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Monocentropus balfouri communal setup

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  • Monocentropus balfouri communal setup

    My new project is exactly what it says on the tin. A Monocentropus balfouri communal setup.

    I have ten 1cm M.balfouri slings all from the same sack, and kept together after hatching. Coming Tuesday morning.

    Over the weekend I’ll be finding the perfect enclosure. Whether it be acrylic or glass doesn’t matter to me. My main concern will be the size. It has to be small enough to keep them together but not so small that their on top of each. Also it can’t be too big with too much area that will encourage them to go off and create their own territories.

    Inside the enclosure the temperature will be between 23C and 25C. Heated with a heat mat attached to the back on the enclosure, controlled by an on/off thermostat.

    Inside the enclosure will be a good few inch of dry substrate, a couple of branches, amongst other bits of common forest floor debris. These details will come later once I’m more decided.

    I’m starting this thread days before it begins to get interest and any tips or advice which may help me with this new project. So please feel free to add help and advice and watch as I add pictures and keep everyone updated with the results and how the community grows and gets on with each other.

    Thanks.
    Devoted tarantula enthusiast & Future M.balfouri specialist.




  • #2
    Nice - what instar are they on?
    Have a good time all the time

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    • #3
      I wouldn't be able to tell you. It's not something that concerns me too much. I just know that their 1cm or just over. That could mean anything from 2 to 4 instar in my experience. Looking forward to receiving them though. I'll get some pictures up straight away.
      Devoted tarantula enthusiast & Future M.balfouri specialist.



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      • #4
        I've gone with a simple plastic Faunarium 24 x 16 x 17cm.


        2" Eco earth substrate/aquarium sand mix.


        Cork bark and wood scattered to create hinding places.


        Comments and criticisms please.




        Devoted tarantula enthusiast & Future M.balfouri specialist.



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        • #5
          The parcel has arrived, and in the last couple of minutes of the deadline too.

          I’ll be going home within the hour to check on the M.balfouri’s and get them into their new home.

          I have an idea of how they do it but I have never received a Community before so I’m looking forward to seeing how it was done.

          Update again soon.


          Devoted tarantula enthusiast & Future M.balfouri specialist.



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          • #6
            I'm happy to say all 10 M.balfouri survived the journey and are looking very healthy.


            They arrived together as one would. In a well sealed container with moist tissue lining and cover for protection.


            They are all settling in to the new enclosure and as predicted they hid straight away so no pictures of them in the enclosure yet. I will try for some once they've settled and decide to come out to explore.



            Devoted tarantula enthusiast & Future M.balfouri specialist.



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            • #7
              After releasing the 10 M.balfouri into their new enclosure I decided to leave them for 3 hours to settle. After the 3 hours I came back and released 10 small brown crickets in with them.


              Coming back this morning it was a nice surprise to see at least 4 of the crickets had been eaten.


              I also was relieved to find 5 of the slings all bunched together in a little hide they had found. The other 5 nowhere to be seen but they are tarantulas after all, hidden away so I aren't concerned.


              I have some pictures to put up later today.
              Devoted tarantula enthusiast & Future M.balfouri specialist.



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              • #8
                I'm having trouble finding my camera lead so I've resorted to taking a photo of a photo haha.

                Devoted tarantula enthusiast & Future M.balfouri specialist.



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                • #9
                  I was just wondering about the instar level, as I've heard these are best not being separated from the mother until around 4th (If I remember right) as the mother feeds the young, and often the spiderlings don't tend to do so well if taken away sooner - I have a feeling it was Steve Dye who mentioned this... It's not something I personally know anything about, was just curious
                  Have a good time all the time

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                  • #10
                    To be honest from all the reading and perpetration I've done before taking this project on I haven't come across anything that could confirm or deny that.

                    My M.balfouri are eating well as I find the well recognised husks of devoured crickets.


                    If anyone would like to shed some light on this or have any comments please share.
                    Devoted tarantula enthusiast & Future M.balfouri specialist.



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                    • #11
                      Little update.


                      All balfouri seem to have found each other as I counted ten earlier and here a picture of seven bunched up together.


                      They have also started webbing up around their hide now so looking forward to seeing that develop.




                      Had to order a new cable for my camera which is a bit of a set back but will have decent pictures up ASAP.
                      Devoted tarantula enthusiast & Future M.balfouri specialist.



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                      • #12
                        Devoted tarantula enthusiast & Future M.balfouri specialist.



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                        • #13
                          When they arrived.





                          And Tonight


                          Devoted tarantula enthusiast & Future M.balfouri specialist.



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                          • #14
                            Update!

                            A question rose about whether the mother feeds her young or not has got me curious.

                            So as an experiment I have begun cutting large brown crickets in half, tail to head and leaving the two halves inches away from the opening to their Den. I have also been adding a small number of live small brown crickets (5 or 6) into the enclosure for them to capture.

                            Honestly they seem to favour the stationary prepared large crickets to the active smaller ones though I have seen evidence of them hunting and eating the live crickets.

                            Now maybe they’re just opportunistic and go for the easier prey? I don’t know.

                            I’m not sure what this proves but what I can say is that they eat more if it’s served up on a plate than if they have to go out and hunt for it themselves
                            Devoted tarantula enthusiast & Future M.balfouri specialist.



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                            • #15
                              All the slings of any species I've kept have taken pre-killed prey.... Adults have done from time to time as well, but not so readily... I guess an easy meal is an easy meal!
                              Have a good time all the time

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