Spiderling not eating.

[Matthew Drewery]

Hi,
I am new to the boards and also to the hobby, and was looking for a little help. For my first two T's i managed to acquire a B. albiceps, and a G. aureostriata, both as spiderlings (2-3cm legspan). The Chaco ate the day i got it and seems to be doing fine. However, I have had my B. albiceps for nearly a week now and it still hasn't eaten. I have put in a micro cricket every day but the spiderling just flinches away from them. I know adult tarantulas can go a long time without eating, but what about spiderlings? Is this anything to worry about, or just a sign of an impending moult? Also, as B. albiceps is quite a rare species, I haven't found much info on the internet. I'm assuming it needs keeping in a similar environment to the other Brachypelmas, but any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help in advance
Matthew Drewery

[Simon Batten]

I wouldnt worry mate a weeks not a long time, it could be the sign of a upcoming moult or it might not could just be one of those things, try feeding her every couple of days but dont leave the cricket in for more than a few hours sooner or later she will moult or eat

[Howard Farley (Huk7)]

I agree with what Simon has said, what size is the albicpep's abdoment, does it look nice and round in comparison to the carapace?

Also, B.albiceps are a truly stunning species, just find a caresheet for B.smithi, auratum or bohemei and that should help.

Try here as well: www.brachypelma.co.uk

Hope this is of some use.

Howard

[Matthew Drewery]

Thanks a lot for your help, guys. I guessed they could probably go much longer without food, but just wanted to put my mind at ease. It's abdomen is quite round and slightly bigger than the carapace, how much bigger should it be when the spiderling moults?

Thanks again for your help

[cliff]

Some slings are shy with live prey. They WILL take prekilled crix or parts of crix. I have raised some on mealworm pieces also. I got a tiny 1/8" N.chromatus which would not kill. It is now about 1" and still likes prekilled prey.

Cliff

[Robert Farmer]

When I didn't have access to smaller crix my b. boehmei was more than happy to munch on a partially dissected waxworm (stole of my herp keeping flatmate )