As some of you might know, I recently acquired the above mentioned sling from Wynie. Thanks again Wynie. Now the question.
Apon receiving, I asked Wynie when it last ate and he said last week. I then said I will try to feed again the end of this week. Last night I gave it one very small cricket but it refused to eat. Wynie did inform me that it looks like it is in pre-molt stage and might refuse food.
I don't like the idea of cruching the head of the cricket before feeding because it is so small and I also feel in the wild the spider must "work" for his food. It just turned it's back on the cricket when it touches it and walked away. How do I know if it is in pre-molt? I can see that the skin doesn't look dark but a light color. Don't know if it just maybe because it is still a sling.Just curious as you all know that we were raised that a animal must eat. Strange to hear some people talking about spiders not eating for months. Oh, the back side is still nice and fat and not crimped as if dehydrated.

@ Hendrik:

Have a look at the link:

www.tarantulas.co.za/forum/tarantula-gen...pre-molt-please-read



Also get yourself "The Tarantula Keeper's Guide"

Sorry. Didn't get it yet. A bit busy at work. My friend might have it but is on leave. Monday back in office.

Fangs can definitely help with a TKG

I found this on another site. I think I will try and feed it again tonight and then maybe Sunday again.

Molting

A tarantula needs to shed its exoskeleton periodically to allow for growth. Obviously, this molting process will occur with greatest frequency when it is young. Therefore, it is not unusual for a spiderling to shed every month or two. Since most tarantulas will fast for a period of days or weeks prior to a molt it is normal for spiderlings to refuse food every so often. That is usually the sign that a molt is coming (you should also notice its coloration to gradually become duller and its abdomen to darken). As mentioned above, it is essential that food is not offered at this time. By checking for remaining food every morning after feeding you will be able to prevent the spiderling from being killed by a hungry cricket that nibbles on it during a molt. I recommend waiting for about four days after a molt to offer food again. During this time the spider will grow and its new exoskeleton will harden. The spider will be particularly vulnerable at this time and should be left alone as much as possible. The molted skin [exuvium] should be removed as soon as possible after the spider is completely finished molting.

The thing is that I know about the molt stage and what is happening and that you must not feed it afterwards for a while,etc,etc. I just don't know how the spider must look skin wise with the pre-molt stage. Think I am on the right track that it might be pre-molt stage.

Hey, I wouldn't worry too much about it yet. If I'm correct the guy at the petshop in Pretty Gardens has one, he might lend it to you or let you read the molting section. Also, what is the size of the T as depending on the size, it could take a few days to a few weeks to start molting. I'm still waiting on my Thrixopelma ockerti. Glad to see that you are using scientific names.