DKS?

[x_raphael_xx]

Hi all,
My g.pulchra sling is making very jerky movements, I'm worried it may be DKS.
I haven't tried to feed her as she's kinda plump still. She's about 5cm/2 inches.
Here's a quick vid, I'm tapping on the enclosure just to get her to move for the vid, I don't normally disturb them like that.
She's right next to all my others who seem fine, and I don't use chemicals etc in the room. I haven't handled her, so I haven't transfered anything from my hands.

Here's a pic of her enclosure too. I've now removed the leaves, in case they were causing an issue.

 

[Arachnoclown]

The video suggests your startling your spider rather then it being poisoned. When a tarantula has been poisoned it makes random movements uncontrollably on its own.

 

[x_raphael_xx]

The video suggests your startling your spider rather then it being poisoned. When a tarantula has been poisoned it makes random movements uncontrollably on its own.

That's how she moves in her enclosure on her own, sort of flicking her legs.
Its the random leg movements that worry me, they don't look normal. Even when startled, like my flightly catalina, the movement is smoother.

 

[regalspottedbeast]

This, and she also could be going into premolt. I've noticed that when tarantulas are in heavy premolt, their movements can seem a little more jerky and uncoordinated.

 

[Arachnoclown]

Where did you get your leaves?

 

[x_raphael_xx]

This, and she also could be going into premolt. I've noticed that when tarantulas are in heavy premolt, their movements can seem a little more jerky and uncoordinated.

She molted a month ago (09/09 to be exact), I thought pulchras had long time between molts?

 

[x_raphael_xx]

Where did you get your leaves?

Out on the floor on a dog walk, but they've been in there for like 3 months.

 

[Arachnoclown]

Many leaves and wood are toxic and repel insects.

 

[x_raphael_xx]

Many leaves and wood are toxic and repel insects.

I've taken them out and will keep an eye on her.
Hopefully its just a combination of premolt & annoying owner.

Thanks guys

 

[Arachnoclown]

I've taken them out and will keep an eye on her.
Hopefully its just a combination of premolt & annoying owner.

Thanks guys

If it was the leaves she may twitch until she molts again. Just make sure she stays hydrated.

 

[x_raphael_xx]

If it was the leaves she may twitch until she molts again. Just make sure she stays hydrated.

Will do, thank you

 

[DustyD]

She molted a month ago (09/09 to be exact), I thought pulchras had long time between molts?

Both my juvenile G. pulchra have had shorter and longer periods between molts roughly 30 -50+ days in the 4-6 months I have had them. For mine, I think the summer heat and perhaps my need to feed sped the molting up.

Also it seems that as older slings/juveniles they seem to grow faster. My 3/4-1 inch G. rosea seem to be growing slower than my older G. pulchra. But that could also be that while they share the same genus they are different species.

 

[x_raphael_xx]

Both my juvenile G. pulchra have had shorter and longer periods between molts roughly 30 -50+ days in the 4-6 months I have had them. For mine, I think the summer heat and perhaps my need to feed sped the molting up.

Also it seems that as older slings/juveniles they seem to grow faster. My 3/4-1 inch G. rosea seem to be growing slower than my older G. pulchra. But that could also be that while they share the same genus they are different species.

Oh I was expecting months inbetween molts, I've heard pulchras grow very slowly. 30-50 would be about right for another premolt then.

I've identified the tree & leaves as a Cotoneaster frigidus 'Cornubia'. I can't find any info on whether they are toxic to spiders or not, but I've removed them anyway from all the enclosures. I'll stick to fake plants.

She still seems to be moving oddly to me, but that may just be expectation bias! I attempted to feed her today & she wasn't interested and ran away (but again that may be the pre-molt) When I took the lid off the enclosure she seemed to be trying to feel for the lid/ceiling.

 

[octanejunkie]

Booty looks phat. Let it be and you shall see.

 

[x_raphael_xx]

Booty looks phat. Let it be and you shall see.

Thank you.
I think I was just being a panicky idiot.
She's still moving oddly, but I think its probably from feeling uncomfortable as everyone is saying.

I've popped her enclosure in a more calmer corner while I await the molt.