Water Dish Drying Out

[Phototoxin]

Here in Potatoland we're going though a bit of a heat wave (24-26C), I know that's nothing unusual for some places however I've noticed that my 3 enclosures water dishes (a milk bottle lid approx 1.5inch diameter) keeps drying out although there is evident condensation/humidity. I always believe no animal should be without water but at the same time I'm concerned that refilling it multiple (3-5) times a day is excessive. Several times I've noticed my Ts sitting in or touching the water dishes which to me is usually a sign that the T wants a drink.

Am I right to keep it topped up even though there is condensation in the enclosures? Or should I stick to 1/day?

 

[DustyD]

You should be fine watering once a day or maybe even less. I don't know the size of your tarantulas, mine are about 2-3 inches and don't drink enough to warrant adding water that frequently. They do get hydration from the foods they eat too so I would not worry.

Most of the water must be evaporating.
One of my enclosures has quite a bit of side venting and the water evaporates in about 1-1/2 days. I refill her dish about 2-3 days. The substrate Is quite dry but my G. pulchripes is healthy. Some species do require more humidity.

I live in Maine, USA and temperatures have ranged in recent weeks from 24 C to 32 C (75-90 F) during the day. Right now the temp by my enclosures is about 26.5 C (80F) two of my Ts are out. One I can see in her cave and the fourth has closed both entrances.

 

[Tarantulafeets]

Any substrate or webbing around the edges of the water dish? That could be sucking it up to the surrounding soil. You can also change to deeper dishes.

 

[DustyD]

Any substrate or webbing around the edges of the water dish? That could be sucking it up to the surrounding soil. You can also change to deeper dishes.

I did not think of that. Good suggestions. In my case, it is one of the more shallower ones. I may try to replace it, at least it might tell me if it is the housing, a Zilla micro habitat - the one you put together.

 

[Phototoxin]

You should be fine watering once a day or maybe even less. I don't know the size of your tarantulas, mine are about 2-3 inches and don't drink enough to warrant adding water that frequently. They do get hydration from the foods they eat too so I would not worry.

Most of the water must be evaporating.
One of my enclosures has quite a bit of side venting and the water evaporates in about 1-1/2 days. I refill her dish about 2-3 days. The substrate Is quite dry but my G. pulchripes is healthy. Some species do require more humidity.

I live in Maine, USA and temperatures have ranged in recent weeks from 24 C to 32 C (75-90 F) during the day. Right now the temp by my enclosures is about 26.5 C (80F) two of my Ts are out. One I can see in her cave and the fourth has closed both entrances.

They are plump fresh and active so not looking dishevelled by any means, a lot of it is clearly evaporating/condensing so I guess they are hydrated enough. Thank you!