DIY Avicularia Sling Enclosure and Substrate Mix

[@JunFeril]

At Home Depo with a cart full of substrate ingredients... Cashier: wow! What are you growing with all these? Me: Tarantulas (w/ a big smile) Cashier: .....!!!????

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Bahahahahaha! Like, when I went to buy my stuff, the woman asked, "So, what are you planting?" Bahaha

[@jdcass638]

I love it when that happens at the craft store and they unassumingly ask "So what's your project?"

[@pgrvii6825]

The acrylic guys at lowes know what I'm up to when I come back asking for 10.5x10" and 6x6.5" acrylic cuts 😂 good ol exo terras

[@michaele.derrickjr.9200]

Ike Forreal 😱😱 cashiers reaction lol

[@catpagan8033]

Me at Walmart looking for these cups. Associate: are you like, making jello shots? Me: uh no it's for spiders actually Associate: 😳

[@RoyIMVU]

I was not always a fan of Avics but lately they have been growing on me.

[@RoyIMVU]

Oh- also, I do have a couple "other" arboreal slings (one is a p.metallica) and they are certainly tunnelers at the start. I wouldn't have thought Avics would be so arboreal so soon.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They're awesome little spiders, although I don't have a lot of them. :)

[@andrewplace2217]

Thank you for the shout out and for the amazing f enclosure idea..I never would of thought to do this for them and I am so happy you are enjoying them!!!!! Thank you for the amazing footage as always

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Dude, of course! Thank YOU for the amazing slings! :)

[@andrewplace2217]

You as well I re homed all the o philipinus into there enclosure for the next 4 or 5 molts and have used the mm chaco 3 times with success and no attacks on him!!!! Praying for a sac un the neer future!!!!

[@tinabbaker37]

Yep, still Binging on my Favorite channel. Love Y'all and Dave's Little Beasties

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awwww...thanks so much, Tina!

[@alikermani3264]

thank Tom.Your custom substrate looks great

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Ali! I'm really digging it (no pun intended!). :)

[@angielovesowls]

I love your little enclosures for the Avicularia slings. Your custom substrate mix looks great.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Angie! So far, they've been making it MUCH easier to feed them! : )

[@johnbrazell2433]

Thank you so much for this video! I have always been terrified of making my own mixture because I am afraid of topsoil or potting soil containing something that would be detrimental to my tarantulas. this helped me immensely knowing that these particular types and brands of topsoil, potting soil excetera have been tested and are safe for my babies. Once again Tom, you have proven to be a vital resource and asset to the tarantula keeping community. And I would also like to give a big shout-out to the lady behind the camera. You Rock Billie!!! We all know that Tom could not do this without you. And neither could we.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, John! You're most welcome! I've used those two brands for years with no issue (I would NEVER use Agway again). And thank you so much! Billie is amazing and vital to the success of this channel! Thanks again!

[@johnbrazell2433]

@@TomsBigSpiders update... Now I have the issue that I cannot find this topsoil. Everyone seems to be out of stock and no windows when they'll be getting any more in. Apparently it has not been coming in on their orders. So now I have to figure out an alternative. So essentially I'm right back where I started. Any other ideas?

[@johnpowell351]

Came back to find these DIY enclosures, thanks for the brilliant idea, kind regards Joanne.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Joanne!

[@Vanessa_Simone_In_Toronto]

Bloody brilliant Avicularia spiderling homes.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Vanessa! Thank you so much!

[@dankauffman8568]

That enclosure idea is brilliant . If I ever get an Avicularia sling I'll be making one . Thanks !

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Dan! They seem to be working out quite well!

[@dankauffman8568]

Hey Tom ! The scenario goes like this . Open P Striata (sling) enclosure , drop in cricket . Cricket wanders behind the dirt curtain and chases the spider out . Was considering renaming the species Pussilotheria . When I walked by this morning it was sitting on top of the cork bark . This was rare so I sat down with a magnifying glass to check it out . It started to molt ! Whole process took a little over an hour . One of the most amazing things I've ever seen ! Never turned on its back . Did the whole thing upright . Anyway , had to tell someone who could appreciate it . Thanks for listening .

