Vinegaroon question...

[Iktomi]

Hey all. After keeping lots of tarantulas, I just got my first Vinegaroon. My question is about it's behavior. All it does besides eat is dig holes in all four corners of it's enclosure (in the dirt.) It also blocked the entrance to it's hide from the outside by filling it up with dirt. It also fills it's water dish with dirt every single day!! What's up with that?? :?

 

[Wade]

Most likely, it's a seasonal thing. This time of year, the vinegaroons are preparing to go underground for winter. Never mind that you're keeping it indoors at a constant temp, it still may choose to hibernate. Most of mine do, they seal themselves into their burrows and don't emege until May or June. Immatures molt during this period, so don't disturb it unless you're pretty sure it's an adult (adults don't molt). I generally leave them alone regardless, unless I absolutely have to have one for an educational program or something. I try to keep the substrate slightly moist during this period, but not wet. Once it settles in, it will stop filling it's bowl. I try to keep water available all winter, even though I don't believe they ever leave the burrow (just in case).

I like to bury a few stones in the substrate so that their touching the bottom of the cage. Then I lay a large flat stone on top of them, and fill is substaret all round that. The 'roon can then excavate substrate from under the flat stone, wile the other stones keep it from falling in case it undermines the whole thing. Also, this makes it easier to peek in at the vinegaroon after it seals it up...you can just carefully lift the stone, and replace it after you're satisfied it's OK.

Wade

 

[chuck]

i just got my first 'roon today, and it is walking around getting to know its new home. 1 question tho - do they climb glass?

 

[Wade]

Not unless it's REALLY dirty.

Wade

 

[Malhavoc's]

whats the best place to buy vinigaroons and solfigeds [spelling]

 

[Wade]

I'm pretty sure Golden Phoenix Exotica sells vinegaroons, as Darrin lives within their range. He can probably also get solifugids, but I'm not sure if he sells those or not since they're so sort lived.

Wade

 

[ChainsawMonkey]

GP doesn't ship anything anymore, I've been to the site. Krazy 8's inverts has them. Here's a link: http://krazy8sinvertebrates.com

 

[exoslimjim]

hatari inverts has them too

but dont know how big