They're from amazon, they come flat-packed and also come with a set of tongs too https://www.amazon.com/Alfie-Pet-Acrylic-Habitat-Amphibian/dp/B086577G9N This Is the closest thing I could find on the American amazon
I use these. Just melt ventilation holes in with a soldering iron like u/Princess_Avic_Toes said and you'll be in business! Just watch your fingers... getting burnt by a soldering iron is not fun. I'm speaking from experience. :|
EDIT: Here is the best photo of my A. metallica enclosure I could find (not at home right now to take a proper photo). This should give you a good idea of what to aim for.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M4FNY5G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_R0EWMNSQVV58WRBRPEJE
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087767KNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_PR32KQ5XN8C7D139GES4
The Zilla worked great for me. Be mindful that the bottom has a small gap that you may want to fix with a rubber band or something. Then use the small bit for the soldering iron and make extra holes top and bottomed of sides and back for max ventilation
I would agree with this. The critter keeper style lids are hard to view tarantulas through and I've caught my A. chalcodes sticking her fangs through the holes.
I switched to https://www.amazon.com/mDesign-Stackable-Closet-Plastic-Storage/dp/B019OZLNFC?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1
I bought the one from the Tarantula Collective's Amazon page, I believe. This one in particular. I think it's maybe a bit too big for this wee one, and I was pretty new to tarantulas when I bought it. But Tigger hasn't had any problems in it.
I bought mine on amazon and yes, dog food is basically the same. But I have heard that some garden stores might have them, but not in my area. You just add water to the crystals and they soak it up. Here is a link of the stuff to use if you can't find it locally:
I agree with /u/loginyousay ... Definitely not Avicularia versicolor. Another reason why scientific names are an absolute must have.
Your spider does have a nice blueish hue to it, but A. versicolor spiderlings are absolutely fuckin electric blue at that size.
There should also be a sort of tree branch pattern (there's probably a better way to describe it) on the abdomen- which your spider lacks.
Here's an imgur album on my A. versicolor / Antillies Pink Toe: http://imgur.com/a/vt7OA
Future tarantula owner. My wife and I are looking into getting an American Curly Haired from Petsmart and are trying to determine what cage to get.
Currently, we are looking at getting this one:
NANEEZOO Magnetic Acrylic Large Enclosure 2.5 Gallon, 12 x 8 x 6 Inch Reptile Breeding Box Terrarium Cage for Insect Tarantulas Amphibians Caterpillars Snail Clear Acrylic Reptile Feeding Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095R6TT2X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0MP5ASXKA3274X2QMVD0
Basically, we are wondering would this be big enough? And if not, do any of you have any suggestions where we should start?
There are two sizes. I originally bought this larger one for my ring necked snake, but decided it was too flimsy for an animal that’s gonna try all corners. You might want the smaller size. BETAZOOER Reptile Terrarium Aquarium Breeding Tank Acrylic Reptile Feeding Box with Temperature Hygrometer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089MDG7XY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7GWYRAD429J5AP93NFKN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I would add a backdrop either stick on plastic film on the outside or a section of NZ tree fern https://www.amazon.com/Fern-Zealand-Tree-Orchid-12x6x1/dp/B07F9CQDFK/ref=sr_1_2?crid=WPS24VVREZN0&dchild=1&keywords=tree+fern+board&qid=1625872227&sprefix=tree+fern%2Caps%2C262&sr=8-2 on the inside so the spider can hide and not feel so exposed. I found the pieces of tree fern board fit in the LG Zilla arboreal enclosures with out much trimming and look great. Being rough is provides anchor pints for the webbing as well.
If you grab a clump of substrate and it drips water when squeezed, I'd take it out and mix it with dry sub until it holds it's shape, but doesn't drip when squeezed.
Also, you shouldn't need moss with this species, live moss just adds too much humidity since it requires pretty much daily watering to retain it's color, and so it doesn't dry out. I'd swap it with New Zealand sphagnum moss instead since it's pretty much already dead/dried out and it doesn't require daily watering.
