How to move L. murphys to another enclosure.

[ragnew]

Hey guys,

I decided it's time to move my little L. murphyorum into a bigger habitat. But was wondering what the best method to do so would be. The spider has a nice trap setup and I'd really hate to dig it up, but I have a feeling that's what alot of people are going to recommend.

Any ideas or suggestions that have worked good for you guys/gals in the past? Is there a way to just "transfer" the spiders lair from the old cage to the newer one?

Also, the current enclosure is the smallest critter keeper that is made. It's very, very small, but seems to work great for the spider. The L. murphy is right around 1 1/2" at the moment (maybe a bit more) so do you think I should even worry about getting it a larger enclosure or just stay with what I have at the moment?

Thanks much.

[buthus]

Dig around her burrow and lift the entire deal out and bury it in the new enclosure. Probably the simplest and most promising method ..IMHO

[What]

If it is in a small KK why not just take the entire amount of substrate in that and move it as a block to the new cage?

No digging, and not much stress for the spider.

[mitchrobot]

ive tried taking out the whole burrow of my l.malayanus, but they dont seem to be so sturdy and usually fall apart IME. digging the spider out and having it build a new one if what i do, they get them built pretty fast, having a clump of moss there helps get them going (mine usually hide in it for a day or two and then start digging under it and make their door out of it).

I wouldnt worry about moving them into anything with too much surface area, although im not sure how small the smallest KK is...
mine as far as i can tell rarely if ever leave their tunnel things more than 2 body lengths once it is built. i have all three of mine in 1 gallon rubbermaid jars (i think they are only 5-6" in diameter, with 6-8" of substrate)

[ragnew]

Thanks for all the info folks. I did the transfer last night, and the beasties already made it's home. It acclimated just fine I suppose haha.

[bolt619]

I just bought 2 L murphys on sat. I have them in a ten gallon with a divider. They are about the size of a quarter right now. Well, its been a few days and one hasnt moved from the corner while the other has already made a burrow and door, no trip lines yet though. Do they always make trip lines? How long will it take the other one to at least make a burrow and door? I am kinda worried since he hasnt moved for about three days now. He is probably just stressed out.