H. Maculata sling

[Tgirl816]

Hi I'm new here so not sure if I'm posting in right place but need advice .
I got a H. Maculata sling end of last week and over the weekend it's made a burrow but doesn't seem to be moving all I can see its lots of little legs so wondering if it's either moulting or has moulted and on the opposite side of the burrow it looks like its lost a leg . Obviously don't want to disturb if it is in the process . From what I've read they're supposed to be lighting fast but this little one was surprisingly slow . Any advice please .

 

[Enn49]

Hi and welcome to the wonderful world of tarantulas.
Firstly to set your mind at rest a lost leg will not affect it in any way and will grow back in a moult or 2. If it has moulted it will take a few days to harden up and get back to full mobility. It can also take a while for them to settle into a new home.

 

[Tgirl816]

Thankyou

 

[Arachnoclown]

If it's a leg just laying there...its probably from a molt. I bet your T still has all 8 legs and 2 pedipalps.

 

[Tgirl816]

Probably me just fluffing. its shedded from what I can see minus a leg but still hiding in hole at the moment so cant quite see and don't fancy chasing it around the house to find out

 

[Whitelightning777]

Those guys have quite a reputation. I'd love to hear more about the behavior of this guy as he develops.

 

[Tgirl816]

Hmmm so I've heard he/she was part of a mystery box where I got 4 old worlds ‍ I'm fairly new to this so its def a learning curve but do love a challenge

 

[Whitelightning777]

You can always cheat a little bit and lower her enclosure temperature to 60 degrees (no colder) to slow down the little guy a bit if needed.

You need a cooler, digital thermometer, water and an ice maker in your fridge. A tight lid is a must.

Just don't "shock" the tarantula in the fridge!!