Oh damn no I didn't. Yeah that's a sizable gap, id fill it. Don't see any vent holes so maybe cotton or something.
Or grab a proper enclosure and size upgrade, that'd be cool too. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C51W5LP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_K6TVR5KYNKD598H1TNB6
Tbh though if it's still in there then it probably won't be able to excape anyway. I've seen Ts get halfway through holes and get stuck before, though.
I’m getting this enclosure for the other two once they grow around 3/4” to 1”. Thoughts? I already ordered them and will come in 3 days.
LP: about 1/3” a little bigger than curly hair. I’m afraid the vial I got is too high for the LP when it climbs up and falls or am I just overthinking it? Added a lil leaf and cork.
Curly Hair: about 1/3” For my curly hair one I am just housing it to the vial it came with and added dirt and little bit of spagmoss and watered a little the first layer, added another layer, made a little tunnel for the curly hair and she/he went on it right away. I started to see the walls get fogged up, will this be a problem did I spray too much water on the dirt or not enough ventilation? I can poke more holes on top if this is the case.
Mexican red knee: This is the largest one in all three, about 3/4” to 1” I believe. Housing on an acrylic box (complete package from Fear Not). I already put a water bowl (from water bottle cap) inside the enclosure as well as a leaf, couple corks).
I got it at a reptile expo. You can find them online on amazon pretty cheap! https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Primate-Skull-Terrarium/dp/B0074AQVU2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525215887&sr=8-1&keywords=terrarium+skull
Look for lab vials or test tubes. See here: https://www.amazon.com/Buytra-Plastic-Container-Centrifuge-Graduated/dp/B0779RPGRM If these are not the ones you look for try the given keywords and scroll through Amazon, there are a lot of different variants.
If you have a local exotic pet shop, breeder, or an upcoming expo it will be cheaper since shipping will be about $45 in the USA. Right now I think a juvenile would be around $40 and an adult for $80. Slings about $25.
Enclosure cost depends on tarantula size. You can spend $100+ or DIY a $20 box for an adult for the top end. I really like this box for the size and how tight the lid closes. I put my juveniles in these, but you can also buy critter keepers for $10 to $20. The smallest slings can live in 2oz sauce cups which you can probably just get for free by asking for one when you eat out if you need just one. You'll learn how to get creative with enclosures. I started with critter keepers, but didn't like the lack of visibility through the lid.
Crickets locally are about 11 cents each. Mealworms are 100 for $5 and can be kept for months in the fridge. I find mealworms are the most convenient if they actually trigger a predatory response. My own A. chalcodes isn't taking them right now though she will immediately jump on crickets.
I will also recommend Tliltocatl Albopilosum as an alternative if you can't find a good deal on Aphonopelma Chalcodes. Slings can be bought for as little as $3 to $5.
Here's another option you can consider. It's not much cheaper, but these boxes are a lot higher quality than kritter keepers. The lid is much nicer, since they snap on and off very smoothly, while kritter keepers are sometimes way too tight.
If you have ventilation holes you can screw in the cork bark through one.
Sometimes 1 inch slings don't come in as 1 inch. Be prepared for a cheap setup with a deli or souffle cup so you can make smaller vent holes.
For just a little more than that amac box you can get a vented enclosure that's appropriate for an arboreal like this. I raise my Psalmopoeus juveniles through those though I start them in 4oz souffle cups until they get over an inch. They will web everything together if I stuff the enclosure with fake leaves.
Definitely DON'T put it under the tank: under-tank heat tends to heat the cage evenly, and you want your T to be able to get away from the heat if they need to. Plus, some tarantulas dig if they feel too warm.
If you can afford it, I'd strongly recommend a thermostat. I've used this one for a couple years now and it's still going strong: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I15S6OM/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Be conservative in the heat you give: a bit too little heat can make a tarantula uncomfortable, but a bit too much is dangerous and that's more important.
They can't see red wavelengths - I've confirmed this with all of my T's, and I have quite a few, from slings to adults.
The LED red must surpass a nanometer wavelength of at least 640-650nm which is usually their limitations for any recognition. Most cheap painted bulbs won't work.
