Caring for slings

[Claire Beckett]

Please can someone advise on the best ways for caring for slings? ie what further care would a sling need as opposed to an adult as I have an adult G rosea already but am thinking of getting a couple of slings?

Thank you in anticipation of any advice

Claire

[Toran Tanner]

sling are very easy to care for just make sure they have water at all time. If not they will have problem. the best way IMO is get a vial or some kind of small cup put some peat or compost in the vial and keep that moist, not soaked. For feeding just get small crix and crush the head before you put them in with the sling. and you should be fine.

hope this helps

[Stuart Collins]

whats 'IMO'?

[Phil Rea]

whats 'IMO'?

"In my opinion"

[stevebagnall]

Slings aren't too hard to look after. I have 30+ in all manner of containers. I've found some little food containers (25p Asda), ideal for terrestrial or arboreal as they are quite tall. I just pack some peat/vermiculite according to what is in there. Also use baby food jars, camera film pots, and spider pots (from Lee at the spidershop). As Toran said, keep the substrate slightly moist, this will give them something to drink and keep the humidty levels up. Important as they'll be shedding on average about every 4-6 weeks.

Food can be 1st instar crix or fruit flies. I feed fruit flies, 1st and 2nd instar crix to mine, depending on size. They all range from 1cm to 3cm. They don't need much room to be honest. They are babies so want somewhere safe to hide and get fed. I feed about 3 times a week. After a moult I don't feed for at least 5 days. Be prepared for them to burrow. I can't think of any of mine that haven't and I have several different species. Some make fantastic burrows, but this may mean you won't see much of them.

Be careful when feeding. They can be fast little swines when they want to be. Only last night I had one escape. I tend to feed inside a bigger container, so the furthest they get is a few inches away. They are very delicate. So be careful about how you get them back into the pot, I avoid picking them up, and try and coax them back into their home. Some species are hardier than others, some grow faster than others too. All depends on what your after. I love the slings, watching them grow gives me a buzz, and you can't beat the feeling you get each time they successfully shed. Anyway, I've banged on enough. Good luck with what ever slings you decide to go after.

Steve

[Claire Beckett]

Thank you - thats very helpful. I have got a 1cm L parahybana and a 4-5cm B albopilosum coming tomorrow. Cant wait!