Newbie to T's, Hello Everyone.

[Chris Vogel]

So I had a T a few years ago. Wild caught. I kept it for a month, but it didn't want to eat in captivity so I set it free. I didn't know a ton about how to keep them, but I don't think my setup was too bad.

Now last week I caught a second one, and I'm trying again. The T's around my house are A. Hentzi (pretty sure). This current little one is a young'en. I found him/her under my trash barrel. Waiting on a molt to confirm gender.

Here's a pic of him/her.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/r7ch8aj36tni2vv/Hentzi.jpg?dl=0

I've been doing a lot of research, and I think I have a much better setup for this one. I've got her in a small plastic critter keeper type container filled with moist (but not wet) coconut fiber soil. Soil is filling all but about 2" of the container so even if she climbs to the top she doesn't have much of a fall. Small bottle cap water dish and a little something to hide under, as well as a starter burrow.

She's docile and handleable, and even better, she ate a cricket last night. So, is A. Hentzi correct? What's your guesses from the pic on male/female? I know it's definitive without a good look at the underside/molt...

Nice to meet you all!

Chris V.

 

[R.NUTT]

I was going to say I disapprove of wild caught Ts in captivity, however I only think this if they are adults. That's a mighty fine find you have. Welcome to the forum

 

[Chris Vogel]

I wasn't sure how the community viewed keeping wild caught T's. I tend to feel as long as they are doing well in captivity, it's ok. For example the wild one that I caught that wouldn't eat for me, I let that one go. This little one would of likely been a meal for a passing bird or my dogs if I hadn't of scooped it up, so I don't feel too bad about making it a pet.

Am I correct in thinking A. Hentzi? Seems like it's the same species that I often see around. I'm in NE Oklahoma, so Oklahoma (Texas) Brown seems to fit.

 

[R.NUTT]

I think you are correct with A.hentzi, the carapace gives it away for me however there are numerous Ts with coloration like this as juveniles. Considering A.hentzi is native to your area I'd go with what you said . For Ts to be captive bred they had to have been wild caught at some point so I'm rather accepting of wild caught if they are young or new to the hobby.