Here's a cheap flashlight on Amazon that will work:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PKPBPF6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Get a butterfly enclosure like this to work in butterfly habitat
You put the old and new enclosures inside, and that way if she bolts, she’ll still be contained. Go slow. Be patient. We prefer to cup our Ts to rehouse, rather than try to nudge them along, because we’ve found overall it’s easier and less stressful.
I highly suggest watching some of Tom Morgan’s rehousing videos. They gave me a lot of tips and confidence!
I use these lights as I have my Ts in a 6 section cubby. I turn them on during the day and off at night. Otherwise, they’d be in constant darkness.
AIBOO LED Under Counter Light... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073J4MFPX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Is this what your ordered? https://www.amazon.com/mDesign-Plastic-Stackable-Storage-Pull-Out/dp/B0889V8F7W?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=AWZ6H68STFCI4
Looks almost like a drawer. I’d be interested to hear if it works well for you.
no wood chips, coco fibre is better
get rid of that mesh lid if your t seems to have an addiction to climbing
more substrate if terrestrial
if arboreal, get a vertical enclosure with cross ventilation.
if terrestrial, add a hide (you can use basically anything as a hide if you sanitise it.)
since there’s webbing on the wood, i’m going to assume your T is arboreal and the fact that there’s things for it to climb on. this is the type of enclosure it should have, maybe a little bit smaller or larger. but if your t is a terrestrial species, this enclosure is fine if you take that wood the the right of the water dish and shove it into the substrate.
tldr; change substrate to coco fibre, if arboreal get a vertical enclosure, look into replacing the mesh lid, if terrestrial, turn the piece of wood into a hide positioned on the ground and add more substrate.
if you change that, the enclosure should be fine.
I kept mine in 4oz souffle cups with slightly damp substrate and a chunk of cork bark until about 1.5 inches then I transferred them to a 3x3x6 with cork bark leaned up on the back and fake plants stuffed around the front.
You can get a cheap thermometer/humidity sensor on amazon so you can ensure that the temperature/humidity is within range. Not sure how true it is but if you are comfortable in your house then they usually are. Unless you are the Princess from Frozen then you might need the heat LOL
Edit: added a link:
Thanks. I'm fairly new to the hobby, and there doesn't seem to be much of a consensus on enclosures looking online.
The problem with its current setup is that its only 12cm tall, half of which is substrate. It's made itself a burrow under a wooden hide, but I get the sense they might like to dig deeper.
Would this be suitable as a forever home: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00025YVUI/ref=ewc_pr_img_2?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1
In case you can't see it, it's a plastic vivarium whose dimensions are: 37 x 22 x 25 centimetres (L X W H)
You can keep a juvenile in an adult terrarium. I wouldn't go nuts with the size. Shoebox size will be fine even for an adult. I actually keep my adult in an acrylic shoebox that I got for around $15. Prices on that have gone up to $25 so if I had to buy one for a similar spider now I'd get something like this or a Tarantula Cribs 8x8x8.
A. chalcodes will grow very slowly, and they don't tend to eat much. Mine has only eaten half a super worm this year. The more frequently you feed yours the sooner you will reach a fasting state where they won't care about food anymore. If you're okay with that then feed a cricket a week to a juvenile.
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On the plus side you can go on vacation and your pet tarantula won't know the difference.
Looks like a dilution vial.
For a molt this small you would need a microscope. The pics I posted were at 100x
If you want to know which specific scope I used it was this one.
Couldn't find them exactly but these are very similar!
it's a zoo med natural cork bark large. I found it on amazon. Here is a link to the page:
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She seems to agree! So happy that it's working out.
I bought it! I'm a little ashamed to say I got it on Amazon, but I needed precise measurements and few other websites had the selection & details. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B09KTY6QJD?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details
Hamiledyi 6 Pack Aquarium... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X7MQL7D?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I’m not sure what’s type of wood it is but that’s what I ordered. And just used hot glue to hold it once I liked the set up.
