Tarantula Molting Guide - Signs of Premolt

For folks who've kept tarantulas for a while, you'll probably want to skip this one! Okay, well at least check out rudimentary graphics in the first section, then stop it. :) I had several people ask me about doing a molting video, and it took me some time to figure out how to go about it. I hope that this effort proves worth it.
READ THE ARTICLE HERE:
tomsbigspiders.com/2014/08/11...

[@boxingboa]

This is exactly a video I have been looking for. As a new guy to the hobby this video is tremendous help to me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 👍🏽👍🏽🕷🕸

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud. I'm REALLY glad these informational videos are being well-received! Thanks!

[@Noobgaming-co4dl]

My arizona blonde wasnt eating when i got it and he is about to molt

[@shepardprinceton3110]

You all prolly dont give a damn but does any of you know of a tool to log back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the login password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me!

[@jaimeimran1306]

@Shepard Princeton instablaster =)

[@shepardprinceton3110]

@Jaime Imran Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@hiumampet]

this video is so good. So detail, thus as a beginner, i wouldn't be so nervous when it's time for my T to molt 😆

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! :) I tried to cover every question I had when I first started keeping. :)

[@tarantulacollective]

Great video, very informative and concise. I appreciate the outlines you put on the side of the video as you cover the keys points. You can certainly tell you teach for a living. You have a talent for relaying information in a manner it is easily understood and retained. Do you have a patreon account? I really enjoy and learn a lot from your videos and I can only imagine the time and effort you put into creating them. If you have one, let me know because I would definitely make a contribute a few bucks a month to your efforts..and I am sure I am not the only one.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Richard! Thanks so much. These take a while to produce, but I'm having a blast doing them. I'm also learning the new editing program as I go, so hopefully they will continue to improve. I'm actually using some of this stuff to put together some lessons for the kids when I go back in the fall. Should be fun! And I just recently learned about patreon (someone else asked me if I had an account, so I looked it up). I think it's an awesome idea, I just feel a little funny asking for money for something I'll continue to do for free anyway. Still, as my wife pointed out, it could help with cost of a new camera and animals. I'll definitely look into it more and see... A HUGE thank you for appreciating my stuff enough to recommend it. :)

[@tarantulacollective]

I think just having an account available for people that support what you are doing is a lot different than constantly soliciting funds. What you are doing is creative and informative and derives from a passion to share your knowledge and experiences with other people. It probably comes from the same place your desire to teach children comes...and they pay you for teaching. But in this context it isnt so much you requesting compensation for your hard work...as it is the people that enjoy and learn from your videos wanting to show their appreciation and to support what you do so you will continue to grow and create new content. What was it Douglas Adams said; "Anything that is in the world when you’re born is normal and ordinary and is just a natural part of the way the world works. Anything that's invented between when you’re fifteen and thirty-five is new and exciting and revolutionary and you can probably get a career in it. Anything invented after you're thirty-five is against the natural order of things.” Now I am not trying to date you, but based on your videos and the little glimpses of your family life that sneak in here and there I would assume we are around the same age. KZbin coming out was exciting and revolutionary and some people have made a career out of it...but crowd funding or getting financial contributions directly from fans of your work through the internet is a fairly new concept. Maybe KZbin fell on one side of 35 and Patreon fell on the other side of 35...which is why you are feeling "a little funny" embracing this new technology. You do good work and if your fans want to show their appreciation, maybe you should let us. We are asking you to give us the option and ability to support what you do. You may not get rich, but it will at least help offset some of the expense that goes into creating quality content. More than gold or oil... time is our most valuable asset...and we can tell you spend a lot of time and effort developing your vlog....and we want to support you.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Again, thanks so much for the kind words and for going the extra mile to change my perspective on this. You sure put forth some excellent arguments, and I'm not usually an easy one to convince. :) I sure am on the other side of 35, hahaha, so I think this does still feel a bit weird for me. Any one who quote Douglas Adams is okay in my book (and what a perfect quote it was!). I actually did some playing around with it last night, and the thing that really got my attention was the rewards system. I feel I can do something really cool with those, which would help assuage any of my feeling of weirdness derived creating the page. I've long wanted to do some more laid back, less formal videos, and this could prove a fun outlet to post them in. I also like the idea of being able to look for feedback and offering teasers for what I'm working one (especially as the videos take longer to put together). It could be a lot of fun. I also like that you brought up the fact that I wouldn't have to keep asking for money. When I went on the site and watched some of their videos, a lot of it was salesman stuff about "buying in" and getting folks excited about it. That's just not me. I did illustration work for years, and I was never good at selling myself. I let my work speak for itself.. I love the idea of creating the page, mentioning it, then letting folks find it and decide if it's something they are interested in. For those that actually pledge, I'll just have to make it worth their while. Again, I truly appreciate you bringing this up and taking the time to change my perspective on it. I've been working on my page since last night, and I'll send you a link to check out when it's done (I'm loading up some content ahead of time). All the best! Tom

