Care of juvenile Mexican Flame knee tarantula

[Kevin Levites]

Hi guys. Thank you for having me.

I have always loved tarantulas, but have been out of the hobby for several years and I want to get back in.

I plan on getting juvenile Flame knee spiders (unsexed), with the hope that out of two or three that at least one will end up female.

I plan on using a mix of cocoanut coir, peat moss, and vermiculite as a substrate in 10 gallon glass aquariums (and yes, I know they're cannibalistic and will rear them in separate enclosures).

So . . . what kind of humidity gauge (hygrometer) can you guys reccomend? I see any number of them on Amazon, but a lot of the reviews are bad with regards to accuracy.

I lost my last Mexican redknee spiderling from what I suspect was excessive humidity (I know that the babies are more delicate, and more prone to fungal infection and dehydration) from a bad hygrometer.

So, what do you guys suggest? Any input would be deeply appreciated if you have ideas about substrate and/or humidity.

Thank you very much in advance.

 

[PanzoN88]

Hi guys. Thank you for having me.

I have always loved tarantulas, but have been out of the hobby for several years and I want to get back in.

I plan on getting juvenile Flame knee spiders (unsexed), with the hope that out of two or three that at least one will end up female.

I plan on using a mix of cocoanut coir, peat moss, and vermiculite as a substrate in 10 gallon glass aquariums (and yes, I know they're cannibalistic and will rear them in separate enclosures).

So . . . what kind of humidity gauge (hygrometer) can you guys reccomend? I see any number of them on Amazon, but a lot of the reviews are bad with regards to accuracy.

I lost my last Mexican redknee spiderling from what I suspect was excessive humidity (I know that the babies are more delicate, and more prone to fungal infection and dehydration) from a bad hygrometer.

So, what do you guys suggest? Any input would be deeply appreciated if you have ideas about substrate and/or humidity.

Thank you very much in advance.

You do not need a humidity gauge, humidity as a whole is irrelevant to tarantula keeping. Good ventilation and the moisture in the substrate is more important.

I’m assuming you’re referring to Brachypelma auratum. They, along with others in the genus prefer dry substrate. It doesn’t hurt to overflow the water dish however.

 

[Kevin Levites]

You do not need a humidity gauge, humidity as a whole is irrelevant to tarantula keeping. Good ventilation and the moisture in the substrate is more important.

I’m assuming you’re referring to Brachypelma auratum. They, along with others in the genus prefer dry substrate. It doesn’t hurt to overflow the water dish however.

Thank you very much.

 

[DustyD]

Maybe keep an eye out on these forums for a sexed female. You see them from time to time. I have done it both methods and am currently waiting for my G.rosea slings to grow big enough to sex them.

 

[Kevin Levites]

Maybe keep an eye out on these forums for a sexed female. You see them from time to time. I have done it both methods and am currently waiting for my G.rosea slings to grow big enough to sex them.

Thank you.

 

[DustyD]

Are these what you are looking for? These are from Microwilderness based in California.

 

[Kevin Levites]

Thank you, yes. I don't plan to order them for about another 2 or 3 weeks

 

[Kevin Levites]

By the way, I want to experiment with gut loading crickets with spirullina powder before feeding. Does anyone have any ideas or thoughts on this?

Thank you in advance.

 

[octanejunkie]

By the way, I want to experiment with gut loading crickets with spirullina powder before feeding. Does anyone have any ideas or thoughts on this?

Thank you in advance.

Repashy Bug Burger Insect Gel Food 12 Oz (3/4 lb) 340g JAR https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RM796YA/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

Add spirulina powder when you make it

 

[Kevin Levites]

Thank you.

 

[arachbiodude]

Petco has the gut loading Mazuri diet that has spirulina. My lobster roaches eat this and they also eat fruit including oranges for vitamin C, along with oats and whatever else I feed them.

 

[Kevin Levites]

Petco has the gut loading Mazuri diet that has spirulina. My lobster roaches eat this and they also eat fruit including oranges for vitamin C, along with oats and whatever else I feed them.

Thank you very much.