Hey I appreciate the creativity here but due to the ventilation holes being too I can recommend a cheap enclosure I found on Amazon that’s roughly around the same size and it works perfectly fine as a temporary enclosure for my sling https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B38B9PC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_ud_dp_M2NCN1S2JB3YM8CFKW9A
Looks wonderful! Good job on keeping her comfy for so long! Hopefully she has many years yet
My rosie loves her heating pad in the winter, but like the others said, having it under the cage is hazardous: it creates a more even heat throughout the cage, making it impossible for her to get away from it. Placing it on the side of the cage is safer, and let's you more easily judge how comfy she is: if she's huddling by the mat, turn the heat up; if she tries to get away from it, turn the heat down. I LOVE this thing for modulating a heat mat: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I15S6OM/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Deeper substrate is also a good idea not for digging (if yours is anything like mine, she has no real interest in digging), but to prevent long falls if she ever decides to climb the cage walls.
My rosie is 26+ years old, and it has been nerve-wracking trying to balance official advice vs. "the way I've always been doing it". Sometimes your rosie really does know best, and they do have individual quirks that sometimes defy common knowledge! Other times, just because something has worked okay in the past doesn't mean it can't be better, and it can be worth trying something new. When in doubt about making a change, try to give her a choice (like...if you're considering a new substrate, try it out in just half the cage), and listen to what she tells you.
Keep up the good work!
This is the substrate I used https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-eco-earth-loose-coconut-fiber/dp/123772?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12789771309&utm_content=Zoo%20Med&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4uaUBhC8ARIsANUuDjUJbDGKDOZpqoN9Vdvnl9NMtA-Sm...
I figured she's likely getting ready to molt.
Temps as in temperature? It's been a bit difficult to keep her enclosure warm since I live in a pretty cold state. But it's been in the sixties here off and on so I don't need to use my space heater as much. My dad complains that I run it too much and it drives up the electric bill so I tried using a small heat lamp. Someone told me this species was sensitive to light, so I've been hesitant to use it again. But I don't know how else to make sure it doesn't get too cold since my dad rarely turns the heat on and yells at me for leaving my heater running when I'm at work. I think that might be the only thing I'm having a bit of trouble with now. But luckily it's warmer now and I have a little time to figure something out.
i‘d use something like this. Front opening so if you put the clutter and hides to the back it shouldn‘t web up the front too much. I‘ve rehoused a couple slings shortly after introducing them to their enclosure because i wasn‘t satisfied with the way i set it up and they‘ve all been fine.
Note, it isn't screen mesh, tarantulas can't get stuck on it and it can't be chewed through.
This is the one I use, but you can get creative with it. Half the fun is treating it like a problem to solve and finding your own solutions to them, so I'm positive theres another material or method that would work perfectly well I've never seen
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TRHT39B?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I got this water bottle made for watering plants a while back and it's great for just cracking the tank lid and filling up the water dish without freaking out my T. She doesn't even notice me fill it up most of the time now.
Check out craigslist/classified ads and second hand stores for some deals.
If you're looking for a cheap new one, there's an acrylic one about the size of a 10 gallon (37.5 liters) aquarium on Amazon for under $30. They have a terrestrial and an arboreal version. If that's too small, you can get a large clear plastic storage bin for cheap and set it up. The one I linked there is 110 liters for $27.
I just ordered two from TC (but I’m picking them up this weekend at the expo).
When I feed my slings pinhead crickets, I cool them for a little bit to slow them down and I shake them into a plastic bag (I’m assuming yours are in deli cups), then from there shake them into the enclosures. I’m also going to try this thing because I bleeping loathe crickets.
You can get one of these. aside from that take off watches bracelets etc. And seek professional help if it gets worse.
If anyone needs the links to both stores for the app, here they are!
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/arachnifiles/id1617877723
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.soloapplab.Arachnifiles
Something like these would be good to start with. Just melt or drill lots of small holes.
Do you think this will be good? It has a little extra space for substrate and cross-ventilation.
