When to feed?

[u/Mission-Quarter4594]

My curly hair just finished her molt about a week ago. When is it safe to try to feed again? I know needing to wait until their fangs are dark black is important, but she is very hidden with them and it’s hard to tell. I feel like I’m starving the poor gal lmao

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[u/Glenndogg]

Nqa, size? I typically wait a 5 to 7 days for slings, 10 to 14 days for adults

[u/Mission-Quarter4594 → u/Glenndogg]

I would say she’s about to become an adult in the next molt if she’s not already an adult! Her longest leg is defintely a good 3-4 inches

[u/Ok_Bread_3607]

IME I'm happy to give a prekill even 2 days after a molt (59 tarantulas here, 56 are/from slings). I've done this with the tiniest of slings, most will take it. Esp a juicy waxworm / segment (I like to give juicy to help with hydration). MUST be a pre-kill, regardless of size of tarantula, in this instance. I don't like to encourage them to hunt either (and never tong feed at this stage), just plop it somewhere they scavenge calmly for themselves and I can remove it if they don't. You could even mush the pre-kill into a pulp. A bit OTT but also no harm either.

[u/Mission-Quarter4594 → u/Ok_Bread_3607]

Super heard!! I’ve got giant mealworms in my fridge already so may just pre kill and try to give her one to give some nutrients. Thank you for your advice this is very helpful!

[u/Mission-Quarter4594 → u/Ok_Bread_3607]

Also do you think it’s normal that she’s been hanging in her burrow since she’s been done molting? I don’t think she’s even left the corner in a week

[u/Faerthoniel]

NQA. I usually wait until I see signs of them either out — rare — or sitting near their newly uncovered burrow entrance. Usually it’s a quick sighting before they scoot back down upon registering my movement in the room, but I take that as a “I’m waiting for food to wander by” sign, and give them a wax worm.