Tarantula not burrowing

kxitlynjeffery

Arachnopeon
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Jan 12, 2021
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20
I’ve had my female Tliltocatl albopilosus ( curly hair) for coming up to two years and she would burrow every rehousing or substrate change within a few days. I use “spider life” substrate which has a mixture of things that tarantulas need for a substrate. But since I moved her into her bigger enclosure last September, she hasn’t burrowed. I thought that she just didn’t want to but I feel I should come on here to make sure I’m doing things right. She has some fake plants in the corners, a water bowl, and a wooden log in the middle. I have even dug a hole so she could start one. She tends to like being under or on the log, or on the front wall. When I fill up the water bowl I let it overflow slightly to dampen some of the substrate.
You can see part of the enclosure in the photo
 

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Matt Man

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those big ole chunks aren't going to encourage burrowing. Then again, I have good burrowing soil and my T. albo could care less. She doesn't burrow much either
 

kxitlynjeffery

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Jan 12, 2021
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those big ole chunks aren't going to encourage burrowing. Then again, I have good burrowing soil and my T. albo could care less. She doesn't burrow much either
I’ve used this substrate since I got her as a sling so I’m just really confused. And she’s not even normal anyways for her species because she’s the most aggressive spider I’ve ever seen. 😂
 

kingshockey

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maybe it just feels like it owns the cage cause its big enough to take any and all who want some of it my b hamorii is like that complete with an a genic type food agression(threat pose soon as i open the lid)while my lp is just a pet hole both 3 inches now
 

cold blood

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I’ve had my female Tliltocatl albopilosus ( curly hair) for coming up to two years and she would burrow every rehousing or substrate change
I hope you mean re-housings as she grew....because substrate doesn't go bad and never just has to be changed.
I use “spider life” substrate which has a mixture of things that tarantulas need for a substrate
Tarantulas dont have any needs when it comes to substrate...there are lots or perfectly good options...spiderlife...that's a gimmick, probably to charge more.
But since I moved her into her bigger enclosure last September, she hasn’t burrowed.
Many terrestrials, as they grow, just stop burrowing or even using hides. I have I think 12 albos over 3.5"...not a darn one ever hides or burrows. Not burrowing is a blessing (cause you can see it) not a concern.
 

viper69

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It’s ok if they don’t burrow for many species- this is one- my AF never has- but she has a hide- never uses it
 

Smotzer

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No need to stress, you can’t force it to burrow anyway. Enjoy that you get to see it out now, it may burrow later it may not, not a worry.

That substrate looks chunky, and sounds like you were ripped off buying premium substrate when peat moss, or coco fiber, or topsoil are completely suitable.
 

Shinn

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Jan 4, 2022
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My T albo is just around the 2 inch mark. It has actually sealed off it's burrow and spend most of the time outside now. I think that's a plus instead of a con. We get to enjoy viewing our T anytime.
 

Lyssa

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Mar 24, 2022
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my curly hair doesn't burrow either. right now she's sitting on a sac and she's in her coconut hut and has it sealed off with substrate and moss.
 

IATEASPIDER

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Mar 15, 2022
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My curly hair never burrows her entire life lol.I provided her a hide but she always stays out and show her beautiful butt
 
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