Feeding

[Richard Shah]

To make your decision a bit easier Rich I have taken some pictures of my Flameknee and Nhandu.

The one out and about is Furio, my flameknee.

The other one is Stan and yes it looks like a pile of dirt but look closely and you will see him.

I wouldn't be put off getting a sling because people are telling you you are going to kill it, but if you are only getting the one, chances are you will be looking at a pile of dirt like in my picture alot of the time

Thank you for your help Tom - people were not necessarily saying I was going to kill it though, just that the risk is quite high that it will die naturally, and without any experience of actually having a T., I should be more aware of that.
I honestly couldn't see your Nhandu lol - most likely cuz right now my concentration rate is quite low!
I will buy an adult - you are right about what you said it looking like a house spider for a few years - and that possibly boring me. I also agree with James that I'm young, and so I can link what you said and he said together (i.e. the reason for me losing interest because of such a small spider would most likely b cuz I'm young).


Nicola, that sucks yours died as an dult, but you still have a lot of spiders lol! Thanks a lot for your reply to my question and for continuing to assist me, like everyone else!

Thanks to all,

Rich!

BTW how high would you say the average pet store cricket jumps - I mean the 'silent' crickets?

[matthew spooner]

wax worm

i find it depends on how big the sling is as to what i feed it. i have a g.rosea sling that has moved on to size 2 crickets now but i have had her since about 2 weeks after she hatched and i started her on micro crickets. i have a n.carapoensis that is about three quater inch long and i feed her half dead wax worm, she loves it, have to be careful with them little buggers though as when i first started feeding her waxworm, she almost got eaten herself.

[James Box]

yeah Richard, get an adult first...then get some slings when you feel more confident
i have loads of slings and some adults, and i love them all...even if some hide from me most of the time. but having a variety means that you usually have something to see...
but i guess your mum has some say in how many you get for now...and might be good to break her in on one attractive and docile T, which is another reason an adult might be good!

[Richard Shah]

yeah Richard, get an adult first...then get some slings when you feel more confident
i have loads of slings and some adults, and i love them all...even if some hide from me most of the time. but having a variety means that you usually have something to see...
but i guess your mum has some say in how many you get for now...and might be good to break her in on one attractive and docile T, which is another reason an adult might be good!

lol - yeah true true! And she def. does has some say in how many I get lol (she'd probably give a max. of 5-7 - she'd just call me crazy!). I told her I might get a scorp in a few years, and she wasn't so sure about it, and argued that she could be allergic to its bite or even presence - but I really don't care about that at all right now, and for a while. My focuses are this Tarantula, my film and my schoolwork!

Matthew - cheers but I'm getting a SA now! I'll remember that for future reference though!

My question regarding how high crickets jump is still standing If someone could answer that, please do!!!
And also a quick que. about substrate; should I buy the coir block and vermiculite from TSS, and then mix the two togther, or would you say I should just buy the coir block?

Cheeeers,

Rich!!

[matthew spooner]

i just use coconut fibre blocks and find that works a treat for the substrate as long as you make sure it isnt too damp when going in the tank as it holds alot of the moisture from soaking. i used straight vermiculite when i started collecting and i know some people recommend mixing the two together but i find either work just as well on their own. you will work out which your T prefers when you put him/her in the tank, my b.smithi wouldnt go near the substrate with straight vermiculite and stayed on the side of the tank, with coconut fibre, she loves it, she has set it up perfectly how she wants it. so maybe try a couple of substrates and see which your T prefers

[Richard Shah]

i just use coconut fibre blocks and find that works a treat for the substrate as long as you make sure it isnt too damp when going in the tank as it holds alot of the moisture from soaking. i used straight vermiculite when i started collecting and i know some people recommend mixing the two together but i find either work just as well on their own. you will work out which your T prefers when you put him/her in the tank, my b.smithi wouldnt go near the substrate with straight vermiculite and stayed on the side of the tank, with coconut fibre, she loves it, she has set it up perfectly how she wants it. so maybe try a couple of substrates and see which your T prefers

Cheers mate. BTW I want to change my choice of species - I think I'll get a B. Smithi! (See next thread).
Rich

[Tom Forman]

Hi again Rich,

about the crickets jumping. They can jump quite high. An adult cricket can jump a good 30cm. Maybe even up to half a metre.
People like to use tall dustbins and have a strip of packing tape along the top to stop them escaping.

I wasn't convinced when people tried to convert me to cockroches and I doubt you will be but I might as well try as they are alot better...

Crickets are noisy at night and jump and escape easily. It is a hassle having to take out the cricket eggs to hatch elsewhere and crickets need more space.

Roaches on the other hand are far less likely to escape than crickets, don't make any noise and don't jump.

Well, it's a decision you have got to make. In case you are worried about an escaped roach multiplying in your house, that won't happen just like escaped crickets won't breed at room temperature either. I'm not sure you had thought of that one yet but you will need atleast 28 degrees to breed either...