[@arasartsandjewelry7647]

I created my versicolor sling enclosure from this video. I fed her(?) Today and it was super easy. She seems very happy. I put a small amethysts rock in it to make it look a little nicer and tbh I think it looks prettier than the critter keeper my curlyhaired is in. Even though it is just a recycled deli cup.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! That's awesome! I'm so glad this worked for you. :)

[@ashuragaming1981]

Thanks for the video man! I made a bigger glass place for my sling, she was just wanderinf around for few days. I made an enclosure with your way. Some glued cork bark pieces to the side, some fake green plant parts too. She like in the 2nd or maybe 3rd day already started to webbing up. Eated well already made a bigger chamber for her/himself on the top with web floor and as i see soon getting in premolt. Nice video keep it up. And now no need the rip his web.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! I'm SO glad that this was helpful for you! Just try to make sure that the cork touches the substrate when it is closed. This will insure that the spider can climb up when it goes into premolt (they can struggle gripping the plastic when they are close to a molt).

[@ashuragaming1981]

@@TomsBigSpiders already made a bigger flat surface for herself i believe will molt there, but i made one cork bart that close to the ground like 4mm away. My spider around body length around 2cm so will have no trouble to climb up if she decide to molt on the aubstrate! Keep up man thanks again

[@rogersavard1956]

This is brilliant. Heard it on your podcast but couldn't quite picture it. I'm trying this out.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Roger! So far, they've been working out great.

[@chuckmaster3000]

Wow every so often I see a d.i.y. enclosure that blows my mind and this is definitely one of them. Such a great economical idea too. I use the hobby lobby match box display cases that I add a acrylic hinge too and this is so much more accessible to everyone.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Charles! It's sure made things easier for me! haha

[@drdoolittlefishhobbyist6055]

Super video tom and I'm glad to see you guys are safe and well. Love the little diy enclosures. One positive from being stuck at home is I've actually got to witness two of my four baby scorpions go through their first molt. The first one had problems and seemed to be stuck for days in its molt but thanks to KZbin I learnt how to moisten it down and that did the job thank god. Stay well and safe tom and keep the cool videos coming my friend.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud! I do hope you and yours are well, too! And that's awesome! I find scorpion molting to be so cool. I'm glad that it turned out well and was able to get out!

[@austinvickymoore3656]

Love the little cups! I never would have thought of it!!!! Heck yes man! Great video as usual!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

So sorry for the delay....I missed a bunch of comments! Thank you so much! So far, they are working out well for me. :)

[@rkhnd51]

Thank you, Tom. This video is a keeper for reference and I loved the enclosure idea. That setup would be good for small Jumpers too as they like to go to the top also.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

We were JUST talking about that on another post! Great idea!

[@xxFroggyxx-14]

Been trying to find an idea for my C. Versicolor sling and this idea is amazing! All other ideas were with lids on top and it was bugging me so glad I found this! thank you :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Jemma! Hopefully, this works out for you! I've used it with C. versicolor as well. :)

[@michaele.derrickjr.9200]

What a clever idea on the enclosures cups 👍🏼👍🏼

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Michael! Thanks, bud! They're working out great for me so far!

[@RoyIMVU]

I used this when I got my first Avic sling and it really did crawl right to the top and made itself a "hammock" there first day. My other arboreal slings, while they do climb around often have made their homes closer to the ground.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Roy! I'm so glad that it worked for your Avic! Yeah, I would probably only use this for Avicularia or Caribena!

[@chuckmaster3000]

Great to see other folks using the one part deli cup mixers for substrate lol. I do same thing When mixing stuff . The deli cup is the new standard measuring system. (Edited for terrible typos and grammer)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

YES! hahaha They work great! haha

[@nickz1122]

These are great. I would add a rubber band to keep the two cups together because I would defiantly be dumping the bottom part when I picked them up. Thanks buddy!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Great idea, Nick! And thanks!

[@kflow1379]

I absolutely love your content man. I just ordered my first 2 Ts from FearNotTarantulas (G. Pulchra & G. Pulchripes) + got an avic avic as a freebie. Might've gone overboard for my first time but I'm excited and your videos are making me feel very comfortable starting out! In case anyone seeing this comment in the future is curious, I'll reply with an update on the slings. :) All 1" - 1 1/4" at time of order.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Kyle! Man, thank you so much! And welcome to the hobby! You started with two great species there! Those are three awesome ones to start with. Good luck! Can't wait to hear how it goes...good luck!

