Tarantula not eating for too long

[Betelgeuse8]

Hello, quite some time ago (February 2021) I decided to buy my first tarantula, a Tliltocatl albopilosum sub-adult female. I had her for some time and noticed that was not eating until she once ate after 1-2 weeks since I got her. It has been one year and three months and she hasn't eaten since the first time. She is usually in her hide and during the last week has been out but seems to be not interested in food or directly gets scared of it.

I think that she has spent a lot of time without food. Can this be normal behaviour?

 

[viper69]

Yes

 

[NMTs]

Hello, quite some time ago (February 2021) I decided to buy my first tarantula, a Tliltocatl albopilosum sub-adult female. I had her for some time and noticed that was not eating until she once ate after 1-2 weeks since I got her. It has been one year and three months and she hasn't eaten since the first time. She is usually in her hide and during the last week has been out but seems to be not interested in food or directly gets scared of it.

I think that she has spent a lot of time without food. Can this be normal behaviour?

Adult and sub-adult tarantulas of almost every species can easily go weeks, months, or even a year without eating no problem. This is especially common with T's that have been overfed - at some point they just get full and won't eat anymore. It's likely nothing you should worry about, but if you'd like to post some pics of the T and it's enclosure we can look at it to see if there are any issues you should be concerned with.

 

[Smotzer]

Nope not abnormal, theres nothing you can do but wait and try again at a later time. Its either going to eat or its not. A. plump T has plenty of reserves

 

[coolnweird]

Try providing slightly smaller prey items, I find that can help nervous eaters. Otherwise just make sure your enclosure is appropriate and keep providing fresh unobstructed water. It's not abnormal for larger spiders to go months or years without food!

 

[rock]

Smaller prey is a good idea. Try different feeders, and present both live and prekilled. Overall, nothing to worry about

 

[arthurliuyz]

I think that she has spent a lot of time without food. Can this be normal behaviour?

What's the size of the abdomen? Can I see a pic

 

[Wolfram1]

What's the size of the abdomen? Can I see a pic

This

While it can be perfectly normal behaviour it might give you some peace of mind if you share a picture of the enclosure, spider and especially its abdomen to get a definitive answer. As a first time owner you might be overlooking some signs (good or bad) that are not obvious. Especially if that spider has been this reclusive so far.
That said i don't think you need to worry.

 

[LucN]

Possibly full or simply fasting just because it can. Nothing to worry about. Eventually, it'll either start eating again or molt.

 

[Betelgeuse8]

I attach some pictures of the tarantula and the enclosure.

I did try different feeders, dubia roaches and superworms but no luck. Guess I just have to wait then.

 

[NMTs]

I attach some pictures of the tarantula and the enclosure.

I did try different feeders, dubia roaches and superworms but no luck. Guess I just have to wait then.

Abdomen looks plenty full, so as long as it can drink when it's thirsty it should be fine until it decides it is hungry again. The fact that it's out and about more recently is a good indicator that it may start feeding again soon - more activity usually leads to more of an appetite. Just try to offer something again in a week or 2 and see if it takes it. If not, just keep waiting!

What's that little black box thing in the corner of the enclosure?

 

[Jonathan6303]

I attach some pictures of the tarantula and the enclosure.

I did try different feeders, dubia roaches and superworms but no luck. Guess I just have to wait then.

That sub looks very loose. I would ad some more and pat it down so the t can burrow. Also get rid of that humidity or temperature measurer. What is that black box thing in the back and is that heat mat in the back.

 

[Betelgeuse8]

What's that little black box thing in the corner of the enclosure?

What is that black box thing in the back and is that heat mat in the back.

To clarify, the black box at the back corner of the enclosure is a thermometer. Also on the back of the enclosure there is a heat mat that I used to use for heating the enclosure in cold days, I currently use a space heater in the room for that purpose.

Thank you all for the advices