My Mexican Red Knee tarantula molted 7 days ago. This is it's 3rd molt. The last 2 days it climbed to the corner of the enclosure and it looks like it is squished in the corner. I want to feed it soon and also want to clean the enclosure and replace the substrate. Should I wait? I was going to wait until it is 10 days after molt to feed it, but I am not sure if it is okay. My T is approximately 7 months old.
Red Knee squished in corner of enslosure
- Thread starter rohrrocks
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Sounds normal.
need pictures to see if substrate level is too low.
You can do maintenance once its been a few days from a molt. You just want to be gentle not to spook it. If it jumps off and hurts itself, you won’t feel too good about it.
need pictures to see if substrate level is too low.
You can do maintenance once its been a few days from a molt. You just want to be gentle not to spook it. If it jumps off and hurts itself, you won’t feel too good about it.
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Patience Works Wonders.
"Time Is On My side"..... by The Rolling Stones.
Wait
How's about a Pic or 2 ?
"Time Is On My side"..... by The Rolling Stones.
Wait
How's about a Pic or 2 ?
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Wait. Why are you looking to replace the substrate? There is no rush to feed or do maintenance after a molt.
ChaniLB520
Arachnosquire
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For most tarantulas you never need to change the substrate, just spot clean if needed. The webbing is normal.
Currently there are 2 ornaments buried in the substrate. We have a ceramic cow head about 2 1/2 inches long and a half of a "hollow log". We cover half of its enclosure with a face cloth so that it can hide from the day light. (Recommended by pet store) Our T has been doing the renovating. Lol
T's demonstrate many strange positions after a molt. Might be a stress position. Do not 'hover' over it. Unnecessary disturbance.
Substrate does not need to be replaced at this time. Use tongs to remove bolus and poopy bits.
Ornaments are pretty, continually webbed over and gives crickets a hiding place. Not needed. I learned that years ago.
I usually wait two weeks to feed after a molt. Always have fresh water available.
Substrate does not need to be replaced at this time. Use tongs to remove bolus and poopy bits.
Ornaments are pretty, continually webbed over and gives crickets a hiding place. Not needed. I learned that years ago.
I usually wait two weeks to feed after a molt. Always have fresh water available.
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Pictures please they are necessary!!! 
We need to see what you mean by squished in a corner . And the enclosure.
We need to see what you mean by squished in a corner . And the enclosure.
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Yes- search forum for correct moment to feed T
Here is a picture of its enclosure. The probe and wire just keep track of the temperature and humidity.
Pictures please they are necessary!!!
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This is exactly what you want.
This means the spider has settled in. Imagine you moved into a new place, set it up just like you like it and then someone comes in and throws everything out.
Glorfindel
Arachnoknight
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Think of spider webs as life lines.
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Gotcha. I am new at this so thanks for the input.
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Is your heat mat actualy right beneath the enclosure?
It is covering half of the bottom of the enclosure with an automatic thermostat set to 79 F
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Looks like more then half. Could you install that on “side” of enclosure? It would be a safer choice, in the long run.