Got a new baby red knee tarantula

[Arachnerd]

I was wondering if anyone had any good care sheets on these guys they are great spiders!


I have a baby red knee tarantula and it is pretty fast and active when i observe it in its deli cup. I have a problem though and that is that he wont eat the cricket I left for him. I am not sure if he is about to molt or not but its a concern of mine but seems to be active so I think it might be in need of a molt? Any information would be great!

thank you! Also i heard these guys scavenge? so i left a headless cricket in there recently killed so that he might take a liking to it and get some food in him.

Thank you!

 

[DalilahBlue]

Slings are typically scavengers. You can leave cut up crix for meal worms for them and they do fine. Don't worry about them not being eating machines. After a move to a new home or other stress it may not eat for a week or more. Also, if a moult is pending, it may not eat. Sling's moult more frequently so this may be the case. So step back, offer food every few days, and promptly removed any uneaten bits after 24-48 hours even if it is untouched. Keep in mind too that you need to monitor the humidity levels, but spraying the cup every few days with a spritz of water should be fine.

Good luck and congrats on your new T!

 

[Arachnerd]

Thank you much! I really appreciate the help ill try out what you mentioned and keep you posted.

 

[DalilahBlue]

Please do! I love these guys!

 

[harleyqueen]

Good luck, red knees are gorgeous but not particularly greedy in my experience.

 

[Atx13]

B.Smithis are cool, really easy to care for, awesome display Ts.

 

[DalilahBlue]

Definitely. I love these bulky desert types.

 

[Scoolman]

Check these out:
http://www.tarantulasus.com/content.php/10-Brachypelma-smithi-Care-Sheets
http://www.mikebasictarantula.com/B-smithi-care-sheet.html

 

[Arachnerd]

Hey guys I believe I have found the reason my sling is not eating. What are the signs of a molt? different colored abdomen? Again I have a mexican red knee tarantula. Thank you

 

[Bast]

I don't own one (YET hehe), but since that species is high on my list of T's to get, I have done a lot of reading/researching; and from what I've read B.smithi will have a bald spot on their abdomen that darkens when they are in pre-moult.

 

[Arachnerd]

thanks for the info I just took a photo of what I believe to be pre molt discoloration of the abdomen and i am waiting for it to get to my email before I post it up I hope that there is nothing wrong with him because he does not seem sick because he is very active and alert. I gave him a pin head cricket and will leave it in his plastic container for a bit and check on it later tonight. Thanks again for all your info and help.

 

[Arachnerd]

Here is a picture of the white discoloration that I am talking about and I hope its nothing serious and just possibly a molt?