p. irminia enclosure

[Sarah Joy]

I just recieves a baby p. irminia for Christmas. I will post pics as soon as i can but it is about the size of my thumbnail. What would be the best enclosure and what exactly do I need to concentrate on? This is my first taste in arboreals (eek) and I really don't want to get this wrong. Right now it is in a small beta container with a lid with a piece of cork to climb and hide and eco earth substrate. I keep the humidity at 80%ish and the temp about the same. I have seen it drink from the condensation on the wall and was told it didn't need a waterdish yet... Am I doing anything wrong? I am used to the terrestrial tarantulas and I do not want to hurt it through my inexperience.

 

[Nada]

The only issue I see with your enclosure is size. Its too big. A lot of times a tarantula will have trouble catching prey in a larger enclosure. I like to use tall deli cups for arboreal slings.
Here's a thread I wrote up on housing:
http://www.tarantulaforum.com/threads/cheap-husbandry-options.217/

 

[Sarah Joy]

Thanks. That is what I had it in... I guess it's going back in. How do I know it is time to upgrade the size of cup?

 

[Nada]

Thanks. That is what I had it in... I guess it's going back in. How do I know it is time to upgrade the size of cup?

You kinda have to just use your best judgement. Irminia grow very quickly, so It should be within a year.

 

[Bast]

I think general rule of thumb is 4x their size in height (for arboreal) or 4x floor space for terrestrials is what you should aim for as far as size of enclosure.

 

[Sarah Joy]

Cool. I can remember that. It reminds me of snake enclosure measurements.

 

[Atx13]

How big is your P. Irminia?

 

[Sarah Joy]

not big at all. almost an inch

 

[Atx13]

sure is cute, Can't wait to get some Psalmopoeus again.. One of my all time favorite genus of Ts!

 

[Sarah Joy]

I just got an awesome pic of it but it will not load from my phone. It just molted and ate and is luxurious.