Brachypelma Smithi - question about moulting

[Anna Sable]

My Brachypelma Smithi moulted a couple of days ago and seems to be OK, except she hasn't shed her carapace completely.There's obviously a new one underneath but the old one is still on top - tilted up at the front. I'm worried about trying to pull it off in case it's still connected somehow and might cause bleeding.
Has anyone come across this before? What would you recommend I do? Will it cause her discomfort or injury to leave it on?
We've had her for the last 12 years and would imagine she's about 14 years old. She's very much part of the family and I want to do what's best for her. Thanks for any advice you can give.

[Guy Tansley]

Hi Anna and welcome.
I've had this happen a few times. You could try and gently remove the old carapace using forceps and a damp paint brush. Hopefully it will just come away without problems but don't be tempted to pull too hard and cause any damage, especially if it hasn't dried out after moulting. If it remains stuck, just trim as much away as possible and leave it be. The spider won't suffer with a small section attached and it will probably be moulted without problems next time around.

Hope this helps,

Guy

[Anna Sable]

Thanks Guy for your very swift and helpful response. I'll try the paintbrush approach first then. We don't handle her, so not sure how she's going to react, but hopefully it will work. Would you suggest waiting for her skin to dry out completely after the moult (how long does that take - I've read conflicting reports), or attempting to remove the old carapace sooner rather than later? Anna

[Guy Tansley]

Personally, I'd wait until the new skin has dried completely (once the spider resumes feeding) as a softer skin would damage more easily. Good luck!