving inwards to make sure the sling wasnt at the cut site), the sling just dropped out onto its back into the enclosure. My heart sank, and I checked to see if it was truly dead, as it was on its back with legs spread out. I lifted it some, and it grabbed on and flipped itself over. Everything else about the packaging was good, just the tight vial. I inspected the sling for damage and found none, and it is now moving normally (though slower than the other sling). Do tarantulas ever play dead, or is it more likely its just clinging to life somehow? I've seen house spiders do it very often so ig its possible.

Actually I remember a video, I think it was the dark den, where his p. Metallica sling sat on his bad with his legs splayed out, and it looked dead. So I guess I answered my own question a bit. Any other experiences?
 

Craig73

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I was rehousing a Homoeomma sp. gold and in the process of catching it it just flipped on its back. I said screw it, I was frustrated, came back a few hours later and it was molting. Oddly it was not showing any signs of premolt, so the few hours I walked away for I was thinking I had scared it to death.
 

rock

Arachnoknight
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Jul 21, 2020
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Lethargic makes sense, but Ive never seen them just drop like that. Very worrying.
I would just make sure water is available and wait. Probably let the seller know what’s going on, but hopefully it will be fine
 

Pmurinushmacla

Arachnobaron
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Nov 26, 2020
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I would just make sure water is available and wait. Probably let the seller know what’s going on, but hopefully it will be fine
He just picked up a cricket leg in there. I think if he is eating he is fine, what a relief.

I was rehousing a Homoeomma sp. gold and in the process of catching it it just flipped on its back. I said screw it, I was frustrated, came back a few hours later and it was molting. Oddly it was not showing any signs of premolt, so the few hours I walked away for I was thinking I had scared it to death.
Quite the turn of events lol, glad it worked out. The t in question is eating now, so i think if its feeding itll be fine.
 

BoyFromLA

Spoon feeder
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Oct 26, 2017
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the other was moving in its "vial" (was super tight paper towel wrapped in tape, tape was impossible to unwrap, I had to basically cut it in half) and then when I got it cut open (slowly pressed on one side moving inwards to make sure the sling wasnt at the cut site), the sling just dropped out onto its back into the enclosure.
It’s very possible that while wrapped in tape was cut in half, the sling got squished a little.
 

Pmurinushmacla

Arachnobaron
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Nov 26, 2020
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It’s very possible that while wrapped in tape was cut in half, the sling got squished a little.
Was wondering that, didnt have a choice tho. Either i cut it, or i twist and try to manipulate the tape off and I end up squishing him more.

Any pictures of the little ones?
Edit: Also dw, ik it looks dry <edit>, i overflowed the water dish on the other side.
 

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spideyspinneret78

Arachnoprince
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I've never seen Pokies in particular do it, but I have seen some of my spiders just freeze up and 'play dead' during rehousings. But since they were just shipped, probably stressed and dehydrated. I'm glad to hear that they're doing well! P. ornata is my favorite species. You're going to be pleased :)
 
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