Moulting

[Dave Grace]

Hi @ all,
Was just wondering if there are any specific time scales for moults. Reason I ask is that my boehmei has moulted twice within 5 months, so naturally I'm wondering is this the norm ?

Any info or feedback as always is appreciated

[Alonso Tolentino]

There are not norms. Time between molts depends on some factors such as feeding regime and temperature. So, you can actually "control" in some degree the growing rate of a tarantula, with consecuences in its life span.

[Colin D Wilson]

As well as feeding, temperature and humidity there is the natural wear and tear to the exuvium that the spider takes into consideration.

[Dave Grace]

Thanks to Colin and Alonso for the info,
I understand that the temp etc can have an effect on how quickly the spider matures, but mine are kept at a comfortable room temp with a slight drop in temp at night time, and are fed once a week, hence wondering why the quick moult

[R Thomas]

Hi Dave,

If you say it has moulted twice in 5 months then I am assuming the two moults were 5 months apart. If the tarantula is a female then during a lifetime it may moult in excess of 20 times. By my reckoning this means a total lifespan of at least 100 months or 8 years at a 5 month moult cycle. Adult tarantulas if I remember correctly tend to moult 1 to 2 times a year anyway so I think you have nothing to worry about and you may just find that this is their natural moulting cycle.

Richard