Molted-still on back

[SpunkySpider]

I have an elderly Grammostola pulchra (19!). She molted yesterday while I was at work, and has been lying on her back ever since.

She’s moving her legs, but I’m worried something is wrong- she’s always turned over after a molt.

I appreciate any advice!

 

[PanzoN88]

Hmm not sure, weird for that to last an entire day. She could still be resting as molting is strenuous. Picture may help us be of better assistance.

 

[SpunkySpider]

View attachment 39566

She has scootched forward about two inches since I took the picture, but is otherwise the same.

 

[nedaK]

View attachment 39566

She has scootched forward about two inches since I took the picture, but is otherwise the same.

All I can say is that if she’s moving she should be ok.

 

[Jess S]

Have you tried giving her a drink by dripping a few water droplets onto her mouthparts, in case shes a bit dehydrated after moulting, and unable to get up herself?
@PanzoN88 @Kaden Alexander is what I'm recommending ok? Because normal advice is not to mess with a freshly moulted T.

 

[nedaK]

Have you tried giving her a drink by dripping a few water droplets onto her mouthparts, in case shes a bit dehydrated after moulting, and unable to get up herself?
@PanzoN88 @Kaden Alexander is what I'm recommending ok? Because normal advice is not to mess with a freshly moulted T.

It should be ok. Though I’d wait a bit to see if she will get up on her own first, but if she doesn’t then giving it water is ok.

 

[SpunkySpider]

Thanks for these replies. How long should I wait? How do you suggest dripping the water?

 

[nedaK]

Thanks for these replies. How long should I wait? How do you suggest dripping the water?

I’d wait a few hours or more. I recommend using a pipette to drop the water.

 

[Arachnoclown]

I'd give her a drink...dont try moving her though.

 

[Arachnoclown]

Place a drop of water here...you can use a straw if that's all you have.

 

[SpunkySpider]

She still hasn’t flipped, so I just gave her two drops of water. Should I give her more in the morning? Thanks again.

 

[nedaK]

She still hasn’t flipped, so I just gave her two drops of water. Should I give her more in the morning? Thanks again.

If she is still on her back yes.

 

[Jess S]

I'd carry on giving 1-2 drops, watching to see if she's sucking them in. If so, then I'd repeat, until she stops drinking. Then I'd try again in a couple hours (or morning if it's bedtime where you are).

 

[MassExodus]

If it's just been a day, leave her the hell alone..stop giving her water. Jesus Christ y'all..

 

[SpunkySpider]

I gave her water last night and this morning. She appeared to be sucking it in? You can see she has moved from the original photo, but is still on her back. Molt happened Wednesday.

 

[Jess S]

If it's just been a day, leave her the hell alone..stop giving her water. Jesus Christ y'all..

Do they normally lie on their backs for 2 days then?!

 

[Arachnoclown]

One drop guys...

 

[Arachnoclown]

Theres never any danger from a spider laying on it's back. Just let it be. I've never had one die on it's back other then a Avicularia that fell while molting.

 

[ilovebrachys]

I know I'm probably going to get slated for saying this but-if it were mine I would have flipped it back by now-its trying to move along which suggests to me its tried and failed to flip and with the spider being so old I would worry that it will wear itself out-
at least if its turned up the right way gently it has more chance to recuperate and drink properly-
not saying I'm right but if it were me that's what I would do

 

[Enn49]

I know I'm probably going to get slated for saying this but-if it were mine I would have flipped it back by now-its trying to move along which suggests to me its tried and failed to flip and with the spider being so old I would worry that it will wear itself out-
at least if its turned up the right way gently it has more chance to recuperate and drink properly-
not saying I'm right but if it were me that's what I would do

I think I would agree with you on that. I feel it is using unnecessary energy when it could be helped to right itself.