Chilean Rose-Hair Tarantulas: When They Molt

Contrary to what some people might believe, a tarantula found upside-down is not dead; in fact, it is being reborn! When a Chilean Rose-Hair tarantula, and most other tarantulas, for that matter, molts, it kicks itself over onto its back and puts its legs straight into the air.

Many times, before a tarantula molts, they will spin a web on the ground and sit on or near it for a week or so. This web bed serves two purposes: the first is to give the tarantula something soft to lie on while it goes through the extremely stressful molt, and the other is to keep bugs away from it during that period. A tarantula is very vulnerable while on its back, and it wants as few distractions as possible.

Another hint that a molt may be coming is the spider will refuse to eat for a week or two. If your spider stops eating and drinking, things are probably okay. Just remove the crickets and/or other food stuffs from its cage, and make sure you keep its environment nice and humid.

Chilean Rose-Hair tarantulas are comfortable in 50-70% humidity, especially while molting. The humidity will help to soften its exoskeleton so the tarantula can break free from it easier. If you are not sure how humid it is in your tarantula's tank, purchase a meter from your local pet store.

Most molts take an hour or two, and if you are lucky enough to catch the tarantula doing it, pull up a chair and watch, because it is fascinating! In my experience, most tarantulas molt in the dead of night, when us humans are fast asleep. However, being somewhat of a night-owl, I have watched the process quite a few times.

It is important not to touch or disturb the tarantula in any way while it is molting, because it may get spooked and abandon the molt, which is very dangerous, and probably deadly. It is for this reason that all the crickets or other critters in the tank should be removed if you suspect a molt is coming.

Also, be aware that your tarantula may not want to eat for a few days to a week after a successful molt. It is literally getting used to its new skin, and may be uncomfortable and agitated. I also do not recommend handling a newly molted tarantula for the same reason.

Try and remove the molt as soon as you can after the tarantula is up and walking around. The idea is to take away anything and everything that may stress the tarantula while it is recuperating.

So remember, keep the tank humid, keep food out of the tarantula's habitat, and do not disturb it while it is upside down. Keep water in the tank for it, because when they start drinking water again, it is a pretty good sign that they may be ready to eat, as well.