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Message: <blockquote data-quote="MassExodus" data-source="post: 52057" data-attributes="member: 4086"><p>Tarantulas often refuse food <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> It could be pre-molt, it could be the type of prey item, or it could just be that they aren't hungry. The " 2 times a week" feeding schedule for slings is just a general guideline, not a rule. I usually feed once a week, but I use superworms, which seem to fatten them up really well. Tarantulas care very little for our rules, or our worries <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> Slings are usually good eaters and molt much more often than juvies and adults, so expect constantly changing behavior as they grow. I think it's great that you're paying close attention to their behavior, you'll learn fast, but it's going to cause you some worry at the start. It did me, anyway<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite9" alt=":eek:" title="Eek!    :eek:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":eek:" /> Ok, I'll stop using the faces now, lol...anyway, with a sling, I wouldn't start worrying until it's been a month or so. If it's not showing signs of pre-molt, and doesn't eat for a month, I would probably be a little concerned. I've raised Brachy slings and Grammastolas, both slow growers, but I don't believe any of mine ever took a month to molt once in pre-molt, or refused food for a month, not at the size you stated. They refused for a week on many occasions. Anytime a sling is not eating like it usually does, I suspect pre-molt, but I'm not always right..either way I make sure they always have a water source, even if it's just a small bottle cap that I have to refresh every day because it evaporates. I think it's helpful in two ways: If the T is in pre-molt, it will need the water, molting takes a lot out of them and they are usually very thirsty after they molt. And if they're just not hungry, it gives them a source of water that they would usually get from eating prey. If any of my slings is in very obvious pre-molt I'll mist a bit as well, just to give them that extra humidity as a helping hand. Anyway,I don't think you have anything to worry about, since it's only been a week. Hope this helped.</p></blockquote><p></p>

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