Advice Needed

[neil padley]

I just realised I have been posting in the chat room sorry all
I got a chilean rose from a local reptile shop, sold as an adult, in December ate ok at first stopped eating at the begining of Jan. It has now turned on its back and is completly still, I hope it is starting to moult. Forgive my ignorance but I have the following questions
1 How long does a moult take ?
2 Does it start around the fang area ?
3 Should I mist the tank ?
Thanks Neil

[Stephen jordan]

Hi, It's moulting...My Grammostola sp concepcion took about 9 hours from back flip to new spider. However time can vary species to species. If you search this forum you will find everything you need to know as I'm not 100% on some things myself. I sat and watched mine all day, facinating animals!

[neil padley]

T moulted last night seems fine

[James Box]

Hi Neil,
you may have watched it happen already, but i believe the first thing that occurs is the old carapace pops up, and the spider starts to push its way out of the exuvium (old skin) through the hole.
i don't know if misting is necessary, but it probably won't hurt, though theis species appreciates drier conditions. the spider will almost definitely be thirsty, however, and will appreciate some water in a dish if it's like mine
they use up alot of moisture in their bodies to moult, so it is easy for them to get dehydrated afterwards.
you may know this already, so apologies if so, but just including for completeness:
wait til her fangs are black again and then feed her, she should be fairly ravenous in a week or two after moulting, depending on size and age.

[neil padley]

Thanks for your sound advice
Neil

[Stanley A. Schultz]

... I got a chilean rose from a local reptile shop, sold as an adult, ...

Neil, I'm making an assumption here based on your posting. Forgive me if I'm wrong. I'm assuming this is your first tarantula. So,

Welcome to the hobby! And, welcome to this forum!

Now, please read the following:

Stan's Rant at: http://people.ucalgary.ca/~schultz/stansrant.html

Care and Husbandry of the Chilean Rose Tarantula at: http://people.ucalgary.ca/~schultz/roses.html

Enjoy your newfound, 8-legged, little wonder!

[neil padley]

Thanks all for your advice most appreciated
Neil