Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone, long time reader, first time poster. I recently acquired my first Tarantula, a rose, from Petco. ( I really wanted to find another source) Well, the T and I have been together for about three days so far, and it's been a curious, albeit worrisome,foray into the T world. Now to the point of my post!

Tarantula behavior, especially re-acclimated tarantula behavior-- can anyone shed some insight on what it's like? When I saw it moving about in the Petco tank, it seemed a lot more energetic, would this just be it readjusting to its new home? Also, I bought one of those little plastic humidity gauges from Petco, and I am not sure how accurate it is, but the humidity level keeps moving from 80%-90%. I've read that it should be around 75-80%. Is a constant 90% too high? I am using slightly moist Bed-a-Beast as it's substrate. I just want the little guy or girl to strive and live(depending on what gender it turns out to be)its furry life to the fullest.

Thanks a lot for any help regarding my questions!

Welcome, G. rosea are great. I'd say that if you have noticed a difference in its behavior then you should leave it alone for a week or two to let it re-acclimate to it's new surroundings. Sometimes the move and car travel can be a bit stressful to them (all the vibration mainly).

I'd throw the humidity guage away (or return it) they are useless and unnecessary. Let your substrate dry out completely, as they like the substrate dry. Keep a full waterdish, and every now and then overflow it to allow a corner of the tank to get slightly moist. That will provide ample humidity. Just always let it dry out completely before overflowing it again. This also eliminates the worry of mold and mites.

Drying the cage might also get her energy level back up, if she doesn't like it moist.
-----
KJ Vezino
My Gallery
Missouri Tarantula Enthusiasts Group

Thanks for replying. These boards really seem to be dead. I've had a bearded dragon in a large tank for years now, and I never did trust those humidity gauges, so I guess I will trash it. As for the substrate, I've noticed it drying out, but to expedite the process, I guess I will move the rose out of the tank and let it dry in the sun. Does it being in a high humidity create any adverse effects, though? For beardies, they can start to suffer from respiratory problems. Also, is it okay to leave crickets in the tank with the rose when it isn't molting? Again, for bearded dragons, I am used to having to take them out since a dragon is particularly helpless at night.

So far, she, sort-of, seems to be a female. I think she is definitely too young to tell, but it seems that she might be, or, it might be. Either way, male or female, I've gotten attached to it in the past few days, and even if it is a male, while our time together might be short, I will make sure it is worthwhile. And, she has gotten a lot more active. But, one thing that has intrigued me, is that she seems to try to be escaping (hey, I would too!). I came in yesterday, and noticed she had extended both of her fangs outside of the wire mesh screen on top and was trying to bend the metal, or rip it apart. Are there any instances where a tarantula has successfully been able to escape by chewing off the mesh screen?

Vez, I've went through your pictures on the link you've attached to your signature, and you have an amazing collection of Tarantulas. The album with the Tarantula wearing the santa hat had me in stitches. Your dedication is amazing and your collection is awe-inspiring!

>>Does it being in a high humidity create any adverse effects, though?
High humidity can lead to mites and mold in the tank, but I don't think the humidity itself is harmful to the T.

>>Also, is it okay to leave crickets in the tank with the rose when it isn't molting?
You should remove the crickets after 24 hours (dead or alive). dead crickets laying aorund can bring unwanted pests into the tank, and live ones can stress out or attach the spider (if it starts molting).

>>So far, she, sort-of, seems to be a female. I think she is definitely too young to tell, but it seems that she might be, or, it might be.
If you can post some good ventral and dorsal pictures of her, I might be able to help. Sometime you can tell, sometimes you cant. Either way afer it molts you'll be able to tell for sure (or we can if you post the pictures).

>>Are there any instances where a tarantula has successfully been able to escape by chewing off the mesh screen?
It has been done, but I've never heard of it from a G. rosea.

>>you have an amazing collection of Tarantulas.
Thanks, I currently only have 8 tarantulas, the first few folders in my gallery are what is current. Everything after the misc folder is what I've had in the past. My collection is constantly changing. I have many friends with over 100 Ts in thir collection. Now that is awe inspriring to me!
-----
KJ Vezino
My Gallery
Missouri Tarantula Enthusiasts Group