Smithy Molted.

Omg it's been ages since I have posted in this blog and this one will be short too.

I checked in on Smithy this morning and found her molting! She has since gone to hide so I haven't actually seen the result. I also want to check back in this blog to see how long it has been. Probably a pretty long time! now that she has molted again I really do need to set her up with her substrate and a better hide.

Mustapha. *Sigh* He's a very unhappy spider. Ever since we changed his home months ago he has hardly ate anything...If at all. He climbs the tank everyday and has lost all of his abdomen hairs. I keep thinking he is going to molt but it has happened yet. He used to be so content. I swear tarantulas are the most counter-intuitive animal in the world. I thought since he's growing, and is going to be so big, that he's need a bigger hide. Well apparently that has caused him terrible grief.

Well, I guess that's all for now.

Not the Greatest Shot but it's Something!

Smithy recovered quite nicely from her last molt and she's eating like a PIG! We haven't played with her in a while but I hope to very soon.

Mustapha on the other hand is the happiest tarantula in the world. Why? Well because we haven't seen him in months. I see him moving around in his cave but he's quite content to web himself inside and chill out at home. Actually, I think he's probably due for a terrarium cleaning. Oh, God the idea scares me. We've never had to do that before. I don't even want to know how big he is now.

Smithy worries me sometimes because she's so active. Apparently this means that she isn't thrilled with her environment. I'm going to add more substrate at some point but that always makes it worse before it gets better. She'll probably spend a week hanging off the top of her tank.

I acquired two bettas. I'm finding more and more that I think I actually prefer these types of pets over cats, birds, dogs and other traditionally interactive animals. I have to say, I like my fish so much that I already want another one!

Anyway, writing this post reminds me that I need to feed the Ts!

Little Update

Smithy's molt went without incident and she's already eating. Her legs have grown! I don't know what's going on with Mustapha. He's been webbed away in his cave for what seems like ages. I thought he was eating until I noticed a couple of crickets jumping around in his terrarium. Oops, I hope they haven't been sucking his eyeball juices or doing anything like some of the horror stories I've heard about leaving crickets in with vulnerable, molting tarantulas.

It's so strange how tarantulas are both hardy and delicate. They can live for a year without food, and survive all types of shoddy conditions but at the same time they can bust if they fall.

I've almost had the Ts for 2 years now! I kind of can't believe that it's been so long already! I think I'm doing a good job so far at being a spider Mom.

Now that Smithy is molted, fed and finally has her abdomen hairs back, I want to take her out to play and take pictures. I haven't freaked out my friends and family on Facebook in quite some time!

Smithy Molted!

She's not molting very often anymore. It must be 4-6 months in between them. It also took her a lot longer to get out of the skin this time around. She's resting and doing well. I haven't seen her stretched out yet so I don't know just how much of a difference the molt made but I AM happy that the bald spot on her butt is all gone now. That means I'll be taking some pics soon!

I think Mustapha has molted too but there's so much web that I can't even see into his cave. He only comes out to eat and drink anyway so like last time, I'll just see him make an appearance one day and be like, OMFG he's huge AHHHH!"

Tarantulas are awesome

Smithy Is Going to Molt!

Well her nasty bad patch has turned black and she's been denying food for over a week. Yay, molt time!

Mustapha is still eating well and oh so big. He's taken to webbing like, everything in the terrarium. He just wants to make himself an even scarier and creepier spider.

Not sure if I mentioned but I picked up some fake plants for their terrariums. I know that quite frankly, tarantulas don't give a rat's ass about decoration but I think it looks nice. Hey, I have two big tanks in my living room. They're gonna look nice!

I think I need to buy new crickets tomorrow. The chirping has stopped.

That's it for now.

Be Careful What You Wish For

I haven't had time to update but I had a case of the, "be careful what you wish for's." RIGHT after my last post about tarantulas being boring I thought that Smithy had escaped! Ack!

I fed her the butter worm, and went to check in on her later that evening, only to realize she was nowhere to be found!

The way her terrarium is set up, I can see into her hide, the substrate is pretty shallow at the moment, and she has a half coconut that used to be her hide. This coconut shell has the *tiniest* hole, and it faces the glass.