It probably isn't worth breeding crickets for just one spider. Well in fact I can tell you it isn't worth it for the hassle involved...
It would be easier for you to buy crickets every once in a while or so.

[James Box]

agreed...if you buy a box of crickets and keep them well fed (some weetabix) and watered (can use a small bottlecap), and try to remove deads when you can, you could probably keep your T on a single box for a while.
it's sometimes worth getting a small "pet pal" cage or even specialised cricket keeper (with the tubes on each side for distribution) to make it easier to maintain them.
sounds like a lot of work...but it shouldn't be too bad.
btw, the little ones you'll need to use are hard to catch and fast...and if they're the brown ones, i think they're pests here, but house spiders take care of most escapees. they're usually not that loud, especially with the tiny ones you'll be feeding your spider to start (as you're going for a juvie).
with a bit of practice with long tongs, you should be a pro in no time. i find it easier to catch them with my long tongs sometimes then with anything else!


as it's not good to overfeed the T, you'll probably be feeding a couple small crickets a week or so... so it'll take a while to get through a box of them!

[Oli Dodds]

If you buy the turkistan roachs (blatta lateralis), they breed pretty quick, dont climb, make no noise, make no mess, live on oats, and die from the temperature if they escape! Oh, did i mention they are INTERESTING as pets on their own also?
B.LATERALIS FOR THE WIIIIIIIIIN!!!!!!!!!!
But dont get me started on the lateralis....I like them so much im starting to think i bloody am one! Although im sure James wouldnt stop me throwing myself to my Ts for lunch
Oli

[James Box]

If you buy the turkistan roachs (blatta lateralis), they breed pretty quick, dont climb, make no noise, make no mess, live on oats, and die from the temperature if they escape! Oh, did i mention they are INTERESTING as pets on their own also?
B.LATERALIS FOR THE WIIIIIIIIIN!!!!!!!!!!
But dont get me started on the lateralis....I like them so much im starting to think i bloody am one! Although im sure James wouldnt stop me throwing myself to my Ts for lunch
Oli

yeah, i'll be experimenting with these roaches soon...
Oli, if you made that kind of sacrifice for the good of your T's...we'd all have the most profound respect for you. we'd even have a great funeral with 21 gun salute!

[Richard Shah]

Hi again Rich,

about the crickets jumping. They can jump quite high. An adult cricket can jump a good 30cm. Maybe even up to half a metre.
People like to use tall dustbins and have a strip of packing tape along the top to stop them escaping.

I wasn't convinced when people tried to convert me to cockroches and I doubt you will be but I might as well try as they are alot better...

Crickets are noisy at night and jump and escape easily. It is a hassle having to take out the cricket eggs to hatch elsewhere and crickets need more space.

Roaches on the other hand are far less likely to escape than crickets, don't make any noise and don't jump.

Well, it's a decision you have got to make. In case you are worried about an escaped roach multiplying in your house, that won't happen just like escaped crickets won't breed at room temperature either. I'm not sure you had thought of that one yet but you will need atleast 28 degrees to breed either...

It probably isn't worth breeding crickets for just one spider. Well in fact I can tell you it isn't worth it for the hassle involved...
It would be easier for you to buy crickets every once in a while or so.

Everything you said has come to mind even before the Roach thread, and again after viewing that thread. I am not sure at all anymore. Crickets are also a lot easier to pick up as opposed to roaches.
Someone in another thread was offering me £5 inc. P&P for some breed *cannot remember what* of roaches. I have already bought a plastic tank for the crickets though (see below for a pic & dimensions). I willl not breed crickets as I cannot be bothered - and also, I do not really know the living requirements for a cockroach.

agreed...if you buy a box of crickets and keep them well fed (some weetabix) and watered (can use a small bottlecap), and try to remove deads when you can, you could probably keep your T on a single box for a while.
it's sometimes worth getting a small "pet pal" cage or even specialised cricket keeper (with the tubes on each side for distribution) to make it easier to maintain them.
sounds like a lot of work...but it shouldn't be too bad.
btw, the little ones you'll need to use are hard to catch and fast...and if they're the brown ones, i think they're pests here, but house spiders take care of most escapees. they're usually not that loud, especially with the tiny ones you'll be feeding your spider to start (as you're going for a juvie).
with a bit of practice with long tongs, you should be a pro in no time. i find it easier to catch them with my long tongs sometimes then with anything else!


as it's not good to overfeed the T, you'll probably be feeding a couple small crickets a week or so... so it'll take a while to get through a box of them!

I'll bare all you said in mind - thank you. I already have a set-up (see end of post). I will try to remove any dead crickets and feed the crickets well on commercial food - I have heard one box of 40 may only last a few weeks lol. I'm going to try using my hands, it can't be too bad. BTW I noticed the crickets at the shop are very sluggish, slow moving (almost like roaches) and never seem to jump (the container is small, but high enough for them to try and jump) - I was wondering wassup wid them???

