What is a Death Curl?

readingbabelfis

Arachnopeon
Joined
Feb 13, 2004
Messages
19
I bought a WC H. Lividum about 4 months ago. About one month ago, its burrow collapsed. Ever since that time, it has been sitting in the corner, it won't eat or drink. I have noticed it looks like its starting to curl up. The tips of its back legs are kind of curled forward and if I try to move it, it will not walk correctly. What to do? Thanks
 

coco

Arachnoknight
Old Timer
Joined
Mar 7, 2004
Messages
206
premolt. maybe its time for a molt and then they dont like to be touched or pulled around
 

Tamara

Arachnosquire
Old Timer
Joined
May 20, 2003
Messages
148
Or maybe it was injured when it's burrowed collapsed. I don't mean to be pessimistic. Can you post a picture of it? Maybe some of the more seasoned keepers can tell you more about the body language of Ts.
Tamara
 

Wade

Arachnoking
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 16, 2002
Messages
2,929
Usually the term "death curl" refers to the posture dying Ts assume where the legs begin to curl UNDER the body into the classic "dead bug" pose. Is that's what's happening?

Wade
 

Tamara

Arachnosquire
Old Timer
Joined
May 20, 2003
Messages
148
It would be a shame to lose it. Can you handle it and look for any injuries? That might give you a clue as to what, if anything, you could do to help it.
Tamara
 

Gretchen W.

Arachnosquire
Old Timer
Joined
Mar 4, 2004
Messages
54
readingbabelfis said:
About one month ago, its burrow collapsed.
I'v always wondered about collapsing burrows. My seemani is starting to dig in a different direction now and I sometimes think about it just all caving in on him. Does this happen often to others? I'v never read anything about it.

Wishing you luck with yours Readingbabelfis :) ....
~~~Gretchen
 

CostaRican

Arachnosquire
Old Timer
Joined
Apr 29, 2004
Messages
98
I have never actually seen this so I am of no help. But I hope your T pulls through :(
 

Overmenneske

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Jan 9, 2004
Messages
442
Gretchen W. said:
I'v always wondered about collapsing burrows. Does this happen often to others?
It happens from time to time, but is generally nothing to worry about.
As long as the burrow/substrate is no deeper than 6-9", the tarantula will dig itself out. After a burrow collapse, the smartest thing is to wait for a few hours. If the tarantula doesn't appear after a day or so, I would start digging.

It is also an idea to moisten the substrate a bit. This makes the burrow sustainable.
 
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