We've had a glass with mesh forever, and managed to deter the climbing she is inclined to do until she settled down, but now she's back to it. My friend offered to 3D print a new top, which she has done for other critters of hers (so may just go that route). We are definitely not looking to go high. I found a good 10" high acrylic with about the same walking space she has now that I might spring for (mom is being ridiculous... wants a cheap enclosure without it looking cheap like the Kritter Keepers, which I'm not fond of either for their height). Thoughts on this one?
https://www.chewy.com/herpcult-acrylic-clear-top-reptile/dp/321151
Way too big for a little T. Also, you don’t want that much space between the substrate and the lid, which should never be a metal mesh lid. They can get stuck on the and lose a fang or a leg. These are the best for your size T and they are cheep winemana Reptile Terrarium, Tarantula Enclosure, 16" x 11" x 6" Acrylic Large Feeding Tarantula Habitat Box for Small Animals Insect Home Office https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096FVTVCV/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_i_GPEFNGRPJDCY65GWJ00W?psc=1
In my personal opinion there's no need for special growing lights or any expensive "special" equipment. You just need a strong LED, the standard white ones are totally fine.
Been using them forever and every enclosure grows very well, I need to trim stuff like ivy from time to time due to great growth. If you can keep moss moist it grows, ivy grows, grass/wheats grow, those plants you see in the picture grow very well. One time by occasion some flower seeds snuck into the soil and guess what, the flowers bloomed no problem under normal strong LED.
So far I've had good success with noname 20W LED flood lights from the local hardware store so I got them for like I think $10 or so.
I do not use or recommend the following ones but they look very similar, same black enclosure, same looking LED chips in the middle and also 20W, link to amazon. They are only 8 bucks. Just so you know what I'm talking about. :)
You may need to figure out if you wanna go for less but bigger lights or more and weaker ones. Can't tell whats better in your situation. I guess you could just try it out, around $10-20 doesnt hurt too bad.
Regarding to plants I can definitely recommend looking for different ivy species. They are extremely sturdy, grow so much you need to trim them from time to time and extremely cheap. Get ones with smaller leaves so that it looks nicer in an enclosure. What also worked well was ficus pumilla.
For tarantulas its just important that the plant doesnt only have one single stem because they may simply break it and the plant dies. (Exceptions of course exist where the stem is sturdy enough) Everything that has multiple branches is way easier to keep alive.
I have 3 T. albos with different attitudes about burrowing.
One will start making intricate burrows right away upon rehousing. She will burrow under her hide and make different branching corridors.
Another will burrow only if she needs a place to hide. If the given hide is sufficient she doesn't bother.
The last one has never burrowed and hardly uses her hide. She likes sitting out on her little slate slab. I lay one flat for each of my terrestrials in case they want to stand on something solid.
I love the spider shop's glass enclosures. Very reasonable prices, also check out ebay for "NACD AQUARIUMS" they do reptile and invert enclosures too and also do custom ones. Till I get them in display enclosures I just keep mine in the clearest storage boxes I can find. Something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/LIVIVO-Containers-Freshness-Space-Saving-Organising/dp/B08HP8JTZG/ or something from the really useful box company
From Amazon… comes with a pack of 4. They are excellent sized… 4 Pcs Hermit Crab Colorful Food Bowl Tarantula Water Bowl Spider Micro Ceramic Dish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09965M8VF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_VSSKPBKEY9MDH8VZ3JD5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Best company to go thru is Bug Buddies either on Instagram or Amazon I’ll leave a link. They always ship out on time and have every type of iso. They also are very informative.
I just listed: Live Powder Orange Isopods https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JGVJT5Y/ref=cx_skuctr_share?smid=A1YQFCWNIONUI6
a cheap solution would be to tip a 10 gallon on its side and use a sheet of a acrylic as a panel.
These are pretty cool for juvies https://www.walmart.com/ip/AquaView-1-Gallon-Aquarium-Tank-Starter-Kit-Fish-Aquatic-Pets/33874882
You can look into getting a kerosene heater
I lost a multi-thousand dollar saltwater tank due to a hurricane and power outage: it really sucks taking care of something every day and all of a sudden it's gone.
