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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Stan Schultz" data-source="post: 228730" data-attributes="member: 28438">The majority of captive tarantulas do not burrow when kept in cages, regardless of how thick you keep the substrate. The two clear exceptions to this general rule are cobalt blue tarantulas, and king baboon tarantulas. There may be others that I don't know about. And regardless of rules we try to establish, tarantulas never read the memos, and there are always sporadic exceptions. Arizona blondes (also called Tucson blondes, and scientifically known as Aphonopelma chalcodes) are definitely on the non-burrowing list, although they do appreciate something to use as a "hide," like part of an empty coconut shell or other ornament.In closely examining your photos, I noticed several things that are highly questionable in your caging. First, is that a live philodendron or a plastic one in your tarantula's cage? If it's live, get rid of it! I never cease to be amazed at people who try to keep jungle plants in the cages of desert tarantulas. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite10" alt=":oops:" title="Oops!    :oops:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":oops:" />And then, it appears that you're either using a layer of damp potting soil under the coco fiber, or you're keeping the coco fiber wet. Arizona blondes are desert tarantulas. They positively HATE wet feet!Lastly, tarantulas in general detest fluffy or loose substrates. (Are tarantulas capable of either "hate," or "detest?") Not only does this include moss, but also coco fiber that's too granular or actually composed of chunks. Most seem to be much "happier" on firmly packed, but not necessarily rock hard, substrates. (And for that matter, can tarantulas be "happy?" I've never heard one giggle or laugh!) Of course, this doesn't include the obligatory arboreal species (e.g., Avicularia) or that most interesting species that lives at 14,700 feet elevation on the rock scree of the Cordillera Vilcanota in Peru. (I don't know it's scientific name, but might be able to find it if anyone is interested.)My suggestion is that you empty that cage, dry it out, and set it up as a desert habitat with a substrate that packs well, plastic plants if you absolutely insist on having that stuff in there, and a rather shallow water dish. Keep the cage pretty much bone dry...just like around Tucson, Arizona!I'd written a small webpage about substrates in a tarantula's cage, but somehow it got lost in the transfer of my website from one host to another. I and a friend are working on resurrecting it now. When we get it back up again, I'll post a notice as another reply here.Be kind to your newfound little buddy!Stan</blockquote>

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