Pumpkin Patch Advice

[SheWolf]

So once I have some spare cash the next T I plan to order is a Pumpkin Patch, they are just the cutest lil things I have already read all the caresheets I could find on them, but I would just like to hear some poeples personal experiences with them, any ideas or advice will be much appreciated, Thanks

 

[z32upgrader]

Well, first you'll need a plot of land in full sun you can till, a ton of water, and some fertilizer, manure will do...Oh wait! You're talking about a Hapalopus sp. "Colombia Large". My bad, wrong forum.
Yeah, those little buggers are very cute. Mine is close to 2" now, and I keep it pretty dry, just eco-earth and a water dish. I feed it a couple baby dubia roaches weekly, and it's thriving! Be ready when you open the lid. These guys love to make a run for it. They're pretty fast when they want to be and eat pretty well. You'll love them!

 

[SheWolf]

Haha thank you, Im so excited to get one I have been wanting one forever. I heard they were quite the little escape artists, but so is my Haplopelma longipes so hopefully ill be able to handle it.

 

[Beary Strange]

Mine are surface level burrowers, that is, basically lots of webbed dirt on the ground around somewhat shallow burrows. Because of this, I gave each something to use as an anchor after their last rehouse, which they used straight away-although one is using it's anchor as a hide which it expanded on using dirt curtains. Mine seem to spend a fair bit of time attending to or adding on to their structures, which is nice to watch. They're extremely voracious eaters; throw something in and watch the show. I keep mine half moist, half dry, room temperature. Mine seem to vary in temperament, sometimes skittish, sometimes calm and like z32upgrader said, mine also like to come out sometimes-which can be a bit nerve wracking when they're small. I will say though, my larger sling, probably technically a juvie by now, has taken to kicking if it's out and feeling skittish.

 

[Ilovepredators]

I have had 5 successful pumpkin patch slings I've raised I keep all mine on economic earth but I keep it pretty wet and warm and they do great. Just keep some decent ventalation and don't drown it. I use the deli containers and the fruit fly lids for my slings so the ventilation is good but it's escape proof.

---------- Post added 07-13-2014 at 08:09 PM ----------

Yes they are escape artists my first one escaped 3 times. They are fast and can walk on walls even as adults so be careful.

 

[awiec]

I keep mine more on the moist side, I just water one side of the cage and then it can choose where it wants to be. Mine doesn't dig much, just a lot of dirt curtains and web hammocks. As everyone else has said, they will bolt and they will escape, mine has done it a few times to the point where I give it larger containers so I have more reaction time to stop it. Mine is also very aware of what I'm doing, all I need to do is touch the cage and it waltzes over ready to hop out, I usually distract it with one hand and do maintenance with the other to prevent escape. I have had mine for 9 months or so and here are the recent molting records for Agent Orange (a well deserved name):
1/29/14
4/29/14
6/26/14

I got mine when it was under .5 inches and I'd say its now around 1.25, it has molted about 5 times total in my care with the last molt it became very leggy. So they have a pretty steady rate but if you can deal with your haplo well then these guys won't be too difficult.

 

[Medusa]

I got a Hapalopus sp. Colombia ("Pumpkin Patch" Klein/Small) as a freebie with an order. (Generous, since they go for around $20.00, I think.) It must be, like, 2nd instar or something because it's maybe 1/8" if that. It's a cute, active little thing feeding on fruit flies. I have to use a magnifying glass to see it, lol.

 

[Storm76]

Can attest to that. Nice species to own and raise. Voracious eaters, mine kicked hairs from 0.5" onwards (got it as 0.25") and is occasionally quite defensive trying to bite. Although I'm considering their temper more along the lines of Acanthoscurria spp. - "anything that moves: Bite! It could be food!"

Strangely, mine has never tried to make a break for it when I opened the enclosure so far. He/She is just skittish running around in his/her cup

 

[SheWolf]

Aaah Im so excited to get one, I start my new job soon so thats what my first paycheck is going towards thank you all for your advice