Molting

Randy

Arachnolord
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 7, 2004
Messages
663
i've just read a post about a premature molt, i also have a question to ask, my obt hides in there all day long, never comes out and webbed itself into a substrate. it is not eating either, people its going to molt, i;ve read articles about molting and most of them stated that the T would be either lying backwards or sideways.. the question is.. if it is standing as usual, does it mean its not going to molt yet or is there a case where a T will molt standing ?
 

Brian S

ArachnoGod
Old Timer
Joined
May 29, 2004
Messages
6,526
When they get into a premolt stage they quit feeding and will often web themself into a hide. They won't turn over on their back until they are ready to molt which may take a few days to a few weeks.
 

Randy

Arachnolord
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 7, 2004
Messages
663
Brian S said:
When they get into a premolt stage they quit feeding and will often web themself into a hide. They won't turn over on their back until they are ready to molt which may take a few days to a few weeks.
actually... what is he reason for them to molt ? why is thee a molting process? should that be good news or is it something that happens with no particular reason? so can i say somethign like... its a good news my T is going to molt.. get what i mean ?
 

grammostola1953

Arachnoknight
Old Timer
Joined
Jun 15, 2004
Messages
164
That's how they grow/mature. May I suggest the books,
"Tarantula Keepers Guide" by S. & M. Schultz
"Tarantulas & other Arachnids" by Sam Marshall
They are each a wealth of info. ;)
 

snake1dk

Arachnopeon
Joined
Aug 6, 2004
Messages
21
of course it's god news that youre T is going to molt, that means it's growing.
T's and other insects have an acton skelleton ( prob. not spelt right ) and that means theyre skeleton is on the outside of the body, and when the body grows, it needs to get a bigger skeleton, and the old one is to small, so it throws the old one and a new one appear :eek:)
 

Brian S

ArachnoGod
Old Timer
Joined
May 29, 2004
Messages
6,526
Yes it is good news that it is molting. This is how the spider grows. They have to shed the exoskeleton. After it molts, wait a few days and throw some crickets in and watch what happens... after their exoskeleton hardens they will have good appetites. I hope that helps
Brian
 

Malhavoc's

Arachnoking
Old Timer
Joined
Jul 12, 2003
Messages
2,837
BTW as I said in the other thread I don't think 'premature' molting exists. Some t's molt on there sides and backs. This is the usual. but like the Temperment of a G rosea its totaly unperdictable some just molt while standing up without a trace of web others hide themselves so thickly in web you can't see them. The worst that can happen during a molt is considered a 'bad' molt where either limbs of the t get stuck or pat of the old exuvium [spelling] get stuck to the new t. Also occasionaly a T wil ldie because it doesn't shed its stomache linning in which case it will starve to death but I've only read of this in a few cases. Molting is a great thing. Watch it enjoy it DO NOT touch the t. Usualy human interference leads to more trouble then help.
 
Top