Hello from south staffs

[Cody-Myles]

Bought my first T around 8 weeks ago so I thought i'd sign up top a forum to share and hear of experiences.
I have a Grammostola Pulchripes sling, for the first week it ate every 3 days, after that for the last 6/7 weeks it has refused feeding. Moulted around 2 weeks ago but is still refusing food, trust me to get an awkward one
I also have a giant house spider (obviously not a T I know).

 

[Metalman2004]

Welcome. Refusal of food is not awkward at all. It worries new keepers a lot but rest assured it is usually normal. In my opinion one of the best things about tarantulas is their unpredictability!

Welcome!

 

[WolfSpider]

Concur with Metalman2004. Ts nearly always refuse food prior to a molt and for about 1 week after a molt. Slings molt quite frequently, so there are lots of times that they don't eat. In fact, many keepers think that if you gorge your sling--say a cricket leg, 5 flightless fruit flies, and a mealworm with a crushed head for a 1.5cm sling, you simply bring pre-molt behavior on quicker and it lasts longer.

Be rest assured, a bit of food goes a long way for a sling. Wait until your baby is grown up--It might decide to eat the dog (LOL )

Welcome to the best forum on the internet. You chose a great T and a great forum. Keep up the good work!!!!

 

[Cody-Myles]

Thank you guys for the replies. I did tonnes of research into T's before buying my first one and I chose G.Pulchripes because of it's known docile temperament, active personality and gorgeous markings and colours. I knew beforehand that Grammostola and Brachypelma genus were amongst the best first time T's but also have a habit of going on random fasting sessions or hiding away for long periods. I was prepared for any shortcomings so I'm not too worried about (her) atm
I could have bought a costa rican zebra but they have a habit of hiding away most of the time.

 

[Enn49]

Hi, welcome to the hobby and the forum