B. smithi molt!

[DalilahBlue]

Yay!

I came home to this...

Her abdomen is so tiny! The humidity is fine, but I am leaving tomorrow and will be gone three days. I know she can't eat now, but I am still worried. I have never had one look so pitiful after a molt.

 

[harleyqueen]

Omg shes a stunner! Dont worry about her abdomen its not bad and she Will soon fatten up. Some of mine look much smaller than that after a moult the avics always look terrible after but soon pick up. Its the only time they use any calories really when they moult lol. Btw how big is she? I see she has got her halo. Hercules has got his but i dont think his sisters have yet. I dont see Saturn or Thunder much.

 

[DalilahBlue]

She's easily one of my favs! I haven't gotten a good measurement yet since she kicks hairs like mad when I get anywhere near her since the molt, but she's close to 4 inches. She had her halo before but it is SO much more pronounced now.

I am such a worrier. She's acting like a normal post molt Brachypelma but that tiny tummy worries me! I know most captive T's are over fed, but it is such a huge difference! Her tummy is still rounded, not shriveled. I've bumped up her humidity a bit just to be on the safe side though.

 

[harleyqueen]

Not saying it to make you feel better but honestly she looks fine. I sometimes get a shock when some of mine moult tho. Youre just used to her being bigger. She looks perfectly healthy, beautiful colour. I didnt realise she was that big.
Kenny said ages ago he sometimes power feeds some of his after a moult so ask him what he thinks but i really think shes fine.

 

[DalilahBlue]

He said she looked fine. I actually got her from him. By the way, though the molt was pretty beat up, I think she is a she for sure.

 

[harleyqueen]

Ah you need a beauty queen name.

 

[Bast]

She's absolutely beautiful, such vivid colors!

 

[DalilahBlue]

Ok guys, we may have a problem. She's been out of her hide since yesterday. I noticed today she has a patch of her molt still on her abdomen! It is thing, less than 1/4 her width, but runs the length of the abdomen with a small potion the size of her spinnerets hanging off. It looks like she's been working at it.

I have upped the humidity. I am not putting her in ICU yet as she is being active (maybe more active than normal) and kicking hairs, so i don't think she
is in danger, yet.

Any other ideas or advice?

 

[DalilahBlue]

*thin, not thing

 

[Bast]

I think upping the humidity was a good call. Hopefully she'll be able to get it taken care of herself. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and your lovely girl.

 

[DalilahBlue]

Kenny to the rescue!

He advised using a wet Q-tip to moisten the area. After about 10 minutes it came right off!

Surprisingly, she held still the entire time. It must have felt good.

 

[Bast]

Glad to hear she's good as new

 

[harleyqueen]

Ah glad she is ok.

 

[DalilahBlue]

For those of you who have been asking, here is a pic of my "skinny" B. smithi, about 3 weeks after her molt. She's had a couple good feeds.

 

[harleyqueen]

She is stunning, definately one of the best looking ts Ive ever seen. Why is this girl not in the photo comp?!

 

[DalilahBlue]

Thanks HQ! She is definitely one of my favs, although since her molt, she's been kicking hairs like mad! I guess it just heightens her diva status.

Since I am the one organizing the photo contest each month I refrain from entering since I don't want anyone to think there might be some underhandedness going on.

 

[harleyqueen]

Some of mine get flicky after a moult I think they feel a bit vulnerable.
Someone else should organise the comp sometimes so you can have a go.

 

[DalilahBlue]

You are likely right on the vulnerable part.

I don't mind not entering. I enjoy working on the contest.

 

[harleyqueen]

Im driving my poor animals insane. Keep taking pics and want some t shirts made with pics of them on. Need some really silly saying to go on t shirts. eg " Count Money Spider of Essex" Or " King Hercules The Great."

 

[DalilahBlue]

It's a Pirate's Life for Me?