Moult whilst in hiding?

[Richard Shah]

Hey People,
Oli and others alike have told me about their B. Smithi going into hiding, and Oli in fact said that it is not uncommon for the T. to go into hiding for five months.
I have accepted that it may, however, I was wondering if it would moult down there during this period, and if so, is it possible that it may moult more than once? I lol at the idea of not having seen the T. for months and I look at the tank, and still nothing is there; I turn my back and then look at the tank again and there is this massive T. that the tank is too small for!

I know it is still alive, cuz it has rebuilt the dirt blocking its hide several times, a cricket 'disappeared' between the time from when I left to go to school, and when I got back, and either evaporation took its course or that water has been going pretty fast at some points, and pretty slow at others, although my room has remained a constant temperature (a pretty high one though).
Ice Cube knows when I'm at school and when I'm sleeping - that's pretty crazy!!!!
Nah, I know it really just senses when activity within the room is at it's lowest point!

Thanks all,

Rich!

[Tom Forman]

Hey Rich,

it's really good to hear you are now looking after Ice Cube like you should be.

I went through a similar scenario to you and decided to get myself another T so that if one was hiding the other one might be out

Then I got another, and another, and another .... lol.

oh yeah, have a read through this site, you might find it interesting. It described T's behaviour in regards to the season they think it is. In winter, the T's they are descibing hide away for several months, then spring and again in autumn they become more active.

http://www.naturalheritage.com/citizen-science/tarantula/life.asp

As far as I can remember you keep him in a tupperware container and you have said you do not want to get a heat mat. Well, you could always try putting his container on a video recorder or a tv receiver or an amp, something that gives off a little bit of heat. Ice Cube might decide to "unplug" his hide

[Richard Shah]

Hey Rich,

it's really good to hear you are now looking after Ice Cube like you should be.

I went through a similar scenario to you and decided to get myself another T so that if one was hiding the other one might be out

Then I got another, and another, and another .... lol.

oh yeah, have a read through this site, you might find it interesting. It described T's behaviour in regards to the season they think it is. In winter, the T's they are descibing hide away for several months, then spring and again in autumn they become more active.

http://www.naturalheritage.com/citizen-science/tarantula/life.asp

As far as I can remember you keep him in a tupperware container and you have said you do not want to get a heat mat. Well, you could always try putting his container on a video recorder or a tv receiver or an amp, something that gives off a little bit of heat. Ice Cube might decide to "unplug" his hide

I may get a fireleg/fireknee; we will see, we will see. As for getting more and more, lol, I do not think I could or would want to!
I will check out that link, cheers!

I keep Ice Cube in a blue transparent plastic tank now - the size being larger than the tupperware box, but nowhere near as large as the exo terra. My room is pretty warm, usually being 25 - 30 degrees celsius; I do not think that anywhere in my bedroom is particularly warmer than anything else; that includes my PC.

I think Ice Cube is really just settling in tbh!

Thanks Tom.

[Stuart Common]

ohh you should find that you do get more and more.. I found that out very quickly, now have 12 T's, another arriving hopefully next wednesday and just got my first scorpion today

[Richard Shah]

ohh you should find that you do get more and more.. I found that out very quickly, now have 12 T's, another arriving hopefully next wednesday and just got my first scorpion today

I honestly doubt that lol! I really wanted an Emperor Scorpion, but my mum said "No!" lol!

[Louise~Nichols]

'ello again Rich...now proud owner of *Ice Cube*...

Righty...your lil chap has got himself comfortable, and sometimes they web themselves in as a security measure. But...if it does moult in the hide, the skins normally/eventually get thrown out as they like to keep their personal space tidy. So you'll get to se progress one way or another.

My Smithi's are usually out prowling, they like to be seen, except if they are about to moult...and even then they sometimes perform moulting displays whilst perched on the back of a flower pot!! The other reason they hide (apart from security, and moults) is if they feel too warm or dry...then they take to their burrow for refuge from the heat.

Temperature wise, I keep my breeder Smithi's at around 72F to 75F for the period of December through to April and lower humidity, to condition them up for mating, and then from May to October they are around 80F to 84F with a slightly higher humidity...then November is the start of cooling again. For your little one, I'd recommend not letting temps climb too high, 78F to 80F will be just fine.

Hope that helps and good luck with getting a view of your baby sometime soon!! Here's one of my juvenile boys...his name is Moonboots.

[Richard Shah]

'ello again Rich...now proud owner of *Ice Cube*...

Righty...your lil chap has got himself comfortable, and sometimes they web themselves in as a security measure. But...if it does moult in the hide, the skins normally/eventually get thrown out as they like to keep their personal space tidy. So you'll get to se progress one way or another.

My Smithi's are usually out prowling, they like to be seen, except if they are about to moult...and even then they sometimes perform moulting displays whilst perched on the back of a flower pot!! The other reason they hide (apart from security, and moults) is if they feel too warm or dry...then they take to their burrow for refuge from the heat.

