cleaning T cages.

[marisa]

Hello! I have only had three tarantulas, and I have only two youngsters now.

My last tarantula was failr docile, slow and easy to "catch" for a full cage cleaning. And these two were far far smaller a couple months ago when we did this before. Like quarter size but now they are both about human fist size.

So far I have only had luck spot cleaning since they have grown larger. but now I MUST do a full substrate change for both my T's. Both are lightening fast and impossible to catch. I am willing but I am afriad of them getting away during the catching process. Both of them run like mad, and one doesn't seem to mind jumping. Any pointers for catching them safely without injury or get away?

Marisa

[marisa]

What are the methods for catching the largest of spiders? One of mine has a 10+ inch adult size ahead of him. I don't mind holding or anything but I just realized I haven't had any first hand experienced person to ask about this....nor can I find any information on handling large species safely. (not my safety, a bites a bite but the spiders safety)

marisa

you could try a self-contained dark hide, I leave mine in and usually the tarant hangs out inside. but using one to just hold during cleaning works for me hope this helped

[marisa]

thanks! Before we would just place a dark thing over them like a cup and boom, done and done. But now are both sneaky smart and know my tricks........hahaha maybe I can leve a hide in there like you are saying...they have some now but they have open bottoms.

I didn't realize how intimidating a large spider can be, even when you aren't scared of spiders. Man I will be trapped in my bedroom by the time he is 10 inches LOL.

Marisa