[@jpoirier2131]

Been looking for something like this, I have an A. Seemanni, bought from the pet shop about a month ago and just a week ago he stopped eating, glad to know what is going on. Keep up the great work!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on your A. seemanni! I'm so glad that this was helpful!

[@jpoirier2131]

Still hasn't molted, insted it dug a burrow and has been chillin in it for a week now, not sure what is going on, is this normal?

[@m.ellice9690]

@@jpoirier2131did he ever molt?

[@OriginalDrGonzo]

@@jpoirier2131 Yeah I'm curious to know how it went.

[@MiChAeL197258]

Super upload yet again Tom, informative, direct, straight to the point, all the bases covered as usual, for any beginner a must watch for molting behaviour - nicely done.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Michael! This one was fun to make (if a bit complicated)! :)

[@MissWoman1]

Tom Moran Thanks for this video, as I'm trying to get over my phobias by watching all these videos it's good to see owners who explain things. Specially this subject cos I always wondered how owners knew when their T's were in pre-molt and what signs to look for!?!?!!! It'd be gr8 if more owners like you and Mark's Tarantulas did these types of videos😉

[@gunnartribelhorn]

Just walked into my bedroom to check on my N. tripepii juvie who was in premoult to discover her flipped over on her web mat! Super excited to see her once she's done!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! Let me know how it goes. Mine is in premolt now...can't wait for her to molt.

[@UKPurplePanther]

Gunnar Tribelhorn ........ were you able to watch the entire molt process ? 😁

[@gunnartribelhorn]

@UKPurplePanther No, she took several hours, but she has gained quite a lot of size and seta!

[@UKPurplePanther]

Gunnar Tribelhorn ...... shame you couldn't view the entire process, but very glad it went well and she's well and looking good

[@joewhite6844]

My tra

[@mygiboxatgmail]

First time I see your uploads Tom and it was totally worth it, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, there was some info that I did not know till now, awesome job.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment! :) I'm so glad that it was useful!

[@pinetreeYT]

Thanks, Tom. Really appreciate the effort you put into these videos.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you! Make it all worth it when they are well received! :)

[@2horses4U]

Very informative! Thank you, I really enjoy your channel and as a beginner I absolutely love how much I learn from your tutorials Tom! Big thumbs up and greetings from little Belgium 🤗

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you find these helpful! :)

[@apuertoricanlife3882]

The best t teacher on KZbin I’ve learned so much and will share your knowledge thank you sir 🙌🏼

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much...I truly appreciate that!

[@SomethingFishy707]

Yes I agree Tom molting is definitely a time to be excited! I feel a molt is the reward for all the hard work and patients.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I couldn't agree more...thanks! :)

[@Vain-Voyager]

I'm glad I was pushed to watch this informative footage. Much better than tons of online webpages full of advertisements & BS.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that it was useful! I'm can't stand ads, so you won't find them on my videos. Thanks for chiming in and for the kind words!

[@Preest80]

Tom, I'm a new T keeper and just wanted to say thanks for putting this info out there! Helps a ton!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much! I'm so glad to hear that this stuff is helpful. :)

[@Ronsta229]

Great vid Tom, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Ron!

[@robertgrant008]

Fantastic video I've got two T's and Iam still learning new things from others after 5years ,never seen a molt always seem to miss it . Thanks for sharing

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hopefully, you manage to catch a molt soon...they really are fascinating to watch. :) Thanks!

