Ruby’s heinie

[RubyT]

Any idea why Ruby kicks off her urticating hairs? This is her set up. Do I need live plants added or more hides? I plan on adding more substrate so it’s deeper and closer to the top so a safer environment for her to climb/explore.

 

[cold blood]

Normal...it has nothing to do with housing or anything you are doing.

 

[RubyT]

That’s a relief, thank you!

 

[Andrew Clayton]

View attachment 493393

Any idea why Ruby kicks off her urticating hairs? This is her set up. Do I need live plants added or more hides? I plan on adding more substrate so it’s deeper and closer to the top so a safer environment for her to climb/explore. View attachment 493396

Needs more substrate and looks very dry for your Genus of T. Also is that a heat lamp clipped on the back of the enclosure? Or just a light? I'd advise against using a heat lamp if it is, use a space heater instead to achieve temperatures. Other than that all is good.
I'm itching just looking at that bald patch lol

 

[RubyT]

Needs more substrate and looks very dry for your Genus of T. Also is that a heat lamp clipped on the back of the enclosure? Or just a light? I'd advise against using a heat lamp if it is, use a space heater instead to achieve temperatures. Other than that all is good.
I'm itching just looking at that bald patch lol

It’s

Needs more substrate and looks very dry for your Genus of T. Also is that a heat lamp clipped on the back of the enclosure? Or just a light? I'd advise against using a heat lamp if it is, use a space heater instead to achieve temperatures. Other than that all is good.
I'm itching just looking at that bald patch lol

Actually it’s a fan. With the enclosure being so deep I get condensation build up on the walls especially during the summer. My plan is to drill holes in the sides for better cross ventilation and as I said, add more substrate and live plants, moss. I currently have a space heater for the winter but hope to add a tank heater on the glass in the back where it won’t be seen as the deeper substrate should cover it.

 

[Andrew Clayton]

It’s

Actually it’s a fan. With the enclosure being so deep I get condensation build up on the walls especially during the summer. My plan is to drill holes in the sides for better cross ventilation and as I said, add more substrate and live plants, moss. I currently have a space heater for the winter but hope to add a tank heater on the glass in the back where it won’t be seen as the deeper substrate should cover it.

Sorry my bad I just seen the clip at the back and it's simmilar to some reptile heat lamps. Looks like a Theraphosa Apophysis? Am I right? These guys prefer it in the upper 80s of humidity (damp substrate) so as long as it's ventilated, that condensation on the sides is nothing to worry about. Looking at you're temp/humidity gauge it's only 47% humidity, that's getting to desert level species at that point, definitely not recommended for a species from a rainforest.

 

[RubyT]

Ruby is a Thersphosa Stirmi. My humidity gauge reads highly different depending on where it is. I try to keep the substrate underneath wet so the top layer isn’t a swamp for her to walk on. I think some moss and live plants will help.

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

One reason T’s flick hairs is to lay down a defense system and she has a good amount of ground.
I’d remove that fishing net as her claws could get stuck in it. Personally, I’d take out the log tent and give her a cork bark hide at an angle into the substrate after you’ve added more to the tank.
Live plants and T’s should really be maintained separately before trying to put them together, else one can suffer while the other is getting what it needs. It’s a balance and without airflow near the substrate level, moss could get moldy with its high moisture requirements. Chasing humidity numbers can also steer you wrong. Soil moisture levels are more important and also control humidity in your tank.
All the best with your stirmi. Big, beautiful T.

 

[RubyT]

Thank you! Good ideas on revamping Ruby’s home.

 

[spideyspinneret78]

Completely normal. She's just kicked some hairs. They'll often incorporate urticating hairs into the webbing lining their burrows for additional protection against predators.

 

[RubyT]

Completely normal. She's just kicked some hairs. They'll often incorporate urticating hairs into the webbing lining their burrows for additional protection against predators.

Thank you, she seems to be happy and active with a very healthy appetite!