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Hello,
I'm a clueless, novice spider-keeper tasked with looking after a Chromatopelma cyaneopubescen belonging to my brother. He moved to the UK (I live in Finland), and asked me to look after his critters (two corn snakes and the aforementioned spider).
We were supposed to sell the spider to a more experienced hobbyist today, only to discover that Spidey was lethargic, disinclined to move, and seemingly unable or unwilling to even try and grip the sides of the plastic container she was supposed to travel in. She's also either playing dead or actually getting there: her legs are constantly tucked up under her. She's still alive, though: her legs move a little every now and again. For now, the deal is off and I have to try and nurse her back to health.
Spidey's currently sitting in a little plastic container in the toilet (with under-floor heating) with damp paper towels lining the bottom of the container (following instructions my brother found here).
Spidey moulted about a week ago, and last ate maybe two or three weeks ago. I try and feed her every week or two, but sometimes she refuses food (not to mention the supply issues my local pet shop has with live food...)
We're pretty sure she is female as she's already survived at least three moults, but she's only about half the size a full-grown female should be. She spends most of her time in her hidey-hole even when all's well: I can count the number of times I've seen her out and about in the last year on the fingers of one hand - mostly when she comes out to drink.
Is there anything else I can try? I'm a bit leery of handling Spidey, especially since I'm afraid she'll get away from me and get eaten by my cats...
Thanks in advance,
Kutoja
I'm a clueless, novice spider-keeper tasked with looking after a Chromatopelma cyaneopubescen belonging to my brother. He moved to the UK (I live in Finland), and asked me to look after his critters (two corn snakes and the aforementioned spider).
We were supposed to sell the spider to a more experienced hobbyist today, only to discover that Spidey was lethargic, disinclined to move, and seemingly unable or unwilling to even try and grip the sides of the plastic container she was supposed to travel in. She's also either playing dead or actually getting there: her legs are constantly tucked up under her. She's still alive, though: her legs move a little every now and again. For now, the deal is off and I have to try and nurse her back to health.
Spidey's currently sitting in a little plastic container in the toilet (with under-floor heating) with damp paper towels lining the bottom of the container (following instructions my brother found here).
Spidey moulted about a week ago, and last ate maybe two or three weeks ago. I try and feed her every week or two, but sometimes she refuses food (not to mention the supply issues my local pet shop has with live food...)
We're pretty sure she is female as she's already survived at least three moults, but she's only about half the size a full-grown female should be. She spends most of her time in her hidey-hole even when all's well: I can count the number of times I've seen her out and about in the last year on the fingers of one hand - mostly when she comes out to drink.
Is there anything else I can try? I'm a bit leery of handling Spidey, especially since I'm afraid she'll get away from me and get eaten by my cats...
Thanks in advance,
Kutoja
