ok, once again im a newbie

[raebug2000]

I have acquired a new critter.
She ( i think it's a she) is a B. Smithi Tarantula.
She is starting to show color...about the size of a 50 cent piece.
I have been researching and researching...but no definate answers.

1. I have her on dampened peat. is this ok?
2. i Have water available for her with a sponge so the criks dont jump in and so that there is no chance of her drowning. is this ok?
3. i have put in 1/2 inch crickets.....i havent witnessed her eating but the crickets are disappearing... is this usual?
4. she has a " house" does she need to "burrow"?
5. She has an undertank heater on one side of the cage is this ok?

I am completely enamoured. I just want to do right by her.

[Vanan]

Dampened peat moss? Depends how damp it is. I try to give more depth to the substrate so that the top layer is dry but the bottom most layer is still moist. That way they can burrow to whichever humidity level they prefer.

Sponge is difficult to disinfect and it harbours too much bacteria. Just try using a few pebbles in your water dish. Crix will be able to climb out with that and your T won't drown either.

If the crix are disappearing she's probably eating them but be careful when just leaving crix in there. When a T's freshly moulted, it's very vulnerable to crix chewing on them. I usually watch to see if the prey item gets grabbed immediately. If not, I remove the prey.

Dunno about needing a burrow cos smithi's are considered terrestrial not burrowers like Haplopelma. I always give my terrestrial species a chance to burrow anyways.

I hope your undertank heater is on the side of the tank not on the underneath. You statement was unclear to me. Heating from the side is safer for T's.

[raebug2000]

the enclosure is big enough where the heater is only one on side. she has 2 hides 2 choose from....

i can certainly add peat to make it a bit deeper. Im not very certain for what to look out for as far as signs of moulting though. usually when my BP's are ready to shed their bellies turn pinkish ....is there something lik that i should look out for?

[Syco]

As far as moulting goes, the abdomen will turn dark before they molt (if they have a bare patch on the butt you will really notice it) they will become less active and refuse food.