Please help the n00b!

[schmidlaps]

I am very new to T's, and I got my first one Tuesday. Its a Grammostola rosea, about 3". Tuesday night went well, it was very docile in its tank, not moving around very much. Last night was much different. I suppose it is getting used to the tank (10 gal aquarium) because it was exploring all over the place. I woke up quite a few times (thanks to my cats and their fascination with the T), and I know I definitely saw it climbing in the upper left hand corner of the tank. However, upon awakening this morning, it was back in hiding under the half log I have in the tank. It seemed to be moving its pedipalps and chelicarae quite a bit (more than I had noticed it doing at any other time). On the right hand side, one of its legs has a part missing now! I am very confused, as I didn't see it fall at all while I was watching, and I did not see any leg parts hanging from the top of the cage. I know it was not injured and had all of its legs when I purchased it. I am very confused, and very worried. We have already decided to move the tank into a different room that we can keep the cats out of all day and night, even though I dont think they really did anything to the T.

I come to you pros seeking any advice you can give me about this situation, or what you would do yourself in this instance. The last thing I want is a sad, hurting T. Please help!

 

[Chris_Skeleton]

It could be wandering for quite a few reasons.
1. It's getting used to it's new home
2. Your substrate is too moist
3. It is a mature male

Does it's pedipalps look balled up and are there hooks under the first set of legs? If so you have a mature male.

Post some pics of your setup. If you are worried about your T falling, then it probably means you don't have enough substrate. Post pics of your spider and setup so we can help you out more.

 

[schmidlaps]

The T does not have the balls on its pedipalps nor any hooks on its front legs. I will definitely post pics of the set up when I get home from work today. You're probably right though, I could have used more substrate.

 

[gladmar]

I think when u brought that T's its has injures on its leg maybe ur T's eat his own legs. they don't have to worry about der legs bec. it will grow when they molts. Is it too big 10 gal aquarium for ur 3" Tarantula? I got 2.5" B. Smithi

Its just plastic container housing. I'll transfer to a 10 gal aquarium when its become adult.

 

[jgod790]

Calm down and relax. Nobody wants there tarantula to have injuries, but they happen, and the tarantula still manages to live on a happy healthy life. One of my tarantulas is missing two legs, and she is doing just fine. One of my emperor scorpions is missing a leg as well. Put a picture of the enclosure up, and I'm sure someone, or myself, will give you some guidance.

 

[schmidlaps]

So my boyfriend emailed me, and apparently the leg isn't missing, but from the angle it was at, it looked like it had been ripped off. It is injured though. I'm still stuck at work but will be leaving soon so I'll put pics up then. Thank you all very much for your help with this! I'm just a worrying mommy.

 

[jgod790]

So my boyfriend emailed me, and apparently the leg isn't missing, but from the angle it was at, it looked like it had been ripped off. It is injured though. I'm still stuck at work but will be leaving soon so I'll put pics up then. Thank you all very much for your help with this! I'm just a worrying mommy.

We all worry more then we should when it comes to our "kids" but as I said before, just cause a tarantula is injured, does not mean it can not live a long, healthy, and happy life.

 

[AmbushArachnids]

Raise the substrate to prevent any future injury. It should be able to touch the lid when stretched against the glass. If your using a screen lid you may consider changing it to a .220 thickness plexiglass lid with holes or vents. The claws on the end of thier legs can get stuck in the mesh. When you say it has an injury, what do you mean? If its not leaking fluid it will be fine as long as you dont mess with it. Good luck

 

[schmidlaps]

Okay, so apparently I've been worrying over nothing all day and my rosie is fine. I swear though, from the angle she had her leg this morning, it looked like part of it was missing.

here are my pictures (i will definitely be adding more substrate later!)

---------- Post added at 06:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:46 PM ----------

Raise the substrate to prevent any future injury. It should be able to touch the lid when stretched against the glass. If your using a screen lid you may consider changing it to a .220 thickness plexiglass lid with holes or vents. The claws on the end of thier legs can get stuck in the mesh. When you say it has an injury, what do you mean? If its not leaking fluid it will be fine as long as you dont mess with it. Good luck

Where might I find a plexiglass lid? thanks for the advice.

 

[Chris_Skeleton]

Wood chips are a no no

Get some peat moss or coco fiber or a mix. Then fill it up to where if your spiders front legs are touching the top, than it's back legs are touching the substrate.

 

[schmidlaps]

Eek! Thank you. I could have sworn I read somewhere that "repti-bark" was okay for them but I will switch it out if that is so. Thanks! this is such a learning experience.

 

[Midknight xrs]

check out the recommended readings section on here and also look into the "Tarantula Keepers Guide." There is also a good amount of information in the stickies on this board that will help you out, especially with a G. rosea.

 

[jgod790]

Well with the wood, for G. rosea its somewhat of a gamble, SOME people have had success using wood chips, but it is DEFIANTLY not a good idea. If you just want to put substrate over the wood, I don't see a problem with that. The wood makes for a rougher landing when they fall, and some woods actually have chemicals that slowly kill your tarantula.

 

[jbm150]

She's a beauty! She also looks a good deal larger than 3" but not to where she needs a 10 gal. If you stick with that aquarium, like has been mentioned, I'd fill it to within about 4" or so from the top with coco or peat (I love peat!). A fall from any good distance can be injurious or lethal, especially onto hard, jagged bark pieces. Also, when you fill it up, you'll see how a 10 gal is kind of a waste. But if it's what you have, it's what you have.

She really is a beautiful T!

 

[tarantulagirl10]

Really beautiful G rosea you have there I would ditch the wood chips and fill it aobut 3/4 full of coconut fiber. Good luck, you will enjoy her.

 

[2wire]

Wow you have beautiful rosea and clean tank set up. but i suggest you use coco fiber because woold chip can cause injuries to your rosea when it falls while climbing.

 

[schmidlaps]

Thank you all very much! I will definitely be picking up more substrate tomorrow and switching it out. I really really appreciate the kindness and feedback you have all given me.

 

[yannigarrido2]

awesome rosea! I'm just gonna repeat everything they said. add more sub, make sure you use peat and should avoid bark chips. oh and is your lid a screen mesh lid? i think you should avoid using screen lids bcus there is a chance that your rosea will have a tarsal claw stuck to it. anyway beautiful t ya got there.