If you buy the turkistan roachs (blatta lateralis), they breed pretty quick, dont climb, make no noise, make no mess, live on oats, and die from the temperature if they escape! Oh, did i mention they are INTERESTING as pets on their own also?
B.LATERALIS FOR THE WIIIIIIIIIN!!!!!!!!!!
But dont get me started on the lateralis....I like them so much im starting to think i bloody am one! Although im sure James wouldnt stop me throwing myself to my Ts for lunch
Oli

Lol! Breeding is something I don't really want to take care of though; I'd rather go out and buy a box of the creatures whenever I have to. Someone on another thread offered me £5 with P&P though...


Ultimately I think crickets are my choice, and I don't think this set-up would agree with roaches!



Dimensions:
Width - Ends =10 cm Widest Point = 20 cm

Length = 35 cm

Height = 19.5 cm

As you can see, I already have their dish set up and a toilet roll for them to hide in.
Do you think it is appropriate for roaches?
I'm pretty sure crickets are fine.................


Thank you everybody,

Rich

[Peter Lacey]

Richard, as you only have plans for 1 T, at least at the moment, I'd completely forget about breeding live food. You'd have too much live food for your T and the only benefit I can see is you'd perhaps be able to sell them to the pet shop (probably for very little money).
Leave the crickets in the container they came in, ask for a spare container, feed them any cereals and some salad. If you notice its getting dirty in there (shouldnt be with dry food) then tear an egg box up and put it in your spare container and move the crickets from one to the other. Pure luxury for the crickets! The picture you've posted would be ideal for your first T (too big for a sling), you've provided the penthouse suite. Fill it 3/4 up with substrate, bowl of water, simple hide or starter burrow and you're ready for your first T.

[Tom Forman]

Hi Rich,
crickets in stores are always dehydrated. They are slow because most of the time they are only days away from dying.

Once you get them give them some fresh fruit and some water and you will see them get alot faster.

They can actually survive for a very long time at room temps. My estimation is that if you buy size nr 2 crickets, they should survive(and grow of course) for a good 3 months at least.

[Richard Shah]

Richard, as you only have plans for 1 T, at least at the moment, I'd completely forget about breeding live food. You'd have too much live food for your T and the only benefit I can see is you'd perhaps be able to sell them to the pet shop (probably for very little money).
Leave the crickets in the container they came in, ask for a spare container, feed them any cereals and some salad. If you notice its getting dirty in there (shouldnt be with dry food) then tear an egg box up and put it in your spare container and move the crickets from one to the other. Pure luxury for the crickets! The picture you've posted would be ideal for your first T (too big for a sling), you've provided the penthouse suite. Fill it 3/4 up with substrate, bowl of water, simple hide or starter burrow and you're ready for your first T.

Peter that container at the store is tiny though! I'll loose them for sure if I keep them in that! Breeding is something I haven't even considered - I'm not interested in breeding them lol. If I do keep the crickets in the same container that I buy them in, then I'll probably follow this routine:
Before opening the container to feed or remove one of them, I'll place the container in the fridge for ten minutes. After that period of time, I'll take it out and open it, dropping in the food or removing one of them for prey.

How does that sound?

What I bought that tank in the pic for was for the crickets because I wanted to give them some sort of decent living area before being mercilessly devoured by the T., and also it is easier for me to manage them.
Do you think the tank can be used for the 3cm juve. Smithi?

Hi Rich,
crickets in stores are always dehydrated. They are slow because most of the time they are only days away from dying.

Once you get them give them some fresh fruit and some water and you will see them get alot faster.

They can actually survive for a very long time at room temps. My estimation is that if you buy size nr 2 crickets, they should survive(and grow of course) for a good 3 months at least.

Kl!! Would you say I should keep them in either the container I have ready for them, or their pet store container? Peter is changing my mind lol!!!


What should I do???????????????

[James Box]

Richard...it's not too complicated, don't panic!
the container from the shop would be fine if you don't mind them dying soon...as you probably aren't made of money, though...and only have one T, the advice you're getting is just to keep them alive for a bit longer and save some dosh
i think transferring them to the tank you've shown would be a good idea. if you can fit that in the fridge, go for it! i put small brown crickets in the fridge for 20 minutes til they pass out. that makes dealing with them ALOT easier.
the tank you've shown should be fine to prevent jumping out. i would recommend tweezers, but only because i personally find it easier to grab them that way!
some weetabix and a shallow bowl of water and your crickets should last a while. picking out the deads when you can will help cut down on flies as well.
i've taken to keeping my crickets in the cellar, a long way away from the spiders, because i was having problems with flies.

i think your set up and plan is good...don't worry about breeding, just keep them relatively fed and watered and you can probably last on a box of crickets for months.