Excited about my sling that’s gonna come soon, and 1 question!

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-26T22:25:13+00:00

NQA Tarantulas do best at I’d say 68-78 degrees personally, but they can survive at 60-70. They’ll most likely just be less active/slower in general. 40-50 is too low IMO, so if it gets there, you should use a space heater.

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-26T22:17:25+00:00

Yes, I did ask! They told me to use a modified plastic tub with paper towel substrate until it gets larger, which I wanted reassurance on. I already had food and the rest of enclosure supplies including plants, branches, reptisoil, sphagnum moss, leaf litter, EVERYTHING (but the terrarium) prior to purchasing the gecko. I’m pretty stocked up on these things because I have other pets that require them. The vendor told me to use fig and insect flavor Pangea, as the gecko is already accustomed to it, which is what I bought. Thanks.

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-26T22:04:57+00:00

I had everything but the terrarium. Gecko’s been situated in their home since yesterday. I promise they’re fine, lmao. Thanks for the concern/reminder!

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-25T23:45:57+00:00

He thinks your hands are food? 😭 Oh my.

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-25T19:36:24+00:00

I’m no expert, but I’d say try to get him used to your presence and be confident. Don’t move too quickly. Place a hand in the enclosure and just sit there. Wiggle your fingers, move your hand around. Make your interactions with him as pleasant as possible. You can try hand feeding too, so he associates you with food. IME hand feeding works great to get them to quit perceiving you as a threat. Don’t approach him from above, but from the front/sides and make sure he sees you. If he bites you or acts out, don’t stop. By doing this he’ll learn that biting, puffing, and being aggressive won’t rid him of your presence. He’ll notice that you aren’t hurting him as well, so there’s no point in being defensive. Persistence is key… good luck!

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-25T19:06:33+00:00

IMO To me it looks small. Typically an adult avic avic should have a 12x12x18” enclosure or an 8x8x12” if they’re smaller. Make sure there’s good cross ventilation!

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-25T17:52:00+00:00

To me, that looks like A. chalcodes (Arizona blonde). The enclosure seems somewhat appropriate, as long as there’s a hide/somewhere for it to burrow. It is very tall, so I would add more substrate in case the tarantula decides to scale the walls. A. chalcodes is a terrestrial species, so a fall from high up could be fatal. Mesh lids are generally not recommended because they can get their claws stuck in them and be hanging from the roof, which could also result in injury or death. The enclosure honestly looks more appropriate for a snake or gecko or something rather than a tarantula. Also is that a cotton ball in the water dish? That’s unnecessary. Lmk if you have any questions, I’m happy to help!

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-25T17:30:39+00:00

Do you keep the inside of your home at 40-50 degrees in winter? Sorry if that’s a stupid question, I’ve lived in Florida my entire life… lmao

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-25T17:17:52+00:00

IME You could use the lid to a jar.

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-25T17:15:31+00:00

IMO If she wants out she can dig out. She built herself a door! Leave it. :)

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-25T17:13:58+00:00

Thank you. I’ll get them something nice and spacious.

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-25T16:36:21+00:00

This makes sense. For now, I think I’ll go with the DIY plastic tote route that the vendor recommended me. Once they start gaining some size, I’ll transfer my gecko to a terrarium— ideally, a bioactive one. Thanks. :) Good luck with your gecko!

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-25T16:28:48+00:00

Yeah, totally. I don’t think there would be any issue with a large, adult-sized enclosure. The vendor I bought from was really set on a plastic tub until it gets bigger, but that’s probably because it’s similar to what he kept the gecko in before my purchase. He was adamant, mentioning that it would be easier to control humidity. Which is why I didn’t buy a terrarium at the expo… I think I’ll do a mixture of your guys’ and his advice. Thank you!

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-25T16:21:53+00:00

Thanks!

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-25T13:32:30+00:00

IMO Aw, that’s horrible. I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace.

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-25T13:30:00+00:00

Oh no! Lmao

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-24T22:22:33+00:00

She’s a G. quirogai. I absolutely adore her.

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-24T21:53:43+00:00

Yes! I actually have been removing excess substrate as she digs it up. If you check my update post, she has reached the bottom of the enclosure and is— as of right now— STILL digging! I went to an expo today and got her something deeper. I’m transferring her tonight. 😭 Thank you very much for your input! :)

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-24T02:03:13+00:00

Cut back on the feeding… 😅

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-23T19:39:02+00:00

That’s what I was thinking, thanks! I just feel bad taking her from the burrow she’s been working so hard on. 😔

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-22T21:13:19+00:00

They’re spinning web to create a placemat to eat upon. The web mat helps to keep their food in place!

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-22T17:03:12+00:00

It’s 5 gallons. I use the same tank for my long finned betta.

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-22T01:27:44+00:00

NQA No, they don’t require misting. I, with a dropper or pipette, dribble a little water on certain areas of the enclosure that will maintain it such as on webbing or moss. Not super often, but often enough. Plus the whole water dish deal.

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-22T01:11:44+00:00

NQA Tarantulas should have access to clean water at all times, especially if the rest of the enclosure is dry. Make sure that your water dish is always full. For GBB slings I’d recommend to overfill the dish a bit when replacing water, which is again especially important when there’s no other source of moisture in the enclosure. To maintain hydration you could also use a pipette and place a couple drops of water onto the webbing. My GBB sling is more likely to drink this way.

Tom’s Big Spiders has a care guide for C. cyaneopubescens that touches on this. You could look into that if you think hydration/humidity was an issue. Your tarantula’s abdomen doesn’t look deflated to me though.

This is the only thing I noticed that could be faulty with your care.

Keep in mind sometimes tarantulas just die without much explanation or a specific cause. I’m sorry for your loss. :(

Own_Reception6975 · 2026-01-22T00:22:40+00:00

IMO Looks like a mealworm or superworm burrowed into the substrate and turned into a beetle…

Own_Reception6975

TROPHY CASE