[@jamielovesjohn]

So cute! I love my juvenile Avic avic. He is so active and always exploring his enclosure. As a house plant enthusiast, mixing soil is one of my favorite parts of the hobby. Just something so gratifying about it. I have gone away from peat because peat mining is quite damaging to the ecosystem, but I found a great organic, non manure compost that I mix with coco coir.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awwww...he sounds adorable! Yeah, mixing dirt is just so darned fun! haha And I did not realize that at all. Where do you get the compost mixture? Thank you, Jamie!

[@jamielovesjohn]

@@TomsBigSpiders I ordered it from Ace Hardware. It's the Dr Earth All Purpose Compost. 😊

[@Kharnosaur]

I just got my first Caribena Versicolor. This is extremely helpful! Thanks!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats...and I'm so glad that this was helpful!

[@timcollins4036]

Thanks Tom for another informative guide. I cant believe that your prices are so much higher than here in the uk. My versi just moulted and changed from all blue! All the best tim

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Tim! Thank you so much! And congrats on the the molt!

[@TheBammer1234]

that is such an awesome enclosure idea! every single day I watch your channel and every single day my knowledge about these wonderful animals grows. Thank you for being you Tom! Never stop ;)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Alex! You can also glue a piece of cork bark to the top of it so that it extends down to the substrate. I've experimented a bit with that as well.

[@TheBammer1234]

@@TomsBigSpiders that’s a brilliant thought as well I’ll 100% be doing it!

[@EmilySessions]

Perfect timing ❤️💖 I’m getting 20 slings from a breeding loan tomorrow. Wasn’t ready to get them so early but now i am

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Wow, congrats on the slings, Emily! That's awesome! I'm glad that this was helpful!

[@mostlytanks447]

Love this!! Great idea cutting the cup. Thank you, definitely going to try this.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you! Let me know how it works for you. :)

[@XxHybridFreakxX]

That's genius and exactly what I was just looking for. Hoping to pick up a couple of avic slings in a few weeks and this'll work perfectly.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Brian! It has worked very well for all the ones that I've used it for. :)

[@62millwood]

Hi Tom. that is the best setup i have ever seen for these T slings. wish i had known about this setup years ago lol. beautiful little slings. glad to hear you and your family are safe and healthy. keep up the wonderful info. Thanks.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Tim! First off, I hope that you and your family are doing well! Ha! I wish I had, too! I should have used this for my black widows as well. They would try to bolt out every time I opened the enclosures. Thanks again!

[@homarblessings]

This is really helpful specially for my avics and c. Versicolor species. Thanks Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad, Homar! Thanks!

[@AbysswalkerASMR]

I will definitely try this out, once my Avics outgrow their pill bottle enclosures! Pinktoe slings having black feet never ceases to make me smile... nature is beautiful, as are the morph changes in tarantulas.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I love their black little feet...it is so adorable. Thank you!

[@Annies_Arachnids]

Thank you so much Tom, learning something new everyday by watching your channels, keep safe.😊

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Mizz Demeanor! I hope that you and yours are well!

[@roXXXXXon]

great video as always! i had the idea of turning cups around as soon as i started the hobby, but never had any cover that was deep enough, nice trick u got there. for the substrate mixture: i always had the problem of bad absorbtion, thanks for the suggestion with the sand, that will definetly come to use next time! hope u all stay healthy, have a nice week!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yeah, me too! The lids just weren't deep enough! This is making it SO much easier. Absorption has always been one of my biggest frustrations. Sand, vermiculite, and sphagnum can all be added to help with that. Thank you and stay well!

[@jalena3379]

I like your mix. Good idea adding in the moss n charcoal. Thx for sharing.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Jalena! :)

[@DDbraster]

Very nice!! Absolutely love the arboreals and this is a very clever way of doing the enclosure

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much!

[@ChantalsCritters]

Great ideas with the sling pots.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Channy!

[@xlittlestephx]

Thank you so much for the enclosure idea! I've been wanting to get a C.versicolor for ages but have trouble finding a suitable enclosure here in the UK. Definitely going to try this, then get myself a couple of slings 😀

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! I'm so glad that this was helpful. So far, it's working great for me. :) Thanks!