I use tattoo ink caps in these exact same enclosures and have no issues. I've seen at least one sling drink from them and all have put dirt in em
UPTATSUPPLY Tattoo Ink Cups 300Pcs Mixed Size Permanent Makeup Pigment Clear Holder Container Cap Tattoo Accessory https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RZ48XR1/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_REPHHZ0CKSQH6FPJZNZ9
You will probably be fine. You already said you want to remove any heavy items in the enclosure. The biggest issue you will have (I assume because of the units and distance you are talking about you are in the US) is keeping the temperature decent. Use a small cooler with a heating pack (e.g. Hot Hands) to keep it warm. I suggest that anyone traveling in Northern climbs keep a pack of these around anyway for safety.
you're replying to some stuff i never said.
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who said this animal died because it lacks cross ventilation?
no - i've indicated it is incredibly important and showed the enclosure they are using. what i did say is that this is absolutely not an adult animal, you can literally see that in this photo by comparing it to its own decour or looking up the specs to a Zoo Med Creatures Creature Habitat and knowing how large this animal grows to. this enclosure is a very common death trap for this species. no one blamed the OP, i said that this could likely be sourced to the beginning of this ordeal; on the thread they posted 4 months ago where they received incredibly poor advice.
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i also said "the spider regardless of male or female, is a distressed or passed juvenile Avicularia sp."
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i also keep over 100 tarantulas and have advised over 4500 someodd unique user situations across discord and moderate this subreddit. dunno what that matters at all though?
Glass can be drilled
Yeah it’s nuts. Just be sure there aren’t any gaps your tarantula could escape through. It might be possible to find the product you’re interested in at a pet store in case you want to inspect them before purchasing online. I’ve never used Etsy so I don’t know if they have a return option in case it doesn’t work out. Here is an enclosure I bought on Amazon a while back REPTI ZOO 6”x6”x9” acrylic
Thank you! Have heard the dremel tool comes in handy. Do you find it's easy to avoid cracking the acrylic when working with it? That's one concern I have with using a drill and why I've gone the soldering iron route. The nail or needle sounds like a good idea too. Do you use a torch or just a lighter to heat it up? Also as far as the lens I think I might go with the Apexel 100mm. It's above my budget but I've heard it's one of the better ones and has a larger working distance so don't have to get right up in the spiders face to take a shot. Have seen some really nice pics people have taken with it too.
APEXEL Professional Macro Photography Lens for Smartphone, Macro Lenses for iPhone, Samsung, Galaxy, Oneplus, Android Phone(Fits for Almost All Phone), Cell Phone Macro Lens Attachment for iPhone 13 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TPLKT7D/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_NMPYY8WBEX1CW2FAQY41?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Awe thank you! I shall post the finally once the slings are in!
I think they were designed as baseball cases lol we drilled small holes for cross ventilation.
Here's the link...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09J2RBHF3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For the curious and/or the jealous, here's a link to this sign on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Funny-Retro-Tarantula-Metal-Sign/dp/B005O7M8W2
It might available elsewhere too. this was just a 15 sec search so idk
Beautiful— needs a good hide too — cork bark. This is a fossorial species that loves to be underground. This is probably why the stress pose.
I recommend this substrate to everyone— it holds up so well for species that feel safer in burrows.
consider flushing the animals mouth parts with saline (0.9% solution) and inspecting the contents in a vial. continue flushing the mouth parts as needed. hobbyists have reported numerous success stories involving this method.
Red Knee—— Brachypelma emilia? She’s a terrestrial—- needs more width than height for her enclosure. They like to climb up and a fall from high up could potentially kill her. I have one who’s 14 years old—- she’s always out in the open. Get a wider enclosure and fill it halfway with substrate. Use some cork back for her to hang out on. Best substrate I’ve ever used and only use now is Biodude ——>
It’s pricey but so worth every penny.
Best wishes.
You can get something like this for $8 which would be a vast improvement for getting photos of your tarantulas.
REPTIZOO Mini Reptile Glass Terrarium Tank 8"x8"x12", Front Opening Door Full View Visually Appealing Mini Reptile or Amphibians Glass Habitat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HJZPYGZ/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_B7GRK9N9703GYK1F4QEJ I don’t know exactly how big your Aviculara is exactly but here’s one. In the recommendations there should be some more. My T. albopilosus is much smaller and I feed a cricket the size of their abdomen every 2 weeks.