Sure enough, I discovered her in there the next afternoon. This was after going to bed thinking she had escaped and having to work the next day from 6am-12pm. ALL of that time, I figured I'd have to pull apart the bookshelf she lives on, and looks for a runaway.

*phew*

Tarantula keepers will swear that T's are Houdini's who can escape through the tiniest crack, and her screen covering is not that secure! She has now proven that she can manage getting through small spaces with the coconut shell. Time to re-think that screen cover, me thinks!

In other news, Mustapha has been out and about a lot lately. S/he's HUGE, and still really shy.

I need to get a picture of this beast but s/he runs away whenever I come close, and when I do get a shot, it never turns out well. Dang unphotogenic giant spider!

Both Eating

It's been a while since I have posted. Not only am I seriously busy these days but you know, tarantulas are boring! Smithy is still bald. Mustapha is still shy and won't come out.

However, they both ate a cricket the other day, at exactly the same time. That was the last two. I had to go to the pet store today. I picked them up a butter worm each. I don't think that Smithy has enjoyed hers yet.

I know Mustapha has molted and I want to see him (really, I'm pretty sure I should be saying "her") but he won't come out!

Well I guess that's it for now! Hopefully something exciting will happen soon. Haha

WTF Smithy?

I know that tarantulas have a difficult time adjusting to new homes but I'm very concerned about Smithy. Since the pictures in the last post (note her beautiful big bottom) she has kicked off like, almost all of the hairs on her abdomen. She looks gross! She keeps climbing up the side of the terrarium and falling. Mustapha also has a tall tank (I know, they should be shorter) and he has never climbed at all!

When I had her in the old home she climbed for a bit at first and then became bored, and grew content with just sticking low to the side. She reminds me of one of those Garfield car window decals, with the suction cups on the hands and feet. Anyway, every time she goes tank climbing I really stress. I'm not sure if this is the cause of her naked backside, or what?

I think Mustapha molted. He's been refusing food and I haven't seen him out of the hide in a few weeks. I peeked in yesterday during my food and drink delivery rounds and saw a very bulbous rump. More so than usual.

Sometimes I think the crickets require more upkeep then the Ts. They have to be fed and watered more often, cleaned up etc. Plus they're loud and smelly. Funny how that works out.

Well I'm outta here to get my workday over with and then YAY Friday night.

Peace out T fans.

Smithy has a new house!

They grow up so quickly. :)

Surprise Mom and Dad, I MOLTED AGAIN!

This Mustapha is full of surprises. True, I noticed he was refusing crickets but I didn't think it was that time yet. I woke early this morning to find him drinking from his dish, and his abdomen pretty much doubled in size! He has 2 or 3 old suits in his cave now and I donno how to get them out without disturbing him. Smithy on the other hand, drags hers out for me to discard on her behalf. Lol.

Poor Smithy, she needs a bigger home now. And we're way overdue a photo session. I've been so busy lately I've barely had time to even sleep. This will be my last full weekend off for about six weeks. I should get her set up!

Chris was saying the other day how Mustapha's personality has changed. It sure has. He's no longer skittish. I bet he doesn't run away because he knows that he's big and scary. Of course, he ran away this morning when I tried to get a picture but that was probably because Chris was closing the front door on his way to work and it's right under the terrarium. It was more likely the vibrations than my measly presence!

I need new bugs too. I'm still considering breeding but I'm not sure I want the noise, hassle or smell.

Chris wakes up with his alarm set to the sound of crickets. Just train the real ones to sing on cue already! :P

Hungry Tarantulas

Smithy is finished with her post-molt fast and now bother her and Mustapha are back to being eating machines!

Right before New Years Eve I went into the pet store to stock up on crickets for the long weekend. They were all out. *Enter panic mode* Mustapha hadn't eaten since Christmas day. I know they can live for a year without food but I do like to feed them as often a they like. I mean, what else do tarantulas do for fun if not hunt and feed?

Chris went down to the pet store in the beaches. They are way more expensive (old in a container) and small but this time they were a good size. I figure I can save the container in case on the Tarantulas ever needs a temp home for relocation or travel.