Temperature wise, I keep my breeder Smithi's at around 72F to 75F for the period of December through to April and lower humidity, to condition them up for mating, and then from May to October they are around 80F to 84F with a slightly higher humidity...then November is the start of cooling again. For your little one, I'd recommend not letting temps climb too high, 78F to 80F will be just fine.

Hope that helps and good luck with getting a view of your baby sometime soon!! Here's one of my juvenile boys...his name is Moonboots.

My, err, baby? Lol.
I haven't spoken to you for a long time! Lol. How r u?
Yes I am the proud owner of Ice Cube

Mine hasn't shown any signs of webbing, although in his other tupperware enclosure, I opened it up once to find him webbing along the substrate! Glad to know he'll throw his skin/s out... that is quite interesting and would be amusing to actually see him do so!

Too warm or to dry, well plenty of water is always available, and the room is warm so evaporation will takes its course. However, if you say about 22 degrees Celsius is enough, then what you said about the heat may well be what is happening in this case, because as I said, my room is generally 25 - 30 d. Celsius, that meaning (according to this online converter) 77 - 86 d. Farenheit.

Moonboots is a real juvenile... mine is only 3cm LS!

TBH, I think mine is really still settling in from having moved it fifteen days ago.


Thanks a lot Louise!

[Nicola Dolby]

Hi there,
To be honest Richard when a spider covers up the entrance to its hole like that it is a sure signthe spider is going into pre-moult. the best thing you can do is keep the temperature and humidity the same as usual and give the spider plenty of peace and quiet to do his/her stuff. When your tarantula emerges, which he/she will do under its own steam it will be very fragile and very thirsty. So whilst the little one is in there make sure the spider's water bowl is topped up ready for after. Try not to disturb your tarantula as this might stress it. When the spider does come out after moulting post again and we'll tell you what's next.
As for another Brachy, I'd go more for a B. vagans or B. emilia than a B. bohemi. They're great spiders but can be short tempered (like mine) and will flick hairs at you at the slightest provocation.
Hope this helps

[Louise~Nichols]

I'm doing fine thanks Rich, how's you been? All well I hope.
And yes....*your baby*...whilst it may seem an odd phrase, think of it like parenting (and I know that's gonna be years away yet!!)...you're the bringer of food and water, you tidy up after the little one, and provide warmth and comfortable surroundings.
It may be only a small eight-legged scuttler right now, but you have all the responsibilities of ensuring the welfare for your sling....so, it's a form of parenting lesson, lol, the only difference is, it won't demand pocket money, late nights out, or ask to borrow your computer!! And if it does start doing that...we'd like video footage on YouTube!! LOL

In fairness Rich, I'd have expected your I.C to be out and roaming again now...mine generally haven't taken more than 3 days to settle when I buy large slings in (they are usually resilient to change and very adaptable), it's mostly older specimens who want to sulk for a few weeks, unless it's a sensitive or hyper species, so I'd try lowering the heat a little and see if scuttlebum makes an appearance. lol
Moonboots, had only just been repotted in that photo...he's a bumptious soul...very nosey, taps on the side of his box and eats like a pig, just moulted again 2 days ago, so he's now strutting around like he's the only spider on the planet!!

Anyways...you're welcome, good to see you again.

[Richard Shah]

Hi there,
To be honest Richard when a spider covers up the entrance to its hole like that it is a sure signthe spider is going into pre-moult. the best thing you can do is keep the temperature and humidity the same as usual and give the spider plenty of peace and quiet to do his/her stuff. When your tarantula emerges, which he/she will do under its own steam it will be very fragile and very thirsty. So whilst the little one is in there make sure the spider's water bowl is topped up ready for after. Try not to disturb your tarantula as this might stress it. When the spider does come out after moulting post again and we'll tell you what's next.
As for another Brachy, I'd go more for a B. vagans or B. emilia than a B. bohemi. They're great spiders but can be short tempered (like mine) and will flick hairs at you at the slightest provocation.
Hope this helps

I hope you are right and not Louise, cuz it means I'm doing everything right and not wrong! (Sorry Louise, but you can see why I hope you're wrong!). I'll act on your advice, although I know the T. has definitely been coming out and pretty sure that not all the water in its dish went cuz of evaporation (although the surface area is quite large).
I heard B. Vagans are a bit more short tempered?? B Bohemi are great looking spiders, but if they are hair flickers, well, I'll think about it. B Bohemi are okay, I would really get a Brachypelma Auratum to be honest! However, I need to buy a lot of PC parts, besides other things. So I do not know if I'd get another T., at least for some time.


Thanks a lot Nicola!