Uh yeah, what can I say except godspeed and good luck, you'll need it. P. Metallica is one of the worst spiders you can start with and I think you're severely underestimating what you're getting yourself into.
And as the other person said, I strongly recommend tom moran (tomsbigspiders), especially the podcast.
Some episodes that would be important for you
https://www.buzzsprout.com/148967/1565647-some-breeding-projects-and-p-metallica-notes
https://www.buzzsprout.com/148967/1600060-old-worlds-as-beginner-species
Honestly, there are so many good episodes, I recommend you sift through the episodes yourself.
REPTI ZOO 10 Gallon Reptile Tank Glass Natural Cages Terrarium 20" x 12" x 10" Sliding Screen Top for Reptile Hamster Hedgehog Small Animals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QLQHT43/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_H0G1G72XVMNHQPN88GWY
And there's this one too :)
ReptiZoo Mini Reptile Glass Terrarium Tank Full View Visually Appealing Mini Reptile Glass Habitat Cage 8" x 8"x 8" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086GRLH4T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_HC5AEXAA8MKC3JMF0687?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Nah you're good for 1 or 2 molts. Wich happens fast with incei. So have something ready. The small version of this will be more than enough.
Do a search on arachnoboards for best beginner T's or check out Tom Moran on Youtube. Here a link to his podcast detailing info for someone totally new to the hobby. Give it a listen! https://www.buzzsprout.com/148967/675188-so-you-want-a-tarantula-here-s-what-you-need-to-know
~~Just a warning, that petcenterusa website has a poor rating on WOT~~
Edit: The consensus is that it's a reputable site.
Take out the moult
Fill a container or bowl (a container like a Tupperware storage container) with a mixture of dish soap and warm water.
Place the moult in the container. The soap breaks the surface tension of the water, and allows it to soak into the moult easier.
When the moult is soaked and pliable, take it out and place it onto a paper towel. Gently spread the inside of the abdomen and take a photo of the area near the book lungs.
Here is an example pic of the area we look at:
The airflow the top lid that it only opens from the top. Something like this could be better you should still change the top mesh to plexiglass. About the size the golden rule is that the enclosure should be at least 1,5 times the legspan of the spider.
GBB is an arid species. Forget about the humidity. Just keep a water dish in the corner. Since she's not going to burrow the substrate doesn't matter that much either. Just keep it dry.
I keep my roughly 2 inch GBB in one of these. Got a few sticks leaning on the sides and fake flowers down the middle. She's webbed over most of it, but somehow the water dish hasn't been messed with.
So I would 100% stay away from heating pads as they can be very dangerous to tarantulas. What I would do if you're concerned with the chill in the air is to buy a small space heater for the room that the tarantula is in. Tarantulas are pretty resilient creatures so as long as it's not below like 68 degrees then it'll be fine, but if it gets lower than that then just kick on the heater for a bit. And I've noticed since I started keeping that lots of times it feels colder than it is, so I bought a hygrometer that has a thermometer on it ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QC7JRDP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) just for my own peace of mind. I just keep it on the shelf with my tarantulas so I always can look to see what the real temperature is where they're sitting. Hopefully this helps and if you do decide to get the tarantula I hope everything works out great for you!
Look up Tom Moran of Tom's Big Spiders. He has done multiple podcasts/videos/blog articles about c. versicolor and I trust that man more than anyone else when it comes to tarantulas. They're not necessarily as difficult as people portray them to be, but there is A LOT of conflicting information regarding them. Mine is about an inch, a little more, I have it in an arboreal slide top acrylic enclosure with excellent ventilation. I keep a water bottle cap in there as a water dish, some twigs and fake leaves for climbing and s/he is doing great.
