T molted... What now?

[bjaeger]

My B. Albopilsum just molted and I was wondering if I should remove the excuvium right away or if I should leave it be? I've attached pics of the enclosure and you can see it in there. There's definitely some moisture down there, as you can see in the attachments. So I'm not really worried about her drying out.

What all should I do? She's molted once (about 2-months-ago) in my care, but she didn't have her hide all built up to her likings - just the entrance blocked off.

Thanks, guys

P.S. I'll be taking pics of the excuvium to get it sexed soon.

 

[Talkenlate04]

If you are trying to sex your T just lift the hide forward, take the molt, then place the hide back. I do it all the time and never have an issue.
But if you are not trying to sex it, just leave it there. The molt is not going to cause any trouble.

 

[GForce14063]

I personal wait a few days before removing it depending on its location to the spider itself so as not to disturb the spider while it 's exoskeleton hardens.

 

[reverendsterlin]

a dry excuvium can be easily re-moistened by placing it into a small cup with a moist paper towel for a half hour. That said, the longer your T has access to it the more its possible that it will get chewed (usually right where you want to look for sexing purposes lol)
Rev

 

[bjaeger]

If you are trying to sex your T just lift the hide forward, take the molt, then place the hide back. I do it all the time and never have an issue.
But if you are not trying to sex it, just leave it there. The molt is not going to cause any trouble.

Okay well I thought she might be a little cramped in there. She just finished molting less than an hour ago. I got to watch the entire thing, which was pretty cool! I got to see her flip on her back and everything

I personal wait a few days before removing it depending on its location to the spider itself so as not to disturb the spider while it 's exoskeleton hardens.

I'll take your advice and leave her be for a while. It's so hard not to, as I haven't got a good look at her yet.

a dry excuvium can be easily re-moistened by placing it into a small cup with a moist paper towel for a half hour. That said, the longer your T has access to it the more its possible that it will get chewed (usually right where you want to look for sexing purposes lol)
Rev

I already knew that

Thanks for your help, guys. I appreciate it!!

 

[bjaeger]

Actually now that I think about it, if the T wants to get out, the only way out is through that entrance since she's got the main one blocked off, and the excuvium is right there. I don't want the excuvium ruined, so do you think I should just go ahead and remove it carefully?

 

[Talkenlate04]

Tip the hide forward toward the blocked off entrance, steal the molt and gently place the hide back. I am sure everything will be just fine.

 

[bjaeger]

Okay, well I carefully got the molt out and now I need it sexed. My camera isn't the best, so I may have to try and sex it myself somehow... Here's some pics:

EDIT: Do I have the right part photographed or do I need to take a pic of the underside of the abdomen?

 

[ThistleWind]

Okay, well I carefully got the molt out and now I need it sexed. My camera isn't the best, so I may have to try and sex it myself somehow... Here's some pics:

EDIT: Do I have the right part photographed or do I need to take a pic of the underside of the abdomen?

Show the other side, we need to be able to see the belly..

 

[Londoner]

You need to unfurl the abdomen and get a clear shot of the inside (between the forward pair of booklungs). You might need to re-hydrate it if it's dry.

 

[Kid Dragon]

From that picture I'm 50% sure its a female.

 

[Talkenlate04]

Show the other side, we need to be able to see the belly..

We need to see the other side, not the belly side. Like mentioned above open up that abdomen and get a few pictures.

 

[bjaeger]

Edit: Nevermind. I'll just wait until the next molt to have it sexed. Should be about 2 months.

Thanks, guys

 

[Talkenlate04]

Edit: Nevermind. I'll just wait until the next molt to have it sexed. Should be about 2 months.

Thanks, guys

Why That molt was very usable. All you had to do was open up the abdomen skin and get a picture.

 

[jrmrbcax]

Send the molt to me and I will sex it. Srsly!

 

[bjaeger]

Okay, well, I'll try later then. I tried to get it open earlier, but I failed (moistened it, too).

 

[Talkenlate04]

Hmm I bet it got a little twisted up. Take your time but I am pretty sure if you get it open it can be sexed now.

 

[bjaeger]

Will do! I'll try it again tonight. I'm really tired and need a little nap.

Edit: Yeah, it's a bit twisted :|

 

[jrmrbcax]

Will do! I'll try it again tonight. I'm really tired and need a little nap.

tell me about it