I'm doing fine thanks Rich, how's you been? All well I hope.
And yes....*your baby*...whilst it may seem an odd phrase, think of it like parenting (and I know that's gonna be years away yet!!)...you're the bringer of food and water, you tidy up after the little one, and provide warmth and comfortable surroundings.
It may be only a small eight-legged scuttler right now, but you have all the responsibilities of ensuring the welfare for your sling....so, it's a form of parenting lesson, lol, the only difference is, it won't demand pocket money, late nights out, or ask to borrow your computer!! And if it does start doing that...we'd like video footage on YouTube!! LOL

In fairness Rich, I'd have expected your I.C to be out and roaming again now...mine generally haven't taken more than 3 days to settle when I buy large slings in (they are usually resilient to change and very adaptable), it's mostly older specimens who want to sulk for a few weeks, unless it's a sensitive or hyper species, so I'd try lowering the heat a little and see if scuttlebum makes an appearance. lol
Moonboots, had only just been repotted in that photo...he's a bumptious soul...very nosey, taps on the side of his box and eats like a pig, just moulted again 2 days ago, so he's now strutting around like he's the only spider on the planet!!

Anyways...you're welcome, good to see you again.

Yep, all is well thank you. And good to 'see' - lol - well, talk to you too!

I prefer Veoh; the quality is way better! (I'm a geek I know... )
I understand your logic, but I prefer calling it 'the thing I look after with eight legs, that most people would be scared of, or think "What the hell?" when they see it!"

I hope you are wrong, and that it is going into premoult (its patch was pink when I last saw it)... I just like to think that what I'm doing is right! However, the room is quite warm! 'll just try to maintain a temperature of less than 25 degrees C.. Scuttleburn - lol!! Whatever he/she is doing, it is anoying cuz I know it's coming out when I'm not around!! I didn't think it was possible for me to be thaat scary!!!

Moonboots sort of is, if you think about it, because that tank is his planet; most likely, he knows no better than to assume there is little beyond his existence. If it could talk, we would know what it thought about it being kept as a pet, about its life, and if it liked the way it lived or not.
TBH, I sometimes think about, if (and there is a big if) there was a race of people superior to us, that couldn't relate to or understand us, but kept us as pets, regardless of how much they simulated our environment, how we'd feel, and if we could apply that to the T.s, and likewise, other animals.
I dunno, I just have to question, what is regarded as right and normal sometimes. In this case I'm questioning whether having pets is right or wrong. Imagine if that is how it is, but that would just be crazy!!
Damn, that might make for a wicked story. I'll have to consider that as my next film definitely!!!

Thanks a lot Louise, and thanks a lot Nicola!!!

[Nicola Dolby]

Hi Richard, can I first say that the best way to be certain is literally just to put a cricket in the container! In the wild tarantulas seal themselves up so they are protected, even at ordinary times some will web over their burrow entrances for protection. The spider will be safe and if the cricket goes your Ice Cube isn't ready. If after a few days it is still there then you have a pre-moult!
best wishes

[Richard Shah]

Hi Richard, can I first say that the best way to be certain is literally just to put a cricket in the container! In the wild tarantulas seal themselves up so they are protected, even at ordinary times some will web over their burrow entrances for protection. The spider will be safe and if the cricket goes your Ice Cube isn't ready. If after a few days it is still there then you have a pre-moult!
best wishes

I gave it a cricket, and it was gone in less than 24 hours. TBH, it was between 7.00AM (when I left for school) and 4.30PM (May have been a little later cuz I think I was doing something that day; if only I could remember what day it was last week).
I'll try again later on today, but I am tired now! Good thing I have Monday to rely on, and as an extra day to get a hell load of revision done!

[Tom Forman]

I would recommend the b. auratum or the b. bohemi.

I have a b. auratum and he's great. Likes to pounce at lightning speed and does not seem too shy. He's still small though, I've heard they can get skittish and flick hairs later on. But then again any brachy will.
I reckon 50% of them will flick hairs, the others won't, you just have to be lucky enough to get one that doesn't. Even chile roses, the most docile T can be horrible to look after cause some(very few but still some) like to flick hairs.

I can't remember who it was but some1 on here has an enormous brachy collection. He practically has them all and he recommended the b. bohemi as having teh best character, that is why I am getting one at the bts.

[Richard Shah]

I would recommend the b. auratum or the b. bohemi.

I have a b. auratum and he's great. Likes to pounce at lightning speed and does not seem too shy. He's still small though, I've heard they can get skittish and flick hairs later on. But then again any brachy will.
I reckon 50% of them will flick hairs, the others won't, you just have to be lucky enough to get one that doesn't. Even chile roses, the most docile T can be horrible to look after cause some(very few but still some) like to flick hairs.

I can't remember who it was but some1 on here has an enormous brachy collection. He practically has them all and he recommended the b. bohemi as having teh best character, that is why I am getting one at the bts.

I think I'll get a B Auratum, that's if I decide to get another T.. I do not think I'll ever become a hobbyist though... One or two is enough lol!
When I'm older, I'd like to get an Albino Python, and maybe a colossal tank with a Shark! How I like to dream............................

[Tom Forman]

I've always wanted a jellyfish tank, filled with green red and blue lights.

Seen one once in my life and it was stunning. It looked like one big living lava lamp.