[@Rara-yj9qf]

pretty much the most detailed vid 'bout molts I've watched so far. Thanks!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you! :)

[@ProbableHobbit]

I somehow missed seeing this video when it was first posted. I just watched it and loved it even though I'm very familiar with molting T's. Excellent video as always. I share your videos all the time in T groups. You do an incredible job, Tom.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

If it makes you feel better, I forgot I made this one. Someone mentioned it the other day, and I did NOT remember making it. That's not a bad sign, right??? Hahahaha Thanks so much! I have the most fun doing the educational ones, so it means a lot when someone passes them around. :)

[@ProbableHobbit]

Tom Moran, I would love to see you do a FAQs video where you answer some of the most common questions you receive. Maybe one vid for beginners and one for those of us who have been knocking around the hobby for awhile. Just an idea 😊

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's actually a fantastic idea! I've actually been working on turning my FAQ blog post into a video (already recorded the audio, and now I'm trying to figure out what the heck to do for visuals) so that might be a good start! :)

[@sunbeasts4733]

Been in the hobby for a while and even I learned a thing or two from this. Great video, man.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate that!

[@alexgastelum9379]

Once again very thorough. Love the graphics describing the stages of molting.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Alex! Those graphics were fun to draw up and get working. It was a bit of a brain teaser! haha

[@fuzzy_mates.christopher.8129]

Only been at this for two weeks, I have 3 slings a juvenile GBB and a Trinidad olive female. thank you so so much!!! Two slings have closed off they're hides with substarte and my gbb doesn't move or take food just dry bites and walks away. Thinnk I'm due 3 molts 😊😃!!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, and welcome to the hobby! You've got three great species there. Hopefully, you get some molts soon! :)

[@fuzzy_mates.christopher.8129]

Oh lord how far I have came in the hobby in a year 😅🙄.. Many thanks to your amazing videos and your patience for new keepers and the hobby as a whole! 👏 👑 I now feel completely comfortable in my care within the hobby and I can now confirm I have 26 happy, healthy T's ranging from Lp's, Gbb's and Nhandu's etc to my 16 Old world's such as my big female Cobalt blue and a young Tcf OBT 😁 I AM ABSOLUTLEY HOOKED! ❤️ Can't wait for my small army of slings to grow on happy and well and watch my collection Double, or triple 😀. Many thanks again from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. Your a Legend 👑

[@user-ph8uw4wb5t]

So glad I found your channel! Such great information

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! Welcome!

[@conchitamay4859]

Thanks so much for this info. I worry about my babies. I want to take the best care of them. I watch your videos and have learned alot but I'm still learning. Keep up the excellent work. We Love you.😊💕

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Conchita! I do these videos in hope of making the hobby less stressful. :)

[@hazeyk]

This video calmed my nerves, I was feeling a bit stressed about my first T molting. Thanks so much.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Sorry for the delay. I'm so glad that it was helpful. Thank you so much!

[@sarahalyssa-jane9754]

Great video! I'm new to the hobby and this has answered all of my questions and has put my mind to rest! X

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks,, Sarah! :)

[@coconow1]

Thank you so much Tom. You are such a pleasure to learn from.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awwww...thank YOU for taking the time to comment, Courtney! :)

[@nickshearer3091]

Every few years I'll circle back on some of the general "blanket" information and I always find myself back on your page man. I can't thank you enough for putting this information together and presenting it in a way that just clicks with me.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Danny! That really means a lot.

[@yvonnezarzuela5290]

Thanks! This video was very informative, exactly what I've been searching for !

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Yvonne!

[@tarantuladeanandexotics8955]

Reacquainting my self to the hobby after beeing out for around 15 or20 years. I used to have a collection of around 35 species, fro slings to adults. The hobby has changed and there is soo much more info now. Some ytube sites are very informative( like yours is ), and some are just fun to watch. Way back when I got all my T's came from the late Brian Capiz from arachnocentric and Spider Patch both were great but 98,% ended up male, mostly wild caught, my housing was pretty close to now but husbandry is more advanced. Just wanted to thank you and deadly tarantula girl, and the tarantula collective for all the great info!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yeah, I got my first about 25 years ago, and although I was more into reptiles then, things have changed a lot. Thank you so much for the very kind words, Dean!

