help

[jason marsh]

can anybody please help? i have a curly haired and i'm worried about him. i have had him for 2 years and untill now seemed very happy, he wont eat or drink he hasn't moved from under his log and seems to be all scrunched up, he has shed about 4 times since i've had him and each time has burrowed so i don't think it's that, he has lost his hair from his abdomen and is very very thin, can anybody offer any help or advice, as i don't no the best thing to do.

[TabbieNorton]

Hi Jason,

What size, age is your curly hair? Is there a possibility he is mature? Sorry if it seems I am asking basic questions, just trying to figure this out. Sometimes when they mature male they do get a much more leggy/skinny look. He would also have hooks on his front legs and his pedipalps would look "club" like. Like he is wearing little boxing gloves.

[jason marsh]

harry

well i've had nearly 3 years,he's about the size of my hand when he's spread out, yes he has claws and boxing gloves!his bum!! has sort of sunk so that from side on it looks completly flat he was o.k up untill about a week ago ,i don't like to keep looking at him as he under his log, there is a cricket in with him, should i take it out?

[Barbara Gittings]

help

Hi Jason

I'm not that experienced but if it were me I'd take the cricket out. Is he moving at all?

Barbara

[Ray Hale]

Hi Jason,

you have a mature male. Shrinkage of the abdomen , ceasing to eat and lethargy are, im afraid, signs of him approaching his final destination.

I realise that its a difficult time but one that we have all experienced during our time in the hobby. Its a natural thing. Males once mature unfortunatly do not last that long.

Rest assured in the fact that there is nothing you can do or indeed that you have done.

Take comfort and get another spider as soon as you can.

hope this helps

Ray hale

[jason marsh]

thank you

thank you all so much for all your help, yes i think your right i think he's on his way to the big web in the sky,at least i no it was nature and nothing i had or hadn't done,so once again thanks

[Barbara Gittings]

Help

Jason

Thinking of you! Take care

Barbara

[jason marsh]

thanks

sorry to say but harry has indeed passed on,he went over night,thanks again for all your help and advice,if i get another one should i get a female do they last any longer?

[Daniel Carpenter]

females last much longer yes ....flemales dempending on the species last up to 30years in some cases....
Dan.

[TabbieNorton]

Hi Jason,

Sorry to hear your curly hair passed on. I had a feeling it might be male when we first talked. He is in a good place now I am sure and you gave him a good home while he was here!
I would certainly invest in a female and keep your love of these great creatures alive!