PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
Tarantula keeping can present some challenges.
In case of emergency, you can contact the moderators of Tarantula.Addict on Discord.
Here are some problems and their possible solutions:
Possible causes
Imminent molting, illness, stress due to environmental changes, incorrect temperature, or excessive handling.
Solutions
In most cases, loss of appetite is related to the molting process and is completely normal. If in doubt, observe your tarantula closely to detect other symptoms. Ensure that the living conditions are optimal (temperature, humidity, substrate). Feel free to visit specialist forums or online communities (e.g., Arachnoboard, Discord) to get advice from other breeders.
Symptoms
Sunken abdomen, wrinkled exoskeleton, lethargy.
Solutions
Check and fill the bowl with water regularly. If your tarantula does not drink spontaneously, curls up and does not respond to external stimuli (e.g., a gentle touch with a brush), you can help it by carefully placing its cephalothorax in the water bowl with a damp brush.
Types of disease
Infections caused by bacteria or fungi (often due to poor terrarium hygiene or injuries), parasites (mites are most common), viral diseases (less common).
Symptoms
Lethargy, loss of appetite, color changes, visible parasite infestation.
Solutions
Unfortunately, veterinary treatment options for tarantulas are limited. Good prevention (hygiene, water quality, etc.) is crucial.
Symptom
Tarantulas may experience hair loss on their abdomen.
Solution
In most cases, this is due to the species (normal appearance), impending molting, or the loss of urticating hairs.
Tarantulas can lose limbs in accidents. These limbs grow back during the next molting, but may be slightly smaller.
The death of a pet you have cared for can be a difficult time. You can decide whether to preserve the body in an alcohol solution, bury it, or dispose of it. It is important that you never use a corpse as food for other animals to prevent the spread of disease. Take time to grieve.
If you are bitten, it is important to remain calm and:
Carefully pull the tarantula away:
Avoid panicking and making sudden movements.
Clean the wound:
Thoroughly disinfect the wound with soapy water and an antiseptic.
Monitor the progress:
Carefully observe the wound for signs of infection or an allergic reaction (fever, muscle pain, redness, swelling, pus, circulatory problems, or even mild cramps).
Consult a doctor if necessary:
If the symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention.
Additional resources on health issues are available on this [wiki].