[@tyronenorbrey6096]

My pink toe just molted about 30 minutes ago, I had to pull up your video to get a round about time frame of when was a good time to feed her again. Your video explained everything, thank you for the much needed information

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on the molt, Tyrone! I'm so glad that this was helpful!

[@shirinst.laurent2161]

This video is FANTASTIC!! The information is totally in line with the behaviours I've observed in my T.apophysis. They take forever to molt! Up to 4 weeks and won't eat and when they get into pre-molt, they get extremely grumpy and kick hairs. After they molt they won't eat for up to 4 weeks before they start taking down offered prey.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Shirin...I'm so glad that this was helpful! Heads up, the larger they get the longer it takes them to eat!

[@NorivsEightleggedCritters]

Tom what a great video well done as always keep it up!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, bud! :)

[@JP-ng3jx]

Awesome video! Lot's of examples, lot's of helpfull information and definetely a great video if you are a starter in this hobby. Thank you so much!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank YOU so much for taking the time to comment! :)

[@melissaportrey9239]

Iv just had my first 2 tarantula slings, had them 2 ish weeks now and loving it, great video

[@veryconfusing]

Thank you, great explanation - lots of examples - exactly what I wanted to learn today !

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that this was helpful, James! Thank you!

[@debbiemcclure2874]

Again, I thank you for your help. I just checked on my B. Smithi sling and found her on her back. Sure in my mind she's dead and not molting after seeing videos, I ran to KZbin to ease my mind wit what seemed to be my heart in my chest and found this video, lol. I hope and pray all goes well with her. I love her already. I have got to subscribe to you, right now, lol.

[@ArchitectofViolence]

Thank you so much for this video! I have been looking for a good representation of what to look for.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome! I'm so glad that it was helpful!

[@UKPurplePanther]

Brilliant video. Easy to understand, very informative. Good work 👍🏼

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much...I really appreciate it!

[@astarteivy2171]

Exactly what I needed, Lots of info….Much appreciated! Great Video

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that it was helpful!

[@tarantulakeeperuk8045]

Great video Tom, very helpful and exactly what I have been looking for 👍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much. I'm so glad that it was helpful!

[@sarahmacdonald5768]

This video and the others I have watched have given me so much information. Thank you for helping this newbie. X

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that this was helpful, Sarah! Thank you!

[@Setsunadiava149]

I’m so glad I’ve decided to follow your channel, this is so helpful. My Acanthoscurria geniculata is showing three of those signs and I’m so glad I’ve been watching for giggles for a while and I had some idea of what was going on. She eats like a pig so I was taken a bit aback when she casually bit the worm and backed off. I’ve had her for all of three months, I’ve only gotten into keeping spiders as pets for a year. And she’s decided to grace me with the maelstrom of molting. I mean my C. Elegans molted but that happened while I was at work running after toddlers and I missed all the hoopla. And the Eresus walckenaeri did too but she was was super private about it and I kinda missed it too. The A geniculata though… she’s my baby, I am a bit nervous, I won’t lie.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Mausami! I'm so glad that you found me and that this stuff has been helpful. Molting can be very stressful, but it's always amazing when you can catch one doing it. My. E. walckenaeri is VERY private with its molts. haha Hopefully, it goes well for you!!!

[@Setsunadiava149]

@@TomsBigSpiders the Eresus walckenaeri molted perfectly, she tost out the molt like a bag of trash for me to clean out, and immediately began to destroy her cocoon and rebuild her web. My Cyriocosmus elegans is molting before my very eyes as I type this out. It just molted a month ago and now I’m witnessing a molt for the fist time, these little guys put on size fast don’t they? I’m still very anxious for my A. geniculata’s molt. I hope it goes as nature and god intended. Thank you for the well wishes 😅

[@joshuarosenblatt]

Thank you!!! Needed this video today! Just came home from work and found my new B. smithi had molted today! No wonder it refused food on Saturday!!! I thought maybe that it was in pre-molt but figured it was just stressed from the rehousing earlier in the week. Fascinating. Just leaving it be for a few days.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on the molt, Joshua! Yeah, depending on the size, it can be several days before they are hardened enough to be mess with.

[@joshuarosenblatt]

@@TomsBigSpiders thanks Tom. Im guessing it’s 2.5 inches (or slightly larger DLS at this point- still so hard for me to tell). I did create a new enclosure for it but going to wait a few more days before rehoming. Such a beautiful color.

