AboutJenna Expertise I am a pet store employee that cares for a variety of tarantulas. These include Zebras, Rose-Hair, Pink Toe and Cobalt. I am also knowledgeable in other types and can advise on care, housing, feeding, and behavior.
Experience 2 years of reptile care with research and hands on experience feeding, handling and housing 20 tarantulas.
Expert: Jenna Date: 7/31/2008 Subject: Chilian Rose Tarantula
Question Hi I have had a pet Chilian Rose Tarantula for about the past four years. I bought him from a shop when he was already fully grown. After a few moults he developed hooks on his front legs, which led me to assume he was male. However, after this final moult, he stopped eating. This was now nearly three years ago, he has not eaten since. I have stopped putting crickets in his tank because they started nipping his legs (imagine, a Tarantula being bullied by a cricket). He still moves about his tank (although not as much) and from time to time, he spins a little web cocoon, which he crawls into for a while. I was just wondering is it normal behaviour for a Chilian Rose Tarantula to go three years witout eating?
Answer Hey Paul
It's not something I've heard of...tho it isn't unusual for a tarantula to go on fasts like that but 3 years is a really long time. The only hitch to having a male Chilian do it...is they only live 4-6 years usually. I don't have any ideas on why he would be doing this as none of the textbooks or articles I've read have a Chilian not eating for longer than 6 months. So you have a rarity on your hands. It might be worth a shot giving him a pinkie...tho I wouldn't bet on it.