I really need to get on some pics. I know I keep saying that but I truly mean it this time!

Smithy FINALLY Molted!

She went into her hide yesterday and came out today looking MUCH MUCH bigger. She hasn't even dried yet but it looks like she's nearly twice her size! Someone is going to need a new home now.

The last time she molted was in the summer, I think. This was definitely the longest time in between suit changes.

It seems there were no problems. No skin still attached, no limbs missing or wonky.

Yay! Congrats to Smithy and her new skin!

Role Reversal

Now Mustapha is back to being hyper and hungry and (I think) Smithy has begun her fast. I put a bug in there with her over a week ago and it ended up dying. So I haven't put anymore in. Due to her being such a slow grower I really start to worry that she's starving after a couple or few weeks of not feeding her. It's happened a few times now where I finally think maybe she does want to eat. Then I have a molting tarantula with a loose cricket in there with her. I mean, she's a lot darker. I hope she'll just molt soon! lol.

I picked up new crickets tonight and I'm guessing that Mustapha will probably have them all to himself. He's been out of his cave much, much more and less skittish. He's FINALLY adjusted to his big-T terrarium.

I really need to get some pics!

Little Update

I've been seeing a little more of Mustapha but he's so shy. I'll notice half his body out of the hide but then he sees me and runs. I hope everything is cool with him because he's not eating like he used to. We're considering covering his tank (he's under a light!) and maybe even moving him over so he's not in such a bright and busy location.

I think the tarantulas have reversed roles because all Smithy has been doing is eating! I keep thinking that she MUST be due for a molt but so far, she not fasting, so I'll keep on feeding her.

I'm considering breeding crickets. I just worry that it will be way too noisy and smelly. It can be so inconvenient having to get them though! One store hates to do it. They sell only supplies. None of their other locations sell live food. I'm not sure why they do but the employees literally groan and make a huge fuss when I go in for them. Actually, I like getting from them better. It's because they hate it so much that they just throw about 30 into a bag (when I ask for a dozen) to avoid having to pick through and count them. Unlike the other pet store that's really out of my way. Last time I went in and asked for a dozen they gave me 11 + one on its way to death. :/

I'm going to take Smithy out again soon for some pictures It has been far too long!

Mustapha, Where Art Thou?

Still hiding:(

I'm a very concerned tarantula Mommy.

Molt?

I haven't seen Mustapha out of his hide in eons. I think that I saw a glimpse of molt skin in there with him, and I found a dead cricket in the tank. If he did molt, I have no idea when that would have been, and I like to know these things. Vexing.

I hope he makes an appearance soon. He hasn't gone on a little hiatus like this since we first received him in the mail, and put him in the vile. Oh my goodness, the days of Mustapha being in a pill vile are so long passed.

I remember when he disappeared for a few weeks back then I was worried sick that he was either dead, buried alive, or lost in one of the tunnels he had made. Right before he surfaced I was just about ready to dig him out. Man, he wouldn't have liked that. It's a good thing he came out on his own!

We haven't had the chance to take Smithy out since her last molt but I so badly want to. She's been eating well and her colouring in really turning out to be quite stunning!

I love my Ts! <3

Vids, Pics and Updates Galore!

Its been over a month since my last post but that doesn't mean nothing has happened! Quite the contrary, we FINALLY moved the beast, aka Mustapha, into his "big boy" tank. We took a video of the occasion, and another of him settling in. Actually we shot a fair few videos that day but these two are the best. The lighting wasn't so great.

We also took a few shots of Smithy (see above, also dark!). Since Mustapha was moving out we figured we'd clean up her "bone yard." She brings her dinner into the hide, and leaves the spare parts in a neat little corner. She likes to dine in!

Unfortunately, she seemed quite agitated, since we lifted her hide up, and was rearing at us. We thought it would be best to skip handling her!

Now that Mustapha has a bigger home, so do the crickets. They were upgraded from a container to his Kritter Keeper. Now everyone has more space!

Soon after the move Mustapha webbed and walled himself into his new hide. I'm not sure if he's going to molt, or if he's cross with us, or what! I hope we see him again soon!

Smithy's New Suit + Mustapha Scares Us!