[@joshuarosenblatt]

@@TomsBigSpiders also shot an email via your website (as I left all social media). Tho I think it CT not MI lol- not many brain cells left as I age. Just throwing that out there as I want to return the favor for all the information and inspiration you provide to the entire community. 🤘

[@auslynwright3117]

You are brilliant my friend . Thank you so much for this helpful video

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Auslyn! I'm so glad that this was helpful!

[@maryescamilla9620]

Great information. Excellent presentation. Keep up the good work !

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Mary!

[@tcaquatics553]

Even being a somewhat older video the quality still holds and very educational.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much; I really appreciate that!

[@izzyh917]

Thank you so much this was very helpful! I'm getting my first tarantula tomorrow and i want to do as much research as I can.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on entering the hobby! And I'm so glad that this was helpful!

[@izzyh917]

@@TomsBigSpiders Thanks!

[@monkeytrident]

@Tom Moran awesome video keep up the good work.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!

[@NRWishart]

After watching this video, I finally feel that I know without a doubt that my first ever T is in premolt. This video is super informative and clear.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that this was helpful! Good luck with the molt!

[@javeydoseph]

Excellent video sir!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, David!

[@bat356]

Tarantula slings are always interesting to watch while molting. My G. Rosea sling molted not so long ago and I watched it in its entirety. Absolutely amazing.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I will never get over how cool it is to watch them molt. :)

[@zqspider]

Awesome Tom very knowledgeable great descriptions you know what your talking about Thank you!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you! Hopefully, it'll help a few people not stress as much. :)

[@gipsin161990]

This is a really great video thanks for taking the time to do it bro.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Gipsin! :)

[@snakeluvr1395]

I just got my first T, a gorgeous juvenile brachypelma auratum and this video was SO HELPFUL as I am new to this hobby!!! Tysm, it was clear and straightforward 💕 I'm gonna get a brachypelma albopilosum in a few days so that's SUPER exciting!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that you found this to be helpful! Congrats on your B. albopilosum! :)

[@snakeluvr1395]

@@TomsBigSpiders tysm! 💕

[@bathe7951]

Tom that's another great video👍👍 KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK👏👏👌👍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, David...very much appreciated! :)

[@bryanmcafee2539]

Best guide video I’ve seen so far man GOOD GAME!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Bryan!!!

[@luzrincon3049]

I love how specific you are! I don't yet have a Tarantula but I'm watching your videos as a prep and I feel a lot more confident.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Luz! I try to be as specific and clear as possible so that people will know exactly what to expect. Do you know what species you're looking to get? :)

[@luzrincon3049]

Yes! I'm getting a Grammostola Pulchra!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awesome species. Mine just molted and is now about 4-5" or so. I got it as a 1" sling. Of course, he/she chewed up the molt so I can't sex it again. I'm hoping it's a girl. :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'll try to get some video of mine this weekend. I've had a several folks ask about them. :)

[@OriginalDrGonzo]

@@luzrincon3049 I just recently, about less then a month ago got my very first T and it's a Grammostola Pulchra as well. How is yours after all these years??

[@SergeiMosin]

This really is a superb resource for keepers. I just noticed my P. Irminia sling has created a molt mat in the corner of her enclosure and is curled up in what looks like a death curl, but on her back. I got nervous because I wasn't sure if she was injured, but when I approached the enclosure, she got spooked and flipped back on her feet and ran for cover, but now she's moved back into the molt mat and assumed the position again, so hopefully no harm done. She's been in premolt for a week or so, but she also took a meal a couple days ago, so she's definitely the exception rather than the rule on not eating.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Sergei! Good luck with the molt!

[@tragictransformerelectra3319]

One of Exotic Lair's old world tarantulas got so mad at him, it fell on it's back and started to molt! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ummmm...can I get a link for that? haha

[@tragictransformerelectra3319]

I watched so much of his videos, I forget which one it was. I think it was a feeding videos. He loves his watering videos though. Lol

[@jamesmullally8335]

This has been really helpful my gbb juvinle (7cm) hasn’t eaten in 3 months and I got extremely worried especially when I dropped a cricket in and she showed a lot of interest in it running around chasing it and then bit happy danced but left it on the floor for over a day I thought there was something seriously wrong but after seeing ur gbb got a cricket and left it it calmed me down a lot Great video

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, James! I'm sol glad that this was helpful and took away a bit of stress. Thanks!

