Question Regarding Hideout for Grammostola pulchra

[A976486]

I'm planning on hopefully getting a Grammostola pulchra soon. Would the hideout in this link be suitable for an adult female of this species?

Wholesale Pet-Tekk Boulder Cave

Buy Wholesale Wholesale Pet-Tekk Boulder Cave For Sale in Bulk!

www.reptilesupplyco.com

 

[Konstantin]

Hi
If not a dead end in back yes .
Better and more natural hides are cork bark flats or fubes cut lenght wise.Put it at an angle so back is burried in the substrate. You want the tarantula to be able to extend it if it pleases hense no dead end.
Regards Konstantin

 

[Konstantin]

Here few examples for you

 

[A976486]

Could I bury the hideout and dig the bottom to add more burrow space?

 

[Konstantin]

You sure can.
Nothing is set in stone and tarantulas dont really care what they hide under if they do at all
Regards Konstantin

 

[A976486]

I'm sorry if this might have been answered already in another post but would a 10 gallon tank be acceptable for an adult female G. pulchra?

 

[Konstantin]

Sorry buddy. Im European and have no idea what dimensions 10 galon tank has.lol
Regards Konstantin

 

[octanejunkie]

I'm sorry if this might have been answered already in another post but would a 10 gallon tank be acceptable for an adult female G. pulchra?

No, a traditional 10G fishtank (20" wide x 10" long x 12" tall) is too tall, and possibly too big

A full grown Grammostola could live in half of that foot print, no taller than 8" tall with 3-4" of substrate.

If you want the 20"x10" footprint, Zoo Med makes a tank that could work but you should mod it to remove the cross-hatch screen top that is notorious for snagging tarantulas and replace with plexiglass drilled for ventilation

 

[A976486]

Hi
If not a dead end in back yes .
Better and more natural hides are cork bark flats or fubes cut lenght wise.Put it at an angle so back is burried in the substrate. You want the tarantula to be able to extend it if it pleases hense no dead end.
Regards Konstantin

Since you recommend natural alternatives for hideouts, how should I safely wash them without harming the tarantulas?

 

[Konstantin]

Hi
Cork has unique property br water resistant and do not mould too.
Tarantulas are sort of clean animals they will most of the time discard any boluses (food remains) in the same spot wich makes them easy to remove with thongs.The water dish will needs washing now and then apart from that once the enclosure is setup you dont need to wash decorations at all.The substrate dont have to be changed often too it can be kept years before it gets dirty enough for change.Its not like a snake or a hamster that needs constant cleaning.
When you do a rehouse or re-use cork bark in different enclosure you can just rinse in under the tap with warm water and brush and let it dry and thats about it.
Regards Konstantin

 

[Konstantin]

Br = to be

 

[Konstantin]

Avoid any chemicals near your tarantula.Warm water and a brush is the way.You dont have to make them sterile.Some people bake(microwave) things but I dont bother.

 

[A976486]

How should I wash them if the tarantulas defecate on them or if there is mold?

 

[Konstantin]

You dont need to.
Cork dont mould.If there is any wood bits left on the bark they may if is moist substrate enclosure but is not a concern.Harmless for the tarantula in most cases (Most common moulds are harmless) .If is a massive mould outbreak is a sign of poor ventilation and too much moisture.

 

[A976486]

Would it be unsafe to use dish soap to wash the hideouts?

 

[Konstantin]

Like I said its not a hamster (or any other pet) you dont need to tare everything diwn for a clean on revulat basis.It will only disturb your tarantula.It can take them long periods(moths sometimes) for them to settle in a new enclosure(or after major disturbance) Just spot clean what you see (can) and thsts all.

 

[Konstantin]

Would it be unsafe to use dish soap to wash the hideouts?

I personally wont.Many people do and give it a good rinse but not me.

 

[Konstantin]

Like I said tarantulas and chemicals dont mix!

 

[Konstantin]

Sorry for the typos Btw