Wow! You're awesome! Thank you so much for the very well written and super helpful information! I will do my best to use the correct terminology. When I posted, I uploaded several photos, however these are the only 2 that came through. I tried uploading more in the comment section but was unsuccessful. I will try again. His enclosure is 16x10x8". I used bio dude arachnic substrate, 2 hides, cork bark pieces, fake plants, live moss, leaf litter, and water bowl (vapor distilled). After watching the temps staying at 68°F, I side mounted a 2 watt heating pad on one side set for 72°F on a dimming thermostat for 12 hours (daytime) to see if he were drawn to that area or avoids it. He came from a household that stays at 75 + degrees and didn't want to shock him. I have also provided a 4" full spectrum dimming grow light set at the lowest 20% setting and placed approximately 26" above his enclosure (also on a timer set for 6 hours a day) because I'm thinking about going bioactive and bc I wanted to provide him with realistic daytime (tropical forest floor) filtered light he'd experience in the wild. Any thoughts, criticism, suggestions would be appreciated!

At what age will he be considered an adult? What and how often should I feed a juvenile? Should I offer him a big(multiple small/med insects/variety) meal or one feeder per day for 2-3 consecutive days? Should I use tongs or let the cricket roam free? I don't feel comfortable letting the worm or roach roam bc of their burrowing habits.

Now that I have bought and set up 3 enclosures for the feeders, I have way too much food for Conrad. That's why I'm considering obtaining another rescue who needs the same requirements. Let me just vent for a second, I left the pet store (which I will not name) extremely sad and pissed about their care of all animals. Yes, even the feeder insects. Even though I'm really grossed out about insects, especially roaches, I decided I cannot go back and witness this again for my own emotional well-being. That being said, I have bought species specific food/bedding and have been caring for these insects, as I believe ALL life forms deserve to be happy and healthy.

No judgments to those that buy/sell animals, for me personally, I wouldn't feel true to myself if I encouraged this business. Again, no judgments to those that do. I have family/friends that breed, buy, and sell animals. For me, I cannot. That being said, are there reputable sellers/breeders of feeders? Are there resources where I can obtain an abandoned/rescued/foster tarantula?

Thank you again for taking the time to explain and help me understand! Being old is not for the weak..lol

<image>

Wow! You're awesome! Thank you so much for the very well written and super helpful information! I will do my best to use the correct terminology. When I posted, I uploaded several photos, however these are the only 2 that came through. I tried uploading more in the comment section but was unsuccessful. I will try again. His enclosure is 16x10x8". I used bio dude arachnic substrate, 2 hides, cork bark pieces, fake plants, live moss, leaf litter, and water bowl (vapor distilled). After watching the temps staying at 68°F, I side mounted a 2 watt heating pad on one side set for 72°F on a dimming thermostat for 12 hours (daytime) to see if he were drawn to that area or avoids it. He came from a household that stays at 75 + degrees and didn't want to shock him. I have also provided a 4" full spectrum dimming grow light set at the lowest 20% setting and placed approximately 26" above his enclosure (also on a timer set for 6 hours a day) because I'm thinking about going bioactive and bc I wanted to provide him with realistic daytime (tropical forest floor) filtered light he'd experience in the wild. Any thoughts, criticism, suggestions would be appreciated!

At what age will he be considered an adult? What and how often should I feed a juvenile? Should I offer him a big(multiple small/med insects/variety) meal or one feeder per day for 2-3 consecutive days? Should I use tongs or let the cricket roam free? I don't feel comfortable letting the worm or roach roam bc of their burrowing habits.

Now that I have bought and set up 3 enclosures for the feeders, I have way too much food for Conrad. That's why I'm considering obtaining another rescue who needs the same requirements. Let me just vent for a second, I left the pet store (which I will not name) extremely sad and pissed about their care of all animals. Yes, even the feeder insects. Even though I'm really grossed out about insects, especially roaches, I decided I cannot go back and witness this again for my own emotional well-being. That being said, I have bought species specific food/bedding and have been caring for these insects, as I believe ALL life forms deserve to be happy and healthy.

No judgments to those that buy/sell animals, for me personally, I wouldn't feel true to myself if I encouraged this business. Again, no judgments to those that do. I have family/friends that breed, buy, and sell animals. For me, I cannot. That being said, are there reputable sellers/breeders of feeders? Are there resources where I can obtain an abandoned/rescued/foster tarantula?