[@briancuprisin4571]

Great video! Tom, you've nearly singlehandedly sparked an obsession in me for tarantulas. My first li'l buddies should be here within the week (G. pulchripes, L. parahybana). Tip: when doing a bioactive enclosure, try placing a thin layer of charcoal between the substrate and the drainage layer (above the mesh separation layer if you use one).

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Brian! Thanks so much for the tip! I DO have one enclosure that has a drainage layer, and I didn't think of that.

[@floydalcantara8785]

I really love that part mixing your subtrate. It feels so much fun doing it 😊. Keep safe, Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Floyd! Thank you so much! I LOVE playing with dirt! You stay safe as well, bud...thank you.

[@crimsonpanthers]

I'm going to be getting a M6 sling soon and was looking for ideas for an enclosure. Thanks Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! And I'm so glad that this was helpful!

[@crimsonpanthers]

@@TomsBigSpiders super helpful!!! I'll keep tuning in for more ideas!!

[@Michael-nd7gh]

Who would downvote this video? This is a great idea!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Apparently, someone doesn't like avics or dirt. *sigh. hahaha

[@brunoportugal3404]

I used to collect all kinds of house spider since the age of 12. I’m 38 now, still passionate about these animals. Love to watch them eat their prey. Unfortunately i’ve never had a tarantula, don’t even know how to get one in portugal. Hopefully one day i will:-( great videos man, keep up the good work

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Bruno! Very pleased to meet you! I've spoken to other hobbyists in Portugal who have tarantulas. I can try to find out where they buy from? Thank you! I do hope you and your family are well!

[@erinbrannan-oneal4197]

Great idea for the avics! My daughter asked for one today and I was debating if I should get a sling because I wasn't sure about housing. Perfect timing for this video! 😱

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Erin! And I'm so glad that this was timely! So fare, it's working out well for me. :)

[@klaskristian1]

Leaflitter is great. I always mix in oakleafs. Speicies like E murinus incorperate the leafs in its burrow construction. It looks great. When i had a huge colkection of baboons i often used clay that i mixed in with the substrate. I bought the clay from a company that was selling claypots and stuff like that. I used a large quantity of clay and when it dried it became very hard. But the spiders seemed to love it

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I LOVE that stuff now. I use it in everything. And I have used clay before, but it was pricey. I have to find a cheaper place to get it! Thanks, bud...stay well!

[@klaskristian1]

@@TomsBigSpiders i bought it in powder form. I mixed it in with moist soil 50/50% . It was not that expenssive. It came in diffrent colors. I bought red clay But it was many years ago. But i still have some pound left. When a tarantula burrowed it looked like a burrow in the african savannah! :)

[@pgrvii6825]

How cool! I got a free avicularia avicularia sling with my Harpactira pulchripes. KF Inverts sent a small enclosure with it so it was cool and easy,but this is definitely handy for those type situations. I also,added a Hapalopus sp Colombia Sm. Form this week.😆

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Great timing then! haha And congrats on your new additions! :)

[@tink2276]

The avic enclosures are genius! I’m gonna have to try that for my C. versicolor slings. They always web the kids shut.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

So far, so good! They are working out great for me! Thanks so much, Tink! :)

[@InSpidersITrust]

I bought a big bag of that sphagnum moss. I noticed how dusty it was so I didn't use it because I wasn't sure if it would be bad for my Ts. This answered my question. Thank you. I was about to give it to my dad.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

The stuff is SOOO dusty! You can moisten it as you go, and that helps a bit. And prepare to have muddy snot for a couple hours when you work with it, Tricia. hahaha ;)

[@InSpidersITrust]

@@TomsBigSpiders it's no fun if you don't get dirty lol

[@dboykinchen88]

Great video MacGyver 😂. I'm pretty impressed. I'm just looking at my little Avics in vials like "sry, I'll send u to Tom's house soon. I thought I gave u a good life." 😂😂😂. Love seeing cool stuff like this. Can't wait to make a few myself. Thx as always. Never cease to amaze me brother 😎

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Bahahahahaha! Where's the duct tape? ;) I just wished I remember this when I had my black widows...that would have made things SO much easier! haha Hey, stay well, Damien!

[@dboykinchen88]

@@TomsBigSpiders 😂😂😂 u 2 brother 😎😎😎

[@natethegreat141990]

Thank you for the updated video, going to the store to try and buy some of this. I was just using reptisoil but now that I need to add substrate to a 40 gallon breeder, I need a cheaper alternative.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Nathaniel! Good luck! That what happened when I started needing more dirt...it just became to expensive.

