Concerned new tarantula owner

[Ashlyn Austin]

Okay so I've had my Chilean Rosehair tarantula for about a month and a half now. I had to clean out her enclosure and the soil is wet and she won't leave her hollowed out tree she is just sitting on top of it. I haven't had to refill her water in two days now and she used to suck it dry and I refilled it every morning. I'm getting worried. Any suggestions or information that might help Selma out????

 

[Martin Oosthuysen]

Hello
I would suggest a photo to actually show the enclosure and the T in question,this would help someone better understand what's going on. It could just be she is in a cycle of not eating and drinking well known with them or even pre-molt,where they suck up loads of fluids just before the actual molt.

 

[Ashlyn Austin]

Okay so this is her right now. I just am worried about her

 

[Martin Oosthuysen]

Her abdomen looks plump,and looks like she's turning darker on the abdomen and losing hair as well. Maybe you can confirm this for me,since that looks like an upcoming molt.

 

[Ashlyn Austin]

Actually y dad pointed out yesterday that she was losing hair but we didn't know. Should I take he crickets out so they don't hurt her in case she molts tonight??

 

[Martin Oosthuysen]

She could molt today tomorrow in a week,one never knows with Grammostola. Take out uneaten food,and test her in a few days also keep her water topped up.

 

[Ashlyn Austin]

Okay thank you so much!

 

[Martin Oosthuysen]

Okay so this is her right now. I just am worried about her

Something I've noticed could be wrong, is her substrate wet ? If so,rather dry it out since they dislike wet substrate and won't be happy and won't eat etc. They are desert scrubland tarantulas,I would keep the substrate dry overfill the water dish slightly to moisten only that surrounding area of the dish and position the hide on the opposite side.

 

[Ashlyn Austin]

Yes its really wet! we got the blocks that you soak in a 5 gallon bucket so it stays really moist. She hasn't left the top of the hollowed out tree since we changed it out

 

[Martin Oosthuysen]

Yes its really wet! we got the blocks that you soak in a 5 gallon bucket so it stays really moist. She hasn't left the top of the hollowed out tree since we changed it out

Ah ha ! There is your problem, do as I've said above you should see a change in her.

 

[Anthony York]

yeah I don't own a rosehair but I have read that if a T don't walk on substrate and stay on the top of the hide it is a usual sign of something wrong with substrate.

 

[Ashlyn Austin]

Well I'll try drying it out I know she hates being wet and cold so hopefully it helps! I really appreciate you help I'm really new at this!

 

[Martin Oosthuysen]

Well I'll try drying it out I know she hates being wet and cold so hopefully it helps! I really appreciate you help I'm really new at this!

May I just say two things
- firstly its a pleasure to help,if it wasn't I shouldn't be here.
- secondly we are all still learning each and every day,no matter how long we've been in the hobby.
So ask away,and most important have fun and enjoy your awesome pet.

 

[Ashlyn Austin]

It was definitely helpful thanks so much!

 

[Anthony York]

yeah and always remember that not one person on this site knows everything but we will still help as much as possible and if we can.

 

[Ashlyn Austin]

It makes me feel better and more sure that I'm doing what's right for Selma

 

[philflake]

I had the same problem with substrate like that. As soon as I got it dried out she got off of her log and all was good.

 

[DVirginiana]

I thought I had my substrate dry, but it still took mine three or four days of it drying out further before she'd come down from her hide and the walls and actually walk on it.

 

[Linda Fluekiger]

Hi, so the Rosie needs dry substrate? Everything I read on the internet stated damp?

 

[Martin Oosthuysen]

Hi, so the Rosie needs dry substrate? Everything I read on the internet stated damp?

Hello
Rosea aren't from damp areas, so it stands to reason to use dry sub. I believe that one has to research the origin of a specimen,not just follow what people say since nature can't be rewritten.