8 inches?I think 8 is a good average so 4-5 should be good. Are there any issues that could arise from trying to breed her early? Also what are the chances that a mature male would eat her instead if she's not matured.
Generally Poecilotheria pair up amicably, but there are rogue females in all species who are just stone-cold killers. My P.regalis is one and repeatedly attacks male companions. I also have a H.maculata that immediately upon mating savages her mate. Preparing yourself to intercede and having the tools on hand to do so are recommended. Frankly, at my age, I don't want a Poecilotheria bite side-lining me. I use a large breeder box and allow most of my T's to "find" one another. Other than the previously mentioned females, most of my girls treat their dates with courtesy and affection after about 48 hours. Sometimes neither tarantula moves from their habitat opened within the breeder box for 36-48 hours. BTW, a one inch size difference is pretty minimal. At 4.5 inches I wouldn't hesitate to hook your pair up depending on your female's last molt date.Anything can happen, to be honest. Just be ready to jump on the with a cup, if you see it getting ugly.
Looks like I'll keep my fingers crossed for good luck , Thomas. 2-P.metallica sacs would be very nice. One of my males just molted yesterday, but I'm unable to determine if he finally matured. If not this time, then next for sure.I would say go for it. Give it a try, and maybe you get lucky. P metallica females a usually not that hard on the males. I just paired 2 p metallica females, one female is huge and it went smooth. The other female is young, but mature, and smaller than the male if you measure in legspan, but much more heavy build. She did make a charge the first time, but the male stood his ground and everything work out just fine. Saw insertions on both females.
Hi DiLooks like I'll keep my fingers crossed for good luck , Thomas. 2-P.metallica sacs would be very nice. One of my males just molted yesterday, but I'm unable to determine if he finally matured. If not this time, then next for sure.
Diane