How do I know when to feed in relation to a molt?

[Arirang]

Hello, all!

I recently got an Arizona desert blonde named Galadriel who is in pre-molt (losing hairs on her osthosoma). The breeder who gave her to me said she is definitely fasting, so I haven't fed her. I was wondering how long after the molt I need to wait for the new exoskeleton to harden so I can feed her.

 

[Tortoise Tom]

For me this has varied depending on many factors. Temperature, size and species being the primary ones. My 10 year old large adult female G. pulchra might go 4 weeks without eating pre-molt and 2-3 weeks post molt. Outside out this now annual occurrence, she's pretty ravenous. Some of my tiny slings are ready to eat 48 hours after a molt, and maybe sooner, but I'm not in a hurry.

If we are talking about an adult spider, I'd wait at least a couple of weeks after molt and then offer food. If she doesn't eat it, remove it and try again after a few days. Make sure drinking water is always available.

 

[Enn49]

The general rule is to wait until the fangs are black then try feeding.