Molting
Tarantulas have exoskeletons and in growing need to undergo a process known as molting. Molting is the process
wherein a tarantula grows it's new exoskeleton under the old one, partially absorbs the underlying layers of the old skin
and then emerges from the old exoskeleton looking all shiny and new. It usually takes some time for the spider to recover
from this molting process. The new exoskeleton is soft, and needs to harden before the animal can resume eating, walking and
other routine activities. Tarantulas generally molt on their backs or sides. If you wake up one morning and see your tarantula
on it's back or side, DO NOT touch it. Molting is a very strenuous and dangerous time for tarantulas. One sign of an impending
molt is loss of appetite for a few days to as long as a few months before the molt. In New World species another sign is if
there is a bald spot on your tarantulas abdomen, you may see the skin begin to turn black. This is the new exoskeleton
forming and separating from the old and is no cause to be alarmed. If you see signs of an impending molt the best thing to
do is make sure there are no crickets or other prey items in the tank as they can harm the tarantula while it is defenseless
and to increase the humidity as excessive dryness can hinder a successful molt. Then just sit back and watch as your wonderful
pet renews itself. Molting generally takes a few hours for an adult tarantula to complete from the time you find it on
it's back. If your spider gets stuck in it's molt, the humidity may be too low, this can be rectified by misting the enclosure
with water. Be sure NOT to mist the tarantula directly. If the molt takes longer than a day or so, emergency measures may
be called for. You can try to take a pair of forceps and VERY GENTLY try to pull off the exoskeleton by pulling on the ends
of the old leg skin. Trouble spots can also be loosened by applying a diluted solution of glycerin and water to the area
that is 'stuck'. If a tarantula gets injured during a molt, the loss of hemolymph (blood) can be fatal, so any physical contact
with the spider during a molt must be avoided if possible. Do not introduce prey into the enclosure for at least a week after
a molt. It takes time for the tarantulas new exoskeleton to sclerotise (harden) and during this time the tarantula is extremely
vulnerable. One sign that your tarantula is ready to eat is if the fangs are black and shiny. If they are still pink it is
too soon as the fangs have not hardened yet and your tarantula can deform or lose it's fangs trying to eat, with possible
fatal consequences. Once your tarantula is ready to eat again it will probably be quite hungry and will eat heavily for a
period of time. Very young tarantulas and very old tarantulas are most likely to experience molting problems. The young are
vulnerable to desiccation (drying out) and the old have been known to have premature molts, or failure to molt thought to
be caused by hormone imbalances. Elderly tarantulas have also been known to experience some difficulty molting because the
may lack the stamina needed to get them through such a physically demanding ordeal. All in all molting is one of the most
fascinating things in the hobby and the process opens up many possibilities for the keeper to learn growth rates and other
valuable information about each species.
www.arachnopets.com
The MTS Team
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