Keeping slings from the so called arid species.

[Konstantin]

Hi all
As we know all slings are lacking the waxy coating of their grown relatives and need to be kept a bit moist to prevent dehydration.
At what size (age) the so called arid species from the Brachypelma, Grammostola,Gbb,Avicularia ..... can be safely kept on dry substrate with water always available in a dish of course?
Regards Konstantin

 

[T-Baby]

I don’t like to mist the side of an enclosure as it causes mould, so maintaining a water source with a miniature tattoo ink pot works perfectly. They come in 3 sizes, I use all 3 right up to juveniles.

 

[Konstantin]

I don’t like to mist the side of an enclosure as it causes mould, so maintaining a water source with a miniature tattoo ink pot works perfectly. They come in 3 sizes, I use all 3 right up to juveniles.

Hi
Thanks for your reply.Does that mean that you keep them on bone dry substrate as soon as you can fit water dish in.I am not talking(thinking) about misting.More about adding moisture with a dropper (syringe) ala Tom Moran stile to bottom layers of substrate(or parts of it, while the top is alowed to dry).Example my lil Avic(2cm ish) in 25ml vial is kept on lightly damp but not soggy substrate and I add a single good size water drop on her webbing every other day to have a drink.
Regards Konstantin

 

[T-Baby]

The species that prefer it drier yes I do.
As for the likes of your Avic I personally would still add a water dish and add a few droplets of water on the side once a week but never soak the substrate.
Just personal preference, I’m sure many keepers do the opposite.

 

[Konstantin]

Hi
Thanks for sharing your routine.Its much appreciated. You are right that other keepers will most likely have different way of doing things.This is why I started this thread and hopefully others will share their oppinion too.
P.S The bits that you send me with them exo terras are all put in good use.Thank you very much.The acrylic enclosure is my new Grammostola Pulchra juvenile female home but she plays fossorial atm so not taken any pics yet but will share once she is out and about.
Regards Konstantin

 

[Arachnoclown]

I only keep slings at high humidity at the first the three development stages of their lives. After that they are ready for the world.

 

[menavodi]

Hi all
As we know all slings are lacking the waxy coating of their grown relatives and need to be kept a bit moist to prevent dehydration.
At what size (age) the so called arid species from the Brachypelma, Grammostola,Gbb,Avicularia ..... can be safely kept on dry substrate with water always available in a dish of course?
Regards Konstantin

All spiders need a little humidity all the time. Bone dry is never good. Even in the desert there is some humidity in the mornings....

 

[Arachnoclown]

Arid species bottom layers of substrate should still be moist while the top is dry. You can achieve this by injecting water into the substrate with a injector/ turkey baster or a straw or tube installed in the corner leading under the substate.

 

[Konstantin]

Arid species bottom layers of substrate should still be moist while the top is dry. You can achieve this by injecting water into the substrate with a injector/ turkey baster or a straw or tube installed in the corner leading under the substate.

Like the idea of the tube in the corner for adding moisture .Thanks for the tip
Regards Konstantin