Why is my tarantula obsessed with the corner?

[Goldiesgiants]

Hi everyone so my A. Geniculata is absolutely obsessed with the corner of her(?) Enclosure. I'm not entirely sure why is this normal behaviour for a T? I'll attach pics of the enclosure set up and a pic of how my T spends most of the time sitting. When I say most of the time I mean every time I enter the room this is where she is. And in a similar position. I should also mention that water bowl is full. She has just been fed a few days ago and temp and humidity are normal at around 23°C and 75% in the enclosure.

 

[Stan Schultz]

Hi everyone so my A. Geniculata is absolutely obsessed with the corner of her(?) Enclosure. I'm not entirely sure why is this normal behaviour for a T?

First, based on the relative size of the fangs compared to the size of the sternum ("chest" plate, but remember that tarantulas do not really possess a chest), and the relative proportions of the epigynal plate, I'd judge that there's a 75% chance that it's a male. But, do not despair. You probably have a year or more before it matures. In the meantime you can polish and expand your familiarity of these creatures, and maybe find someone else in your area who has a female. Tarantula orgy, anyone?

Secondly, from my perspective, the cage is too small. The spider is so large that there're few places for it to rest that aren't a corner. It's not a crisis situation, so don't panic. But, at your earliest convenience it might be a good idea to move it too a cage maybe twice that size.

I should also mention that water bowl is full. She has just been fed a few days ago and temp and humidity are normal at around 23°C and 75% in the enclosure.

Temperature and relative humidity considerations are vastly overblown by novice enthusiasts. And too many ignorant or unscrupulous pet shops use these two topics in an effort to inflate their bottom lines by selling virtually useless thermometers and humidity gauges. Check out the links at the beginning of this paragraph for loads of information on both topics.

While you're at it, I'd strongly recommend that you check out these webpages, too:

Myths, Misconceptions, and Mistakes Perpetuated by Tarantula Enthusiasts

Spiders, Calgary

Not only are you likely to save yourself a dead tarantula, but you might even save a little money in the process.

Be good to your little buddy, and your wallet!

Stan

 

[Goldiesgiants]

First, based on the relative size of the fangs compared to the size of the sternum ("chest" plate, but remember that tarantulas do not really possess a chest), and the relative proportions of the epigynal plate, I'd judge that there's a 75% chance that it's a male. But, do not despair. You probably have a year or more before it matures. In the meantime you can polish and expand your familiarity of these creatures, and maybe find someone else in your area who has a female. Tarantula orgy, anyone?

Secondly, from my perspective, the cage is too small. The spider is so large that there're few places for it to rest that aren't a corner. It's not a crisis situation, so don't panic. But, at your earliest convenience it might be a good idea to move it too a cage maybe twice that size.



Temperature and relative humidity considerations are vastly overblown by novice enthusiasts. And too many ignorant or unscrupulous pet shops use these two topics in an effort to inflate their bottom lines by selling virtually useless thermometers and humidity gauges. Check out the links at the beginning of this paragraph for loads of information on both topics.

While you're at it, I'd strongly recommend that you check out these webpages, too:

Myths, Misconceptions, and Mistakes Perpetuated by Tarantula Enthusiasts

Spiders, Calgary

Not only are you likely to save yourself a dead tarantula, but you might even save a little money in the process.

Be good to your little buddy, and your wallet!

Stan

 

[Goldiesgiants]

Aw that's perfect thank you so much for the info! I did alot of research on tarantulas and on the A.genic before I bought her. And i knew that humidity and temperature aren't as important as alot of people claim they are. I bought the T from a reputable shop that specialises in tarantulas and it came as a starter set up but luckily for me I decided to buy the larger enclosure too with extra substrate. Should I wait until the T molts before trying to rehouse? As there is definite darkening in the abdomen/ butt area.
Anyway thank you so much for your time!
I can see that you went through alot of effort to explain this to me and its more than I've got on other forums.

 

[Stan Schultz]

... Should I wait until the T molts before trying to rehouse?

I'd wait. It's likely to molt within the next 90 days or so, and its current caging isn't disastrously cramped. Better to be safe than sorry.

As there is definite darkening in the abdomen/ butt area.

Be careful here. It isn't just a "...darkening in the abdomen/butt area." What you're looking for is such a darkening under the BARE SKIN, where the bristles have been lost. If no bristles have been lost, you should not be able to see the bare skin, and therefore not any darkening. I have no idea why the bristles might change color, and indeed, have never heard it mentioned before.

Anyway thank you so much for your time!
I can see that you went through alot of effort to explain this to me and its more than I've got on other forums.

And thanks for the compliment. "We aims to please."