[@krism4467]

Thanks for sharing it with us, love your suggestion, will try it 👍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Kris!

[@sandiegopc1904]

This was GREAT! Thanks for sharing---definitely going to put these tips to good use!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Pamela!

[@amandahigh630]

This is awesome...I love playing in dirt and it.saves on the wallet in the long run...like you said more money for Ts!!!! Thank you for sharing!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Amanda! Me, too! haha I was so excited to mix this stuff up. lol Thanks!

[@cbr900rr6]

Thank you professor. Omg I'm learning so much of you. Thanks again....

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! Thank you so much!

[@darrenmusgrove503]

Nice one Tom thanks for the information I'm definitely going to try and mix my own substrate

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Darren! Let me know how it goes. I love playing with the ingredients. haha

[@jpbasto4658]

Anorher trick i will have up in my sleeves,.. Thanks Mr. Moran

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! Thank you! Hopefully, it will make things easier for you! :)

[@jpbasto4658]

@@TomsBigSpiders it certainly will, im having this situation with both of my Poecilotheria Metallicas. It just breaks my heart when i literally destroy their homes everytime i open up the top lid to feed them. I was tying to find how to make enclosures that open up at the front, but never realized it until i found this video, thank you so much. Your a genuis Mr. Moran. Stay safe and well with your family sir.

[@BillPerryBCPythons]

Great enclosure ideas!! Thanks for sharing the information on the substrate and yes that's an adorable sling🕷

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Those slings are SO cute. haha Thanks, bud! :)

[@HustleHabit]

Just a thought, you could probably use a pin to hold the bottom of the enclosure to the top; just to prevent accidental drops. Just stick it through the side, and remove it when you want to open it.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Good idea! Thanks!

[@Verminator-kj5kq]

Hi tom. You should cut the bottom off and hot glue it to the lid. That way the enclosure will be secure as you’ll be able to use the lid as normal. You and the family Stay safe in these crazy times. Mike

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! I do hope you and yours are well. So, flip it back over with the lid on top and do the trick with the bottom?

[@Verminator-kj5kq]

Tom Moran yeah basically use the bottom 3rd of the cut cup instead of the top then the lid will still fit in place 👍

[@morganfiedler119]

Hey Tom! Those avic sling enclosures are a great idea. I might try something similar because I'm having the same problem with my C. versi sling and I hate tearing up her web sock all the time. I wanted to mention: you could use one of those teeny tiny butterfly hair clips that they use in little girls' hair to keep the lid on if you're clumsy like me. Just a thought. Hope you and the fam are staying safe. Sending my love to you and yours!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Morgan! Yeah, I had the same issue with C. versicolors. So far, these have worked out great for me. And great idea...I'll try that. I hope that you and your family are well!

[@spiritualspatula]

You can also run the sphagnum moss through a blender to get a really fine cut while still retaining the water holding properties.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Great idea! I just have to get Billie to let me abuse her blender...again. haha

[@eb-pe8xg]

To fix the two halves of the Avic sling enclosure together you could drill two small holes below the level of the substrate across from each other that penetrated the outer and inner cups. Next push half a toothpick into each hole. Just leave enough of each anchor sticking out so they can be easily removed.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Great idea...thanks!

[@LukaTisus]

Definitely gonna set one of these up for my Y.diversipes and A.purpurea once it arrives. Especially the diversipes, that little bugger is BOLTY holy shit.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Luka! I hope that they work well for you! :)

[@billstokesbary6143]

Wish I had seen this before I made 4 large enclosures with straight top soil, you're right about the muddy mess lol

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Bill! I used topsoil for years. hahaha I totally get it!

[@tinabbaker37]

I love you DIY stuff. These cups are perfect for Avics and Versi

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Tina! :) I hope that all is well with you!

[@edselubrico5196]

Brilliant idea tom💞 thanks for sharing

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! :)

[@nicoledonohoe2808]

Tom love the Avic enclosure idea !! Also thanks for sharing your tips will give it a try as iam only using coco fiber !! Hoping you and your family are staying safe please tell Billie hello for me see ya next time !!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Nicole! Thank you so much! Coco fiber can work fine; I still use some of it. I just have fun playing with dirt. :) Billie says hello! I do hope you and yours are well!

