EMERGENCY

[Taylor Royce]

yeah hi im new and whatever and i have a serious freaking problem my rose hair tarantula is what i am assuming is molting but she is upside down legs curled up underneath her sponge. Im freaking out not sure whether to move it or not bc i dont want to disrupt her moilting but if shes not molting and just dehydrated am I killing her by not moving the sponge? HELP please. I can post pictures if needed.

 

[Enn49]

How long has it been like that? Is the sponge moist? I would leave it alone for now as any stress could make things worse.

 

[Taylor Royce]

i noticed yesterday morning at 4am that she was under it but she was still moving her legs i just assumed she wanted the sponge for moisture and she was just wriggling her legs like she was molting. but she hasn't moved since around 5 pm yesterday.

 

[Enn49]

I'm sorry I'm not experienced enough to help other than to say leave her alone. Moulting is stressful enough for them so they appreciate being left alone. I'm sure she'll manage until someone with more experience comes along to advise you.

 

[Mageris]

If she's on her back and is curled uo, i would very carefully and gently remove the sponge and give her a regular water dish. She could be dehydrated and too weak to get Back on her feet. Mine is currently in ICU with the same problem. I've had Aiden for over 5 years now. I'm scared i might lose her but I'm doing all i can to try and help. If you think it's worse you should put her in ICU as well. Mines molted before and I'm telling You they molt spread out. This is a serious problem.

 

[Taylor Royce]

i took the sponge and it looked like she moved a bit but it could have just been from me taking the sponge i put the dish next to her how do i get her to drink it?

 

[Mageris]

You may have to very carefully dunk her mouth in it a few times. If she still won't drink then try icu. This is the best i can help, I'm sorry. If that doesn't work then theres little more that you can do except wait it out and hope for the best.

 

[Enn49]

If she's on her back try a drop of water on her mouth

 

[Taylor Royce]

she must have been dehydrated too long theres little tiny bugs crawling around her fangs and im pretty sure shes gone. will bury her tomorrow. i think she was trying to molt but got too dehydrated or she was just turning upside down to die. wish i would have known sooner could have tried to hydrate her. two days was too long to wait. RIP wicked

 

[Mageris]

Are you sure? Did she not move anymore? Mine's still in icu.

 

[Taylor Royce]

i tried getting her to drink her fangs arent moving and theres little bugs crawling in and around her mouth and its all green

 

[FaaFaa]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please, in the future, do your research and DO NOT trust the advise of pet store employees. Is this your only tarantula? If not, I would love to go over your husbandry with you.

 

[Enn49]

I'm so sorry.

How long have you had her? it may be worth taking her back to the shop if you've not had her long.

 

[Therasoid]

i tried getting her to drink her fangs arent moving and theres little bugs crawling in and around her mouth and its all green

I am so saddened seeing your post. [emoji26]

Is there any movement whatsoever? If it responds, get a q-tip and gently wipe the mouth area to remove the bugs. Next, place a drop of water on the mouth, if there's movement and it drinks, all is not lost. Continue water drops 2-3 drops, then wait a couple hours and repeat. If your T doesn't drink I think it may be gone. Most all of these are wild caught, slings being the exception, and may already have parasites on or in them.

Is this your only T? If so, and you want to get another, I suggest getting a Brachypelma albopilosum sub adult. Docile, great eaters, will dig a burrow if given enough substrate and stay in the open most of the time. These, in my opinion are the best species for a first T. [emoji4]

You may also want to visit www.mikebasictarantula.com/Species-Care-Sheet.html. These are basic, but will give an overall look at a species husbandry. Also, the Tarantula Keepers Guide book covers a broader look at keeping T's. Just pass over the handling portion, not a good idea, for you or the T's safety. Majority of hobbiests, including myself, don't handle, especially OW and "hot venom" species.

Please feel free to PM me about G. rosea/porteri, I've several that have been in my collection for 15+ years.[emoji3]
Not that I'm the expert but have a lot of experience with this species. I am always learning something new about theses amazing creatures. [emoji4]