Glasgow Andrew Asks, Am I going Along The Right Lines

[Andrew Murdoch]

Hey guys,
I got myself four slings, about half an inch. (L. para)
I have them in 1 1/2 inch dia. plastic tubs with lids and air holes, about an inch or more of moist substrate. These sit on a heat mat.
I got myself tiny crickets from the pet shop. I popped in one in each of the tubs.
Am I doin the right thing, if so how often would you recomend feeding them, and if I am going along the right lines, how often will they molt.
Look forward to hearing your experiences, thanks.
Andrew.

[Pam Turner]

Hey Andrew!

My L parahybana are only 1st instar (I also have 4), but all my other small slings are fed on a weekly basis, just like my bigger kids. In fact, today is feeding day!

The size of the deli cups sounds fine for at least another molt or two. I personally don't use a heat mat, as the room stays about 70-72 F, but use of a mat is certainly a preference thing.

[Clinton Hogben]

Hey guys,
I got myself four slings, about half an inch. (L. para)
I have them in 1 1/2 inch dia. plastic tubs with lids and air holes, about an inch or more of moist substrate. These sit on a heat mat.
Andrew.

Hi Andrew
just one thought if your tubs sit on the heat mat

when a spider feels to warm it will burrow down to the cooler soil but in this case the further down it burrows the hotter it will get

I have the heat mat built into the lid of the viv so the heat comes from the top and if spidy gets to hot she can hide under her log of burrow to get cool

I know its a bit more difficult with slings but i think the same principle would apply not to heat from the bottom of the container

you could put your small tubs inside one bigger viv and control temp/humid that way

What are you going to do when they all grow up 4 x 10" spiders yeah

Clint

[Tom Forman]

What are you going to do when they all grow up 4 x 10" spiders yeah

Clint

Spider barbecue?

[Clinton Hogben]

Spider barbecue?

philistine

My 7" L Para has now hidden under her log

Te He

Clint

[Colin D Wilson]

I wouldn't heat from the bottom as spiders burrow to get cooler, as Clinton quite rightly said. if you can heat the rrom thats much better, or you can put the little tubs into a larger one and heat that from the top.

As far as feeding, L para seem to be waste disposal units and from my experience will eat a considerable amount compared to most others. feed every couple of days and if you find food left over the next morning remove wait a couple of days and try to feed again (if uneaten a moult may be due)
My para moulted every couple of weeks (following this feeding regimen) up untill it was about two inches LS, then monthly till 4 (ish) inches LS, now i expect a moult whenever it's ready....... it's turned into an awquard so and so

my own observations and experience, Hope this helps Andrew