+1 Way too much height for that species, climbing like that isn't exactly safe. I would NOT use that enclosure for a terrestrial t under any circumstance. That's an enclosure that would work fine for an arboreal.Looks like you have an arboreals style set up. That would explain why. You need more floor space and less height.
Yeah I was thinking more substrate would help in case a fall did occur.+1 Way too much height for that species, climbing like that isn't exactly safe. I would NOT use that enclosure for a terrestrial t under any circumstance. That's an enclosure that would work fine for an arboreal.
Is the sub moist or bone dry? Generally this species will climb if the sub is not to their preferences. They despise moisture, even in small amounts....was the water dish overfilled recently?
The species doesn't need deep sub as it generally won't burrow in captivity, but it also cannot be allowed such great heights in which to climb.
Parasites and predators are also natural, but that doesn't mean my pokies will be sharing a cage with my black tree monitors.It is natural for spiders to explore and to climb rocks and shrubs in the wild, even rosies.
That pic you posted must have a very skewed perspective, because there is clearly a far bigger distance to the sub than twice that spider's legspan. Maybe try adding sub towards the back to create a slope, since it is a front opening enclosure. You can keep the leaves and beanches at the front.The distance from the top of the viv to the substrate is only 2x the dls which I thought would be ok if not then I shall have to look into buying a new enclosure.
I'm so pleased to come across a like minded person. I love to see them explore as they would in the wild.Here's one of my biggest pet peeves within the hobby. Rosies are a prime example. Just because something CAN live in a small set-up, doesn't mean it is ideal or that they should. It is natural for spiders to explore and to climb rocks and shrubs in the wild, even rosies. In nature, they usually dont have very far to fall since rocks don't stick up very far out of the ground. Rupturing an abdomen isn't typically an issue. But, they can and will climb on occasion if given the chance. A climbing spider doesnt ALWAYS mean a stressed spider, and I whole-heartedly believe in simulating nature and giving them things to climb on/ explore. But you have to make sure they can't injure themselves. I would leave the branches and plants, but add whatever substrate you can to cushion any falls. I love seeing spiders explore and love when their owners pay enough attention to notice it. Good for you. Just try to minimize any possible injury (just like any human child) and sit back and enjoy.
In other words we give them a boring tub with only a water bowls and a hide. I wish we could ask them which they prefer.Yeah, there's a reason they live longer in captivity. Much safer and easier for them than the wild could ever be. One of my pet peeves is trying to precisely simulate their wild environment, the effort should be to consistently simulate ideal conditions, which are not necessarily "normal" in the wild. They live in micro climates with us, which in order to be ideal, need to be adjusted in captivity.
Yeah, they explore styrofoam backgrounds and plastic jungle plants all the time in the wild. Even in the wild they don't do much "exploring" and rarely venture far from the safety of their burrow, aside from mature males searching for a mate.I love to see them explore as they would in the wild.
Anthropomorphizing...In other words we give them a boring tub with only a water bowls and a hide. I wish we could ask them which they prefer.
Which was why I said I wish we could ask them.Anthropomorphizing...
You can't ask them because they're not humans; they don't understand "boring" like a human would. Its just boring to you, the spider doesn't care.
What is up with the hostility? We're just trying to help you.Which was why I said I wish we could ask them.
And I guess you can read their minds
I can. They are either thinking "food", "flee", "molt", "build" or "mate". That's pretty much the extent of their nervous system.And I guess you can read their minds
And I appreciate the advice and will take heed but it's just smart comments like vespers that annoy me.What is up with the hostility? We're just trying to help you.
OBTs are considered "semi-arboreal". They are naturally good climbers. The same cannot be said about a rosehair.And I appreciate the advice and will take heed but it's just smart comments like vespers that annoy me.
If a Ts instincts generated over millions of years tell it that it is a ground dweller, why would it even attempt to climb? Surely if they choose to climb they should not be denied the opportunity just because we say so. My OBT also climbs, in fact her web tunnel is around 15” high.
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My dog likes to climb ladders (seriously), I do not allow her to do so because the risk of injury is just too great. She does this of her own accord and has never been taught or encouraged, even though she's clearly a terrestrial animal that shouldn't be on a ladder, much less sprinting up one with reckless abandon. Animals do or attempt things they are not good at all the time, the difference in our pets is that we can curb this behavior and make them much safer in the process. Heck, foxes and coyotes play and run near or on highways all the time, but my canine doesn't for obvious reasons.If a Ts instincts generated over millions of years tell it that it is a ground dweller, why would it even attempt to climb? Surely if they choose to climb they should not be denied the opportunity just because we say so.
Nothing in vespers' comments were out of line - you *were* anthropomorphising your spider. There's great info here, as long as you don't go defensive every time someone says something that you don't like.And I appreciate the advice and will take heed but it's just smart comments like vespers that annoy me.