Quick molting question.

[Allthingsterrarium]

Hey guys! I just have a real quick question about a molting Brachypelma Boehmei or Mexican fireleg. I've had my little friend October for a little over two months now and he's still about 3 inches but looking slightly bigger so I have some reason to believe he molted. I tossed out the substrate and replaced it the other day so I didn't look for a shed exoskeleton. Anyway that's not important. What I would like to know is will there be a noticeable size increase after a single molt by a Mexican fireleg? I know they grow slowly and I would imagine they don't molt very often. I know that a male b. boehmei like October will reach about 5 or 6 inches and I'm not talking about changes that dramatic after just one molt but will his growth be obvious or will it be subtle?

 

[Chubbs]

It depends on the individual tarantula as well as the gender and the species.

 

[Allthingsterrarium]

Thank you Chubbs. He is a Brachypelma Boehmei and 99.9% likely a male. I've heard they do grow slowly but I expect to at least see some growth within a year.

 

[spidey noob]

i got 2 x b,Boehmei (1cm) november ish last year they have both moulted twice, one is 3/4cm the other is 4/5cm !!! (i feed twice a week)

 

[Allthingsterrarium]

Thanks Spidey Noob! It sounds like yours are very young, I guess they do grow quite slowly then. I heard somewhere that a male only lives about a year after the final molt on average so I should have a while yet before he reaches maximum size.

 

[Therasoid]

Hey guys! I just have a real quick question about a molting Brachypelma Boehmei or Mexican fireleg. I've had my little friend October for a little over two months now and he's still about 3 inches but looking slightly bigger so I have some reason to believe he molted. I tossed out the substrate and replaced it the other day so I didn't look for a shed exoskeleton. Anyway that's not important. What I would like to know is will there be a noticeable size increase after a single molt by a Mexican fireleg? I know they grow slowly and I would imagine they don't molt very often. I know that a male b. boehmei like October will reach about 5 or 6 inches and I'm not talking about changes that dramatic after just one molt but will his growth be obvious or will it be subtle?

As a tarantula ages the molt cycle becomes less frequent. Yours at 3" (I consider a juvenile) will show a slight size increase that is hard to notice. Possibly 1/4" maybe a bit more between molts. Yes, a slow growing species but a long lifespan.
Since you're sure its male, once he hooks out, I suggest to do a breeding loan or sell him. Someone will likely need him . You have plenty of time to make a decision, or perhaps get a mature female and breed yourself. They are a staple T to the hobby. [emoji3]

 

[Allthingsterrarium]

As a tarantula ages the molt cycle becomes less frequent. Yours at 3" (I consider a juvenile) will show a slight size increase that is hard to notice. Possibly 1/4" maybe a bit more between molts. Yes, a slow growing species but a long lifespan.
Since you're sure its male, once he hooks out, I suggest to do a breeding loan or sell him. Someone will likely need him . You have plenty of time to make a decision, or perhaps get a mature female and breed yourself. They are a staple T to the hobby. [emoji3]

Aw I could never give him up. I love the little guy too much. I guess I could stud him out for breeding but I'd be afraid the larger female would eat him. I actually got a male because of a shorter lifespan just in case he turned out to be a nightmare . It's good to know though that he will grow at a slower but steady pace so I will have more time to prepare for and provide for his molting time. It will sure be fun watching him grow up. Thanks Thereasoid!

 

[Chubbs]

Males are an extremely valuable asset to this hobby. It'd be kind of a waste in my opinion not to let him serve his purpose once he matures.

 

[Allthingsterrarium]

Well you have a point there. I have plenty of time before he grows up completely. I wouldn't dare give him up but maybe I will find someone with a female and we can breed them. Heck it might be cool if I found someone with a female Mexican Red Knee and we could create hybrids.

 

[Chubbs]

Well you have a point there. I have plenty of time before he grows up completely. I wouldn't dare give him up but maybe I will find someone with a female and we can breed them. Heck it might be cool if I found someone with a female Mexican Red Knee and we could create hybrids.

Umm... hybridization is EXTREMELY frowned upon in this hobby.

 

[Allthingsterrarium]

Yeah, the more I think about it the more I think it would be too risky anyway.