First off let me say hello! I have been searching this forum for a year or so but this is my first post.
I received my first sling December of 2012, a G. Pulchripes around 1/2" possibly smaller. Since then I have gotten a G. Rosea RCF September of 2013 around 1/2" as well.
Both of my spiders just recently molted within a week of each other with the latest being a few days ago. They are now 2" and 1" receptively. (Abouts, haven't measured yet after the fresh molts.)
So there are feeds that mention power feeding, which is a well known term with very varied opinions to wether or not it is healthy and/or works. My question is, is there a term for the opposite of power feeding? And or do people practice withholding food to lengthen life spans of tarantulas?
When I first researched the growth rate of my current spiders I thought that was going to feel like forever, but I have to admit I am enjoying watching them grow and hope that their growth stays slow. I have feed them pretty sporadically, usually giving 3-5 crickets in the span of 2-4 days every two weeks or longer sometimes just that within a month.
I am asking because I will be receiving tomorrow in the mail the following...
P. Irminia 3/4"
P. Murinus 3/4"
H. Maculata 3/4"
N. Chromatus 1/2"
N. Cololoratovillosus 1/2"
B. Vagans 1/2"
B. Albopilosum 1/2"
My fear is that I will receive (future) males of the OBT, Irminia, and the Maculata and they will mature in a matter of a few years. To me that is not very good value for money. I would much rather watch a less enthusiastic tarantula grow slower for longer.
Back to my original question. Can I feed the slings a bit less to lengthen the lifespan? Or will they still die of "old age" in a few years, but without having a final molt. (Predicting that these will be males.) As much as I would love to have a 6" P. Irminia in a year or so, I would not want to lose it shortly after.
Also what are the thoughts on tong feeding vs just letting the feeder lose in the enclosure? I have always just dropped the cricket in and not interfered with the feeding ritual. In my mind it is more accurate of what would happen in nature. But then I watch on YouTube even RobC tong feed all of his tarantulas?
Sorry for the long post, and I have tried to search this but did not find a discussion about specifically this subject, mostly on the pros and cons of power feeding. Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you!!!
-Cameron
I received my first sling December of 2012, a G. Pulchripes around 1/2" possibly smaller. Since then I have gotten a G. Rosea RCF September of 2013 around 1/2" as well.
Both of my spiders just recently molted within a week of each other with the latest being a few days ago. They are now 2" and 1" receptively. (Abouts, haven't measured yet after the fresh molts.)
So there are feeds that mention power feeding, which is a well known term with very varied opinions to wether or not it is healthy and/or works. My question is, is there a term for the opposite of power feeding? And or do people practice withholding food to lengthen life spans of tarantulas?
When I first researched the growth rate of my current spiders I thought that was going to feel like forever, but I have to admit I am enjoying watching them grow and hope that their growth stays slow. I have feed them pretty sporadically, usually giving 3-5 crickets in the span of 2-4 days every two weeks or longer sometimes just that within a month.
I am asking because I will be receiving tomorrow in the mail the following...
P. Irminia 3/4"
P. Murinus 3/4"
H. Maculata 3/4"
N. Chromatus 1/2"
N. Cololoratovillosus 1/2"
B. Vagans 1/2"
B. Albopilosum 1/2"
My fear is that I will receive (future) males of the OBT, Irminia, and the Maculata and they will mature in a matter of a few years. To me that is not very good value for money. I would much rather watch a less enthusiastic tarantula grow slower for longer.
Back to my original question. Can I feed the slings a bit less to lengthen the lifespan? Or will they still die of "old age" in a few years, but without having a final molt. (Predicting that these will be males.) As much as I would love to have a 6" P. Irminia in a year or so, I would not want to lose it shortly after.
Also what are the thoughts on tong feeding vs just letting the feeder lose in the enclosure? I have always just dropped the cricket in and not interfered with the feeding ritual. In my mind it is more accurate of what would happen in nature. But then I watch on YouTube even RobC tong feed all of his tarantulas?
Sorry for the long post, and I have tried to search this but did not find a discussion about specifically this subject, mostly on the pros and cons of power feeding. Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you!!!
-Cameron