[@jareal69]

Hi Tom, Sorry if someone already mentioned this. I dabble in Bonsai and could not help but notice the "Giant" size of the charcoal you used. Try looking at Bonsai web sites they usually have all different sizes from 1/16th inch to 1/2 inch. I have previously used American Bonsai Tool and Supply Co. They sell different sizes and quantities from quart, gallon, 5 gallons from $5.50-$55.00. They also sell Sphagnum moss which I have also bought. Search CharMAx or Sphagnum to save time if you decide to look at there website. Thanks for all the great video and Podcast. Keep them coming. I have a B. boehmei 3-4in and a G. pulchra sling. Thanks again!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yeah, I've been having to smash it up! That is incredibly useful information...thank you! I will definitely check that out. You rock!

[@ABGazaLovestory2024]

Thank you so much for this video and what an awesome DIY with the sling enclosure. You just solved an issue of mine 😃🕷😉🇩🇰

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome! I hope that it works out for you!

[@lucnadeau2821]

That DIY Avic enclosure looks so easy and efficient. Should I try my luck with a sling, I would think that your setup will help in avoiding escapes and such. Stay safe and thanks for sharing :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Luc! So far, it's working great. It's definitely made things easier. Thanks, bud! I hope that you and yours are well!

[@bensexotics4901]

wow never thought about doing that with slings. Something that works for me with my adult avics is hot gluing little pieces of cork at the top and sides of the enclosure so that they don't web to the top but to the cork. You can even almost guide them on where you want them to make that web tunnel

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Ben! Yeah, I've had luck with positioning of cork and plants. Whatever works! haha

[@jupiterrocamora4946]

Awesome enclosure idea! Thanks!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much, Jupiter! :)

[@jupiterrocamora4946]

@@TomsBigSpiders Hi Tom! I got around to getting the stuff needed for the enclosure. I don't have any arboreals yet so I don't have any firsthand experience on their care and husbandry, but I was wondering if there will be any issues feeding them because most feeding videos show that live or pre-killed prey for aboreals are placed on the entrances of web funnels or cork barks. Will the spiders be ok to get their prey on the ground or should I turn the container over? I will be keeping Pokies and Avics as my first arboreals by the way. Thanks!

[@robjohn5036]

Sibling home's are genius thanks im straight on that 👍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Rob!

[@robjohn5036]

​@@TomsBigSpidersmine a complete success, thanks for that great idea 🙏

[@danevans740]

Awesome video as always man 😁 I've just set up 2 new caribena enclosures with just peat and sphagnum (cut up) as the media. I use a small cork tube of which they normally web up the centre and it kinda avoids them webbing the lid which is nice 👌 Anyway hope you and the family are safe and well! 🤘

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Dan! Thanks so much, bud! That sounds great! I used the straight sphagnum trick with my O. philippinus slings (burrowers) and that worked great, too! And I hope that you and yours are well!

[@mazdamundi85]

Fantastic advice, we love your videos! Could you do an update on phormingochilus sp rufus please? Trying to find information and husbandry advice for this species but theres not much out there! Thanks Tom, keep the vlogs coming. They are great!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! Thanks so much! Unfortunately, my male matured out not long after I did the last video, and he passed away last year. These guys are VERY shy, and will burrow until they put on some size. Even then, mine still stayed hidden almost all of the time. I always kept the substrate deep and moist to give it the option. Mine burrowed a bit behind the cork bark, webbed up around it, and rarely ventured out. I hope that helps a little!

[@mazdamundi85]

@@TomsBigSpiders Thank you so much for responding and for the information! That's such a shame about your MM. If only they lived longer! Stay safe!

[@bigrich525]

I have to agree with the move to Sphagnum Moss over Vermiculite. The moss seems to allow the substrate to perculate more so than the Vermiculite does. And lets face it, Vermiculite can be rather pricey! Another great video Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Sean! It's funny, because the thing that kept me from moving to sphagnum for a while was that I get the vermiculite for cheap. haha I found a place that sells it in huge 4 cubic foot bags for about $30! Still, I like the consistency of the sphagnum much better! Thanks so much!

