Premolt Signs?

[Pokezilla1231]

Hey, guys a couple days ago I posted a question about my sling. Until recently I noticed this bald spot. Does this mean its in premolt? I own an Avic. avic but thats full grown and this is my first sling so I'm kinda new to this. Thank you in advance

 

[Ungoliant]

Hey, guys a couple days ago I posted a question about my sling. Until recently I noticed this bald spot. Does this mean its in premolt?

Tarantulas can develop bald spots on the abdomen even when not in pre-molt. For small slings, one sign that a molt is imminent is that the abdomen looks discolored (darkened) and swollen. I'm not as experienced with slings, but yours does look like it may be in pre-molt.

B smithi pre-molt.

• Mr B Smithi
• Nov 12, 2013
• sling smithi

Ready for pre-molt.

Tarantulas usually stop feeding in the days (or even weeks for larger individuals) before a molt. They may actively avoid the prey or just kill it without feeding on it. So if you're wondering whether your T might be in pre-molt, try offering food.

 

[cold blood]

Yeah, a bald spot means nothing more than hairs were kicked. What it does is allow you clear view of the skin, which can show you signs.

A plump t will be light colored, often with s spot on the top of the rump...you will also be able to see the "heart", which is the dark line running down the center...this sling is plump, but not close to pre molt.

Resized952017020795002601

• cold blood
• Feb 8, 2017
• 1

genic

Eventually it will plump up and the skin will tighten, almost like a swollen tick. In the final stages, the skin will actually be shiny when hit with a flashlight...this is a sling in pre-molt, but not the latest stages. See how the skin is darkened and the spot on the top is starting to almost take over...eventually it will all be that black.View media item 38374

 

[FishermanSteve]

As cold blood said, the easiest way to tell, especially on terrestrials that kick hair, is the bald spot that's normally tan will turn black. For a sling it may only take a few days to molt but for and adult it can be in premolt for a couple weeks.

 

[Pokezilla1231]

One last thing this is the container I put it in, do you guys think this is a good size? Thank you

 

[Ungoliant]

One last thing this is the container I put it in, do you guys think this is a good size?

That's plenty of space for a sling. If it's not burrowing, it might like a place to hide.

 

[cold blood]

One last thing this is the container I put it in, do you guys think this is a good size? Thank you

I would personally be using a condiment cup....like this....

IMG_0472

• cold blood
• Feb 7, 2017

Keep your small terrestrial slings like this.

At about an inch or a little more, I move them to a deli cup like you have......basic set up

0519152106 (1)

• cold blood
• Jan 30, 2017

Making a hide out of a flat piece of wood.

A little more aesthetically pleasing.

Resized952016111495170359

• cold blood
• Jan 27, 2017
• 4

But keeping it in there won't be an issue, it may just hide more....which IME can lead to slower growth...which is why I personally prefer condiment cups when theyre small.

 

[Pokezilla1231]

I would personally be using a condiment cup....like this....

IMG_0472

• cold blood
• Feb 7, 2017

Keep your small terrestrial slings like this.

At about an inch or a little more, I move them to a deli cup like you have......basic set up

0519152106 (1)

• cold blood
• Jan 30, 2017

Making a hide out of a flat piece of wood.

A little more aesthetically pleasing.

Resized952016111495170359

• cold blood
• Jan 27, 2017
• 4

But keeping it in there won't be an issue, it may just hide more....which IME can lead to slower growth...which is why I personally prefer condiment cups when theyre small.

Ok, my sling used to have a tan bald spot but now its black does that mean its in premolt? And I put a hide in the container its in