Not eating after a moult

[Andrew Ferguson]

Gloria moulted a week ago and after her previous moults would happily and swiftly take a smallish cricket (almost like a starter) 4 or 5 days after the moult.
I went to buy some more live food and the pet shop didn't really have any crickets of a suitable size but they had locusts. I chose a box of smaller ones. But Gloria will not take any. She rears up a bit and walks off in the opposite direction.I've removed the hind legs to stop the barbs on them doing any harm but its seems like a pointless task if she won't take them.
So can any one offer any help? I'm aware they (B.smithi) will fast leading up to a moult, but is it usual to fast after? Her rump seems about 1/3 the size of the carapace but it isn't shrivelled.

[michaelmckinney]

No worries Andrew,

It could be one of two things or both. Most tarantulas, as they get bigger take a bit longer to strengthen their exoskeleton. And have you ever gave her locusts before? I have has countless less aggressive specimens, that just wouldn't touch locusts. I think it was because they don't run fast, and maybe they don't seem like prey trying to outrun the tarantula, but most aggressive specimens will just pounce on anything that moves LOL!!

Michael.

[Mrs Linda Street]

Hi Andrew, I would'nt worry too much, our adult female Smithi after she moulted, refused her crix for about 8 or 10 days, we then offered her a small wax worm and she jumped on it. We gave her a few of these for a few days and then she went back onto her normal feeding pattern afterwards. I think they maybe softer for them after their moult.

[Andrew Ferguson]

Thanks Linda and Michael. I had an inkling that as she got older it would take longer for her to recover from a moult. Always nice to hear from other B.smithi owners regarding their experiences.

[scott wilson]

B smithi

hi there , my own female smithi called taco flatly refuses to have anything to do with locusts,in fact if i put one in with her they seem to become quite good friends often sitting together!!.and she is a very fussy eater only taking maybe 2 large crickets a week,the only other T i have more fussy is my chile rose,which are renowned picky eaters,taco will go off food for around 3 weeks leading up to a moult then taking maybe a week to feed again...great looking spider though,ive got 2 young flame legs and think this species is one of the most satisfying to own. PEACE

[Oli Dodds]

Dont worry about it this is normal.
Start worrying if you come home and its curling (very unlikely with this species imo)

[Matthew Baines]

Dont worry about it this is normal.
Start worrying if you come home and its curling (very unlikely with this species imo)

As in the Scottish version of bowls on ice? Could just imagine that not happening lol

[Oli Dodds]

As in the Scottish version of bowls on ice? Could just imagine that not happening lol

Lol
Curling as in drying out

[Matthew Baines]

Sorry couldn't resist im in a comical mood today .