Rehousing Trapdoor spiders

[spiderengineer]

So I have four African red Trapdoor spiders (would use the scientific name, but there seem to be confusing about what is the right classification) I have had them for a month now and i am happy having them, but they were on the younger side of what I was assuming to be getting. That is great, because it means I will have them for longer. Anyways the set up i have them in I feel maybe a little to big for them. I each one in relatively large containers not sure of the dimensions, but they definitely have plenty of vertical and horizontal space to grow in. here is a picture to give you scale on how big they are

There eating fine I feed them crickets, but I feel that the amount of encounters between the trapdoor's and their prey is few and in between. I see the crickets on the other side of the container more often then when they are bye the traps. I realize they will only eat when they are hungry and that they don't need to eat all the time. I also know that they don't have to attack everything that goes next to their entrance, but I feel that maybe it would be better if they are in smaller container until they get bigger. so my question is since I have only had them for a month would the stress of rehousing in that short time period that I have had them, be problematic for them, maybe cause to much stress and shock, which results in killing them. I realize the obvious of getting them out of their burrows is a whole nother matter all to gather. Or should I just keep them in the container they are in know and stop worry about it.

 

[Ciphor]

Rehousing is tricky, I personally grab the trapdoor lid and pull the whole trap out, then carefully using scissors cut the trap open and ease the spider out. It is stressful, and it will in a small part effect their over-all lifespan, from my experience at least. But a few re-housing is pretty minimal and I don't think they will die from it.

A friend taught me a really cool trick for housing these. First, you only need to house them once, second, give them a pre-dug burrow that is 4 inches deep (but make sure they have enough room for a 6 inch deep burrow) and next to the side of the container so you can see inside the burrow. make sure the part next to the side of the container is really clean. Make sure the burrow is not wider then the spider or it may reject it altogether and build its own. Next, take a black peice of construction paper and tape it like a door with a latch to the spot where the spiders burrow sits. This will allow you to see the spider in its tunnel, but keep it dark while your not looking at it so they do not cover up the side exposed to light with dirt and silk.

I have not tried this yet as I have not had time to re-house, but I've seen pictures and it does work, and is pretty awesome for people who feel like they bought a enclosure full of dirt.

Last thing, about it eating. Dont worry. The crickets will walk its way eventually, and when the spider is ready to eat it will. I had mine go without eating for 2 months in pre-molt! This is also one of the hardiest species of spider, capable of going long periods without food or drink. Just make sure you get the substrate to a good moisture level (but not to moist!) and dont let it dry out.

 

[spiderengineer]

ok sweet thanks for the input