[@Amos4946]

Hi tom , i've just ordered 3 slings this week :) , 2 birupes simoroxigorum (CB) and one Theraphosidae sp panama i can't wait to have em :D, great video between as usual

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Oh, man...some gorgeous species right there! I need to get another sp. panama, as mine was a male. :( Congrats!

[@Amos4946]

@@TomsBigSpiders and finally im getting a fourth one :) Omothymus schiodtei :D

[@ItsJadine]

That’s a great idea! I’m definitely going to try that method! Plus if you file the cut ones you can use it as a water dish for bigger Ts! I really liked seeing your substrate mix that was so helpful! You had been taken off my recommendations so I’m just catching up 🤷🏾‍♀️😂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Queenie Jaye! Thank you! It's been working out well for me. And that's a great idea about the water dishes. :)

[@jamesemery1]

I do something similar but I glue to tubs together bottom to bottom then cut the bottoms out, so you open it from the bottom or the top. Nice substrate mix I will try moss instead of vermiculite on my next mix.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

How's it going, James! :) That sounds like a great idea as well! Yeah, I'm liking the moss quite a bit! Thanks, bud!

[@jamesemery1]

@@TomsBigSpiders I'm good Tom thanks for asking, going a bit "stir crazy" with the current social distancing. However I've made use of my time by doing a load of "boring rehouses". Watching a ton of your back catalogue and other Tarantula documentaries. :). Hope you and yours are well.

[@NonObjectiveForm]

Horns up for your T-shirt 🤘

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha, thank you!

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

Slings are so small, I think you need to be very fast and delicate. This is good. I like to see ANYTHING that is not virus related.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Which is amazing, as I have big, sausage fingers. haha Yeah, I've had it with the virus stuff. Hope all is well, Joyce!

[@taylorisedproductions7920]

I love your videos! Very interesting and informative! 👍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!

[@taylorisedproductions7920]

@@TomsBigSpiders You're welcome! Thank you!

[@goldpieceleo]

Man I hope your family is safe too.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, bud! How are you? Yes, so far, we are all doing well! Thank you!

[@goldpieceleo]

Tom Moran I'm doing well. The city is in lockdown. The sad part is our government doesn't know what to do and they're fighting each other instead of helping each other. We'll get through this man never lose hope. I hope your family is safe too. We have a pandemic proof pets that can last months without eating. Hehe.

[@huriahfitzgerald9738]

Just recently got one of your o Philippines slings from fearnot Love this t

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! Thank you! I still have four of the babies that I'm raising up. :)

[@Chunkylurker]

My favorites! Thanks for sharing 🤩😍🕷🕸

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! :)

[@rumpelstilzz]

For my avic and caribena slings, I'm using the ferrero rocher enclosures. Petko from the Dark Den did a DIY video about those and I just like the looks and the contents before and after :) Since I got some tick about using same kinds of enclosures if possible, I also keep some psalmos the same way. Before you said it, I didn't even know they'd burrow as slings, and I've been raising psalmo's same like avic for a while without issues. Maybe time to try something new, I've wanted to get a p.reduncus when shipping works again...

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, whatever works for you! I'm constantly looking for new enclosures. haha It's part of the fun of the hobby for me. Yeah, all of my Tappis and Psalmos (and Omothymus) burrowed at first. Once they hit around 3-4" or so, they usually start coming out more. Thanks!

[@flying_hussar3034]

makes sense for someone with that amount of spiders Tom. I use coco brick and sphagnum moss at he moment. However as I only have 7 Ts I normally chip off amount neede from the brick before hydrating it. I found that less wasteful because by the time I use the surplus it is covered in mold

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yeah, it just gets REALLY expensive when you're rehousing a bunch of adults and need a lot of substrate. I used coco fiber for years and still have it in some enclosures. I like playing with dirt, too. haha Thanks!

[@christianmaisog9912]

Nice vlog for diy enclo .. Very very nice

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much, Christian!

[@matthewward5892]

Very helpful video. THANKYOU

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Matthew!

[@thesystima]

Two things: I have had great succes mixing in clay or clay powder with substrat, to make a firmer substrate for burrowing species. Secondly, I'm about to receive three C. versicolor slings (two for me and one for the SO) and the style of enclosure you show here is genius! I'll make some before they arrive. This will help my SO, as it will be her first and I'm slightly worried about the fact that they like to stay at the top - this could be scary for someone new to the hobby. I'm probably overthinking it, as she is excited and confident about it.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Where do you get your clay from? I've used it in mixes before, too, but it's been quite pricey. And that's awesome! These should work great for the C. versicolor! Thanks!

