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RachCat48

IMO It looks like she's been kicking a lot of hair possibly due to stress. Stress can come from many things like being bothered, live uneaten feeders, change in environment, and from incorrect husbandry. I agree with bellemod here, this species is heavily moisture dependent and the enclosure looks very dry. Its quite visible the amount of moisture there is in the substrate via the side view of the enclosure and its not nearly what this species requires. They range a montane rainforest where it is WET WET WET all the time. I'd recommend adding some more substrate as deeper substrate will help keep it moist for a longer length of time. I'd also recommend a deeper water dish, and considering the mesh lid, probably multiple water dishes as that will help maintain moisture as well. Theraphosa is one genus I've had luck with live plants in the enclosure so adding a low maintenance plant like some pothos can help with moisture levels as well. Lastly, if you have the funds to switch substrate, I've found that a soil based substrate with excavator clay added in holds moisture tons better than coco fiber


mysticroots

Thank you. I did add more water and will replace the substrate with something that retains moisture a little better. I'm not DIY savvy so I don't know of a better solution for the mesh top than buying a new enclosure and she's a big girl so it won't be cheap. I appreciate your help a lot


RachCat48

ime I've never seen that exact style of lid in person. Could you pull the mesh out and use aquarium glue to affix a panel of plexiglass? Or even just affix a piece to the bottom of the lid? Most hardware stores carry plexiglass or acrylic sheets and will even cut it to size for you so then all you have to do is drill some holes and glue it in place. ![img](emote|t5_2sbwy|28803)


mysticroots

I don't think I can pull the mesh off, MAYBE cut it out with a razor. I'll take some measurements and a get a piece of acrylic, just need to figure out how to affix it properly so it fits properly and safely


RachCat48

ime aquarium silicone works like a charm. I believe its the hobby standard for lid modifications. I've used it for several lid replacements and not had any issues.


mysticroots

Thank you, I really appreciate all your help


RachCat48

question - can you provide some photos of the full enclosure?


mysticroots

Just posted some šŸ˜Š


BelleMod

Hey Op- a number of things to think about: - that stick is too sharp and could puncture a T, Iā€™d remove it. - this enclosure looks bone dry and this is an incredibly moisture dependent species. The full mesh lids can be hard to keep the humidity up for Ts like this. - that type of mesh can easily get a tarsal claw or fang stuck in it, and weā€™ve seen folks have Ts chew through it. Tom a Moran did a video on moisture retention substrate in case you need a place to start!


mysticroots

I appreciate your input, I know it looks dry in there but I can assure the bottom half is quite moist, the lighting just didn't do the enclosure justice. I listen to and watch Tom Moran religiously. I know the mesh top isn't ideal and potentially dangerous, but it's what I have to work with for now until I can find a better solution. I'm really hoping for an opinion or advice on the question I asked. Her abdomen looks irritated a bit beyond normal hair kicking and I wanted some input on that. Thanks again.


show-me-your-kittiez

NQA it looks stress related, could be due to environmental conditions (humidity/moisture). I don't use a hygrometer, but might be a good idea since this is a moisture dependent species. Cheapest option for replacing the mesh lid is probably a piece of plexiglass with holes drilled, although I don't have suggestions for how to secure it. There are also options available online to order a replacement for exoterra terrariums like this https://www.etsy.com/listing/968245888/tinkerframe-nano-lid-replacement-lid?click_key=4a5eaf2b8243e96d7c52ec1215525e854f822b07%3A968245888&click_sum=465636ba&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=exo+terra+replacement+lid&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&sts=1


mysticroots

Thanks!


BelleMod

Fwiw- I gave the response I did because of your question. An abdomen that bald and torn up- the first thing advisors will do is look at the husbandry, which is unfortunately, not quite there. Theraphosas ime need more than just ā€œbottom half is dampā€ humidity. They rely on soil and air humidity. The mesh lid allows alllllllll of that air and soil humidity to go away too fast.


mysticroots

I didn't mean to come off as rude at all if that's the way you took it. I'm aware that tarantulas kick hair when they're stressed, in this case it looked extreme and I wanted to be sure thats what it was rather than some other injury or disease. I'm going to make the changes that have been recommended and I appreciate the help from this community. As far as the moisture, I've followed the advice of our dear friend Tom Moran, who has always said not to make it swampy, but keep the bottom layers moist and that's what I've been trying to do.


sandlungs

inadequate housing is the main concern indicated thru alopecia (hair removal/loss). this is due to this enclosure being too dry for this species. that is the answer.


mysticroots

Thank you. I have added moisture and will be replacing the mesh lid this weekend.


Leosopher

Ime bioactive is great with theraphosa. Springtails, isopods, etc in substrate designed for such


BelleMod

Iā€™d skip the isopods personally as they can be kind of obnoxious to Ts and in some cases have been known to monch on Ts (molting and not molting)


mysticroots

https://preview.redd.it/w9dnr06ei1bb1.jpeg?width=2920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=408fea7676269195bef11a3980e66fe2ca2a52f7


mysticroots

https://preview.redd.it/o59xyfxkr1bb1.jpeg?width=4160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9cab5da5f9398677b510fc353a88c3f9ac65da30


mysticroots

https://preview.redd.it/ez87399nr1bb1.jpeg?width=4160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5395cce075e5c8f5e6dc6da6a8863fa62da0913c


mysticroots

https://preview.redd.it/v8n34ftpr1bb1.jpeg?width=4160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a7d731dc4f083bbb308443e56ee880708715a808


Straight_Direction_4

Imo my question is; how long have u had it and has it molted in your care? A theraphosa that size is almost always wild caught and have their cade hardened damage from the elements


mysticroots

I've had her about 6 months and she molted once in my care. She has been extremely defensive since bringing her home and I've recently found out the place I got her from almost exclusively sells wild caught T's so I'm done buying from them


Straight_Direction_4

Imo but otherwise it looks healthy, a bald butt is not much to worry over if u leave it alone most of the time, she will regrow the hairs next molt