Thanks everyone for an informative post. The use of chemicals in the household is something I had considered and I smoke so I always ensure that I wash my hands properly before tank maintenance and I have banned smoking any where near their enclosures.

I have also read a number of posts all over the web where keepers mentioned losses which could be attributed to prey items, particularly crickets. Of particular concern was possible nematode infestations. So, I bought some B lateralis to start a colony so that I can hopefully rule out these problems.

Something I had NOT considered was the vegetables and fruit that I feed to the roaches containing pesticide residues which could build up in my T's systems over time. Does anyone have any advice for me on how to control this problem short of growing my own fruit and vegetables?

Concerning the lateralis chow. I wash there food twice with running tap water and use a clean paper towel to dry. I also wash the knife that I cut the chow with to eliminate soap residue.

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Toxins can accumulate I'm the body over a period unknown and cause this syndrome, but its all just guessing until a field researcher / scientist has the proof to back it up, but I think we should all just try be a little more careful with feeders , pesticides used on vegetation used to feed feeders as it will I'm the end build up in your T. , but its nice to read everyone's opinion as it gives us a broader field to think about at the end of the day:-)


Ray-Nature Conservator

One and All -

I recently took part in a discussion about DKS on another forum. Rather than bore you with a lengthy repeat I will merely send you to that thread. You may have to join the arachnid_world forum to read it, but that shouldn't kill you!

dyskinesia and Avicularia braunshauseni


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Before you start strutting around too boldly -

Spiders have been around for several HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF YEARS, and number in the several tens of thousands of different species.

And tarantulas, numbering well over 900 species, have been around for many TENS OF MILLIONS OF YEARS.

By contrast, the hominids (the human family tree) have only been around perhaps 5 MILLION YEARS, and there's only one (1) species left... US!


FROM AN EVOLUTIONARY POINT OF VIEW, WE ARE AN ABYSMAL FAILURE AND AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THE ANIMAL KINGDOM!


Cheery thought, no?

Tx Stan ur so right chap!! Will check it out.


Ray-Nature Conservator

I'm just wondering if anyone has ever considered water itself as a probable cause?
A lot of chemicals is used in the process to purify tap water?

But then again I suppose the tarantula numbers with DKS will be greater.

Just wondering.........