[@thesystima]

@@TomsBigSpiders I get it from a local store. A bag of clay powder costs me like 3,5 dollar for ~2pounds. But the clay is seemingly the stores own brand. I have no idea where to get it in the states, but you could ask on some sort of gardening or horticulture forum - or ask your local store. Alternatively, the soil in molehills is usually rich in clay. I am looking forward to it and so is she, it is gonna be a good way into the hobby for her!

[@kuceracm]

I used an empty plastic spice bottle. It has a screw on lid but it also has two smaller flip up lids on top to access the inside. My purpurea sling attached it's web hammock to the cork bark and the part of the lid that stays screwed on, but not to the flip up part of the lid if that makes sense. So I don't end up disturbing the webbing when I need to feed and water, and when I open the lid the sling just runs into its hammock instead of running out of the enclosure.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Cryssa! That's a great idea. I love those things. I tried to order some from Amazon last year, and they sent me the wrong things! I never did get the real ones.

[@kuceracm]

@@TomsBigSpiders last time I cleaned out the pantry I had a few spices that had expired and got some moisture in them, so I just dumped the contents, washed them out really well and just recycled the bottles as sling enclosures lol. Then again my collection is still quite small so I can find suitable containers just here and there.

[@neonblizzard8110]

Thanks for the video! Really helpful

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad...thanks!

[@Lemonyo20]

You give us something to do tomorrow. 👍👍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha! :)

[@RaginMoose100]

Great video! Stay safe my friend!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ragin Moose!!! How are you, buddy! I hope that you and yours are well! Great hearing from you!

[@oldpop788]

Great idea I just haven’t had any luck with versicolor slings. No problem with any other arboreal.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They can be quite delicate. Thanks, bud!

[@oldpop788]

Tom Moran They do good for about three months webbing and eating even molting. Idk I just steer clear pity they are beautiful. Hope you and you’re family stay safe.

[@jdcass638]

I have some olios slings that always hang out on the lids, so I'm going to try this deli-cup-and-a-third technique for the newest hatchlings. :-)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hopefully, it works for you!

[@ashyronfire]

Thank you for this so much. I've been frustrated; my first T was my Caribena versicolor, and I can barely feed it without drama because it bolts right up. The enclosures that worked great for my other arboreals (Pokies, Psalmopoeus, etc) just seem to not be cutting it for this guy and it's making me like this sling a lot less as a result. "WHY WON'T YOU WEB?" I scream, "JUST BUILD A WEB SOMEWHERE AND STOP THIS." I'm going to see if I can't make a variant on this with a 32oz deli (cos mine's a little bit bigger) myself. Thank you again!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Jayme! I'm so glad this was helpful! And it definitely works with the 32-oz deli cups. The first one I did like this was with the 32-oz cups. It worked great. Let me know how it goes! Thanks!

[@ashyronfire]

@@TomsBigSpiders I rehoused my versicolor based on this video and it finally went up, made itself a little web tunnel in the vine I put in (I hung a vine from the middle center and then hot glued around the base of the vine, so it had coverage) and now it doesn't bolt out at me constantly *and* it snatched its roach off of tongs. Thank you so much.

[@sidewaysonhighways]

I was considering using used eco earth substrate for bio active bedding. I have rotten magnolia leaves and the forest moss I used to put at the bottom of my enclosures before the substrate to hold humidity; which I don’t do anymore. I’m sure most of that used substrate has urticating hairs in it, but that stuff is biodegradable. It’s not made of styrofoam, so it will break down. I was going to add isopods to one batch, and orange head roaches to the other. Kevin from New England Reptiles said in one of his you tube videos that orange heads are great for bio active soil because they break it down further than it already is. Plus they are my favorite looking roach species and are too pretty to feed off. The adult males smell like bacon as I remember, so that’s another leg up for them. No, I didn’t taste them. My pantry is full, so I’m not that hungry.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

The adult males smell like bacon? Well, that's pretty cool! hahaha The eco earth should work fine. They just charge so darned much for it because its for pets. I love the look of the orange head roaches.

[@TheSpiderProvider_]

Awesome idea man! Love it

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!