Is my tarantula dying?

[Jlynsg16]

Hello everyone, it’s quite hard to ask this question, I’ve research this question before when I first got my avicularia avicularia two years ago. I’m unsure if I’m over reacting or if the day I never wanted to come, came.

When my tarantula molted i was able to determine it was male. Like I mentioned before I got him (Radish) two years ago from a pet smart. I believe I got him when he was at least a year old or maybe more? In my care he’s only molted once in the years I’ve had him and from the research I’ve done slings and younger Ts molt a lot more often than that. I’ll provide photos of Radish and perhaps it’ll help you all understand my concerns.

Perhaps I’m wrong and there’s more I can do to better his enclosure and perhaps that’ll help him go back to being his best self.

Radish is usually very active and never at the bottom of his enclosure unless he’s down to get a bit of water. He hunts his food well besides his most recent feeding, he didn’t eat the crickets provided. Maybe just one I have to double check.

I found him on the floor like this once before his week, I thought maybe he wanted water and I forgot to change it/refill it. When I opened his enclosure he did react to the sudden movement and climb up the side of his enclosure. He remained there the last day or two, but tonight I came home to find him in this position.

I normally don’t touch my Radish- I let him be. I know better than to handle a T. But today I did boop his butt a bit to see how he’d react and he didn’t react much at all. He did spread his legs wide but he didn’t scurry off like he usually would. Is this the behavior of a T that’s near it’s death? Any help or comments would be appreciated.

 

[Arachnoclown]

What do you have him in? Is it a cabinet? Usually when they’re on the ground it's either dehydration or too much humidity/lack of ventilation or fresh air..

 

[mrsoul1974]

I hope your Radish is ok. I'm not sure, myself, but See Arachnoclown's reply to your post... He knows his stuff and always gives good advice.

Best of luck.

 

[Jlynsg16]

What do you have him in? Is it a cabinet? Usually when they’re on the ground it's either dehydration or too much humidity/lack of ventilation or fresh air..

It’s an open shelf not a cabinet, the enclosure has a lot of ventilation holes all around the sides and the top as well. Perhaps It’s dehydration, how would I be able to hydrate Him?

 

[Arachnoclown]

It’s an open shelf not a cabinet, the enclosure has a lot of ventilation holes all around the sides and the top as well. Perhaps It’s dehydration, how would I be able to hydrate Him?

Water the substrate underneath him slowly without startling him. I use a turkey baster. He will drink from the substrate. Also make sure you have a large bowl for him to drink from.

 

[Jlynsg16]

Water the substrate underneath him slowly without startling him. I use a turkey baster. He will drink from the substrate. Also make sure you have a large bowl for him to drink from.

Okay thank you I really appreciate the advice. He does have a water bowl in there, let me insert a photo. Let me know if I should get a larger one or anything. Another thing I did recently about three weeks ago change his enclosure, he used to be in a slightly smaller one. Could this also be a reason why there’s been change in his behavior?

 

[Jlynsg16]

Water the substrate underneath him slowly without startling him. I use a turkey baster. He will drink from the substrate. Also make sure you have a large bowl for him to drink from.

Okay thank you I really appreciate the advice. He does have a water bowl in there, let me insert a photo. Let me know if I should get a larger one or anything.

 

[TheInv4sion]

If you just rehoused recently he may just not be settled in. It took my C. versicolor a month before she settled so perhaps just keep an eye on his abdomen and keep water dish full

 

[DustyD]

Any update on how the little fellow is doing?