The reason why I had used this is that I had bought a big bag of this Zoo Med Forest Floor Cypress Mulch Bedding for my Ball Python, since the ReptiBark I had been using previously hadn't been maintaining humidity in the enclosure. I had a bunch of this Cypress Mulch left, but not a ton of the previous substrate and it said on the bag and I quote "Recommended Terrarium Substrate for Many Species of Snakes, Lizards, Land Turtles and Tortoises, Frogs, Toads, Salamanders, Tarantulas and Other Invertebrates" so I thought that I was ok when I putting it at the time, but thank you for letting me know.
Awww thank you for appreciating Ziti!! :)
Here is a link to the enclosure I’m using:
REMASIKO Magnetic Acrylic Reptile Cage 3"x3"x6" Nano Tall Enclosure Transparent Reptile Breeding Box Terrarium Tank Tarantula Scorpion Sling Isopods Invertebrates Insect Mantis https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GSH2X74/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WECBDTYVB7SEY8PSD0Q4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
There’s a lot of similar ones also available on amazon but I picked this one just because the price was right and the reviews were good. It is too opening which does suck for this species but there’s not many front opening ones for little babies!
Thanks for the response by the way :)
i have a T that i pinned some time ago, and i found that something like a rikerriker mount with fluff and good sealing has worked well (sorry about your loss too!)
i would also recommend getting some mothballs to keep in the case, just to prevent mites/bugs from munching on your T
Were you able to ID a sharp area? I've used similar cork bark before but these days I've been using packs of multicolored flower pots so each T gets his or her own color AND the water drainage saucer can be the water dish.
This is what I have in my avic avics encloser. She's used it a few times, too. There are a lot of options like this, as well.
Hmm maybe some pins with less obtrusive tops? Like some dress makers pins: https://www.amazon.com/Dritz-8S-350-Piece-Sequin-2-Inch/dp/B005571LKQ
I guess they also make insect pins? I am just not familiar with them. I could only find really long ones on amazon.
Both of those are great. A liiiiittle big for a 1-2cm sling (especially the wider box), but should be manageable.
Both of those ARE a bit expensive IMO too, though - I buy these for my slings (8-pack), then use a drill, soldering iron, or both, to create airholes. The acrylic isn't as thick, but the box dimensions work very, very nicely for my terrestrial (ground) and fossorial (burrowing) slings. Plus since I get 8 of them at that price, I can (a) house SEVERAL slings for a low cost, or (b) have a few extra containers for other uses.
But I definitely see an advantage to buying enclosures specifically designed to be ready immediately, so I'm not discouraging those - just providing another option! Another advantage to those containers is that, when your slings DO grow into them, you'll have a longer time before you need to upgrade again.
Drill at a slower speed. You probably have shitty bits for it. I don't use a dremel at all to drill acrylic. I use a pin vice. It's slower, but there's 0 chance of melting.
If it was more than a day ago, go for it - just be gentle.
That tube, IMO, is best for only transporting it. I would personally never keep a tarantula in such a small enclosure unless it's only a molt or two out from an egg-with-legs. Yours is much larger than that.
For my tarantulas this size, I use these for terrestrials, which GBB is:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NSKWP9T/
And these for arboreal:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TWGNZRX/
I will either drill air holes or use a soldering iron to melt them.
Finding good containers for slings is tricky. It gets easier (but more expensive) when they get older.
Check out this one, I got two of them in anticipation of a *fear not order and they seem pretty nice and fairly inexpensive. The tolerances are pretty tight and the magnet latch seems pretty strong. Like like stock is low right now but it'll probably restock soon.
Edit: autocorrect
Thankyou! My T doesn’t seem to be much of a burrower in its current tank that has around 6 inches of substrate. It prefers just chilling out in the open. But I still want it to have the option to dig if it wants to. So I reconsidered and ordered this one instead. Which I can fill with a lot more substrate. Thanks for warning me about the lid’s drag but I’m not too worried about my T bolting because for now he seems ridiculously laid back. Hopefully that doesn’t change!
Here is the link with its dimensions https://www.amazon.co.uk/Exo-Terra-PT2300-Faunarium-Medium/dp/B0002AR48O. It is for a B. Emilia that is only around 3 inches right now. Would this be an alright enclosure for him for now?