Smithy's molt went very well...Apparently. That's after I thought her molt was her corpse..lol. She's bigger and her colours look incredible. I can't wait until her first feed in a couple of days!

Mustapha =OMFG. I went in to get his water dish yesterday and he lunged at me. That's nothing new, I'm used to it. I have a pair of chopsticks handy. I tried to grab the dish with them but he stood over the dish. I tried to nudge him off by lightly brushing his back leg with the stick.

Do you know what he did? He not only attacked the stick but he held on to it TIGHT, like he was swinging off a freakin' vine. Holy crapola! I can't put the dish full of water in with the sticks so I had to go in by hand. Fortunately he didn't get me! I gave him a bug for bothering him, a day after eating a huge one. He doesn't waste any time. I don't think he's ever turned down food. Even a day before a molt. Is that normal??

Chris found a terrarium at Value Village for $10 with a screen and everything! The screen itself would cost 30 new. We already have 2 tanks but this one is better suited for a tarantula. It's a little wider and shorter. I'm going to give it a good scrubbing and re-home Mustapha next week! We may even make a video because we're still receiving amused comments from viewers of our original You Tube video when we "opened" our new T's over a year ago.

I'm excited about the new set-up! I can't wait to take pics too.

I'm an Idiot! Smithy Molted!

Yesterday afternoon I checked in on the Tarantulas after getting in. I panicked at first (I'm always worried) when first noticing a crumpled spider. I know, I know, a year later and you WOULD THINK I'd know what a molting tarantula looks like! Well I noticed the double leg look (at one point in a molt, it can look like a tarantula has 16 legs!) before having an emotional breakdown, and then I was happy. Yay, Smithy is molting.

Cue hours later...

OH.MY.GOD. She's still in the same position, I think she's stuck in her molt....*goes online to research* If she's like that in the morning, I'm going to cut in and help her out of the old skin.

*goes to bed, wakes up, and runs down to the terrariums*

OHFUCKOHFUCK. *Grabs tank off bookshelf, tears off lid, and is ready to play Dr. Tarantula*

....Then I realized I had been looking at a molt folded IN HALF the whole time. She was probably already out even before the very first time I noticed her "molting." The skin, being in the back end of the tank and folded slightly over gave the appearance of a molt in progress, but she was already safe and drying in her hide! D'oh. I'm so relieved though! I can't wait to see the new suit!

At least I would have went in to help her out with tweezers and all that jazz. :P

So while I was in there, I cleaned up her tank a bit. It's starting to smell funky:/ I gave her and Mustapha water, fished a cricket out of her tank (she won't be needing it after a molt!) and fed it to Mustapha.

Oh and the whole time I was checking in on Smithy yesterday, Mustapha was half on his glass looking quite spectacular. What a show! I love that guy!

I'm going to pics of them both soon!

My, What a BIG Mouth you have!

I fed Mustapha a cricket the other day and Chris pointed out that he did not spin it. No, he just stuffed it in his mouth and ate it whole. All that could be seen was a head sticking out. Damn, what a scary spider.

I went on my bi-monthly bike ride trip to the pet store and picked up more crickets (a little bigger this time) and 2 butterworms as a nommy treat. Mustapha was on his right away but Smithy wouldn't touch hers. For over 24 hours it was crawling around and under her. Hey Smithy, that's an expensive bug you're not eating! (American Psycho reference, just fyi:P) so I picked it out of her terrarium and gave it to Mustapha, who has now eaten 3 times in 24 hours. That should hold him...Who am I kidding? He's probably hungry again already. Poor Smithy though. You snooze, you lose. I don't know why she wouldn't want to eat. I'll try a cricket again in a couple of days.

I just have to mention for the billionth time that I really love my spiders! It's been over a year and I still watch them everyday and am still awestruck over their developing growth and colouration.

I love Smithy because she's pretty, lazy, and just chill. She lets us play with her and that's exactly what I wanted in a tarantula. I love Mustapha because he's huge, also pretty and really active. He's so interesting to watch. He's not one to allow a handling but that's fine by me. Having one playing spider, and one to watch is not bad...Not bad at all!

I have to water them today but other than that I think that's all for now!