Damp substrate for baby Avicularia???

[Sabeth]

I am 99% sure that I will be getting two slings soon, one of which will be an A. versicolor under 1". Reading The Tarantula Keeper's Guide, the section on babies says to house baby Ts with damp substrate to keep up an appropriate humidity. I'm wondering if I should do this with the versi as well, since they have no association with the cage floor and always stay up. Should I do it? If not, how do I keep the enclosure wet? Is misting the way to go? I've read that misting is futile since it dries up very quickly. Is wet sub a better idea?

Also, when using wet sub, I know there is an increased risk of fungus and mite infestations. About how often should it be changed to prevent this?

Thanks for your help, guys.

 

[Nada]

use freshly expanded eco-earth, and make sure there is good ventilation (holes on the side). and give it one spray every 10 days or so.
Very important; you do not want a wet enclosure, just damp sub.

 

[Josh]

Eco-earth does work pretty well. I think you can find cheaper and generic versions of the same stuff (ground coconut coir) at places like Home Depot in the garden section

 

[JT2]

I have always had luck with avic slings.I wouldvmist one side of the enclosure until just a section of the substrare was moist and leave the rest dry. I do this every 2-3 days deepending on how dry the sub gets. All I know is it worked for me. I always read avic slings are hard and a lot of SADS.

 

[Kurt Nelson]

because they are slings, they get 90% of their water from prey. So it's not essential that they get a lot of water. One misting or wetting of substrate a week is enough. If they are thirsty they can suck it out of the substrate. But if you feed your slings once or twice a week, it should be no problem with minimal weekly mistings.

 

[JT2]

Right but put the crick if thats what you feed in a vial and use a chop stick to crush its head. No chance of it killing your sling then. It's. A great thing to see your baby make it's. First kill when its big enough!

 

[Kurt Nelson]

Also, SADS is fake and made up! It's an excuse for poor husbandry and or over doing it with humidity. Everyone has this great idea that Avics need to be humid. They don't. As long as you don't soak it they will be fine.

 

[TheGreatWhiteKoos]

My Avic died due to wet substrate and high humidity. Trust me don't believe everything you read on the internet or hear from pet shop assistance...This happened to me when I just started out. This is why I like this forum so much,,,lots of informed people with heaps of experience..Deninitely agree with Kurt one this one.