Dug up burrow obt

[TheFlash]

So curious.
I am away and left my gf at home to watch my T's.
She got worried because she didn't see my OBT for few days and so she stated digging around with tongs around the loose substrate where his openings were.
I assume that he was deeper... But Is he not going to be able to get out or Breathe?
And also she said 4 days. Not very normal for him. Why is he down there so long? Usually comes to the surface.. . Could be have died down there?

Help is appreciated

 

[Enn49]

Tell her I can go months without seeing my OBT, it's what they do. Don't worry, if a T can dig down to the bottom then it can dig back out.

 

[Nunua]

No need to worry. Even if some tarantulas sit a lot out in the open, it's totally normal for them to retreat in the hide and stay there even for long periods. Sometimes they seal the entrance and/or dig deeper / longer tunnels with no risk of suffocating. They're masters what comes supporting the tunnel walls with web.

Also, as your girlfriend said that she was digging around the tunnel entrances, it has probably stressed out the OBT a little bit so it's natural for it to stay hidden.

 

[Arachnoclown]

The last time I saw my obt was 4 months ago when she ate my Male.
Baboons aren't a showcase tarantula. They spend most of their time in the ground. Your lucky to see him as much as you say.
You should never dig up a tarantula...you can cause injury to it if it was molting.

 

[WolfSpider]

The last time I saw my obt was 4 months ago when she ate my Male.
Baboons aren't a showcase tarantula. They spend most of their time in the ground. Your lucky to see him as much as you say.
You should never dig up a tarantula...you can cause injury to it if it was molting.

Concur. OBTs tend to be secretive. There is a good chance that your T is in pre-molt and does not want to be disturbed.

 

[TheFlash]

Yea. .. I know enough to not do that. She didn't which is unfortunate... But it is what it is, was just wondering what to do now... Or what to. Tell her to do

 

[Arachnoclown]

Just make sure the water dish is full...that's all we can do. It's the boring side of Ts. That's why so many T owners have many others.

 

[Enn49]

Yea. .. I know enough to not do that. She didn't which is unfortunate... But it is what it is, was just wondering what to do now... Or what to. Tell her to do

I'd just tell her to keep checking the water and otherwise leave it in peace in case it's moulting.

 

[Major 78]

From what I've heard, this is very normal behavior for most tarantulas. And your girlfriend digging around the burrow didn't help, only stressed it out even farther. Baboons are not meant as showcase tarantulas. If you want something for showcase I suggest Nhandu sp. (Chromatus)

 

[TheFlash]

@Major 78
I'm aware. I don't care about showcasing it. I bought a LASIODORA for showcase. She got worried since she is on water duty. I told her to stop. Immediately.. But I'm just worried now that I may have hurt it or. Killed it from the digging. What if it died because she hit. It while it was molting etc.

 

[Major 78]

@Major 78
I'm aware. I don't care about showcasing it. I bought a LASIODORA for showcase. She got worried since she is on water duty. I told her to stop. Immediately.. But I'm just worried now that I may have hurt it or. Killed it from the digging. What if it died because she hit. It while it was molting etc.

If you seriously think it was hurt (only if you are sure) I would dig it up, but VERY CAREFULLY AND SLOWLY. But you probably shouldn’t.

 

[Enn49]

@Major 78
I'm aware. I don't care about showcasing it. I bought a LASIODORA for showcase. She got worried since she is on water duty. I told her to stop. Immediately.. But I'm just worried now that I may have hurt it or. Killed it from the digging. What if it died because she hit. It while it was molting etc.

Can she see into any of its burrow? Even if it was just a slight movement it would set both your minds at rest but I really think if she'd touched the T while digging she'd have seen it.

 

[Arachnoclown]

I wouldn't touch it no matter what. If after another couple months you dont see it then we can entertain the idea of digging it up.

 

[Arachnoclown]

Even if its hurt...theres nothing you can do anyways. Always aide on the side of leaving the spider be.

 

[TheFlash]

Oh Yea..
Well let's be clear... I would never stick my hand in there haha. Not a chance of carefully digging with my hand
I don't think I would even risk digging it up. Was wondering if there is a way to get it out of. It's burrow safely. But she destroyed the top of the burrow. Wondering if it should get food at some point. But anyways helpful info already. Thanks guys.

 

[WolfSpider]

How big is your OBT? A dubia equal to or less than the size of its abdomen will not hurt if if it is in premolt. Put one in and if it is still there in 48 hours, take it out. Try again one week later.