Tarantula Not eating

[shatteredpast7]

I know that az blondes are notorious for hunger strikes, but how do you know when they are ready to eat again?
My az blonde has gone a month without food now and I am just keeping her water dish filled and watching her web her home little by little. I have tried to give her a cricket here and there but she just gives me threat posture or prepares to kick hairs. She is very docile and friendly but of course is defensive if a cricket comes into their home. How do I know if or when she is hungry?

 

[shatteredpast7]

I know that az blondes are notorious for hunger strikes, but how do you know when they are ready to eat again?
My az blonde has gone a month without food now and I am just keeping her water dish filled and watching her web her home little by little. I have tried to give her a cricket here and there but she just gives me threat posture or prepares to kick hairs. She is very docile and friendly but of course is defensive if a cricket comes into their home. How do I know if or when she is hungry? For the most part I just leave her alone and observe her building skills

 

[menavodi]

If you offer her food every week, one day she will jump on it like she is really starving. That’s when you know… LOL they can go for a long time without food. No worries

 

[m0lsx]

I assume you are leaving the food in overnight? I have several T's that eat well, but who show no sign of wanting food when it is offered. My wife also has an adult pokie who is terrified of any cricket that is too large, so we feed her a few smaller crickets which she happily eats over a day or two.

 

[WolfSpider]

I have an AF A. chalcodes who once fasted for 9 months. since she doesn't move much, her abdomen remained plump. These days, she eats, but like @m0lsx noted, I often have to leave the cricket in overnight. Good luck!

 

[MBullock]

the angry slapping behavior may mean a molt is coming or if mature, she may be about to drop a sac.

 

[MBullock]

fyi NEVER leave live food in overnight. if doing that you shoukd crush the head of the prey first