[@ngoziroots]

Great vid Tom ! very in-depth and interesting :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much!

[@alricaneshama]

As someone learning before even buying one, this helps greatly. As I was unaware of all this, I might have accidentally hurt or killed it because I didn't know. This video helps greatly to understand. Thank you.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank so much, Alrica! I almost buried mine the first time it molted because I didn't know what was going on. Molting tends to catch a lot of people off guard.

[@alricaneshama]

You are very welcome. I am enjoying the learning experiences. So much so that I educated a few kids at a pet store that has some. They have a juvenile Red knee that was $119. I really liked it, but bigger than I would prefer to start with. I don't want a sling, as they'd be too small but not an adult ever. Still a baby, but maybe a month or two old. Plus, this is the second type I'd like, as my first I want a Euathlus Sp. (Species) Red. or Chilean Flame.

[@glennsolva1567]

Great video. I think you covered most of what you need to know about molting. Thanx for another great video. Take good care of yourself Tom. 🤗🕷🕸🇸🇪

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Glenn! This one was quite fun to make. :)

[@glennsolva1567]

Tom Moran It was just as fun to watch. You put out great material. BTW, i got an adult Psalmopoeus cambridgei female & also a adult female Ceratogyrus darlingi. I'm over the top happy right now. Also got 2 Phormictopus platus big slings. Got my first Grammostola porteri, adult female Lampropelma sp. Borneo black & 1 more violaceopes pre adult female. We had our local expo last saturday. Made a lot of New contacts for the future. Sorry for ranting, just had to tell someone of my luck. Take good care of yourself Tom 'til next time. 😁🕷🕸🇸🇪

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on the new additions...WOW!!! You got some fantastic ones there! I'm jealous! :)

[@alexfischer8803]

Great video! Very reassuring

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Alex!

[@leemillard6504]

Great vid tom keep them coming mate👍🏽

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much, Lee!

[@paulalmendras6847]

Thanks for the video. It’s my first time too, and definitely didn’t freak out and was excited that she already molted her exoskeleton. And just leaving her be, I had a feeling she was going to molt just didn’t know as of when.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Paul...that's awesome! Sounds like you were well prepared for it. : )

[@tarantulakev8631]

Thanks mate I've only just started tarantula keeping and this helps me out a lot thank you

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome! Thanks so much for checking it out. :)

[@JAY.POT.502]

Good video Tom,very informative 👌

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, James!

[@JAY.POT.502]

👌

[@julyoceania]

Thankyou so much! I thought my tarantula was dead as I hadn’t seen her for a couple of days, and I knew she was about to moult soon. I got so worried but this video helped me a lot!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! I'm so glad that this was helpful and took away some of that stress!

[@izzyogre722]

Great video!!! Lots of great information. Thank you

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Apollo! :)

[@TarantulaTales]

Great video guide! x

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Tarantula Tales! :)

[@silverspiders7594]

Great video Tom full of information 10/10 buddy 👍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud! :)

[@A-Town_From_Da_Lv]

Thank you for this video,just bought my first tarantula,a zebra tarantula,this helps alot,please keep these videos coming

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congratulations, JD! What size is she? My second tarantula ever was a zebra. :)

[@A-Town_From_Da_Lv]

@@TomsBigSpiders omg,its small,I'm not exactly sure of the size but it can fit in the palm of my hand,I'm so happy and because of people like you on youtube,im learning so much!!!! My wife also hates spiders but she let me get this one,my son loves it and loves watching your videos along with me,I'm a fan of your work,thank you

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! Sounds like a good, well started sling. And that is great that your wife let you get one even though she's afraid of them. I can't tell you how many guys (and girls!) contact me to ask how to convince their mates to let them get one. I'm fortunate that Billie has always supported my odd hobbies. lol What's your son's name? Can I shout him out? I LOVE that kids actually enjoy my videos. I'm going to start shouting some of the younger viewers out at the end of videos. I would love to mention him in a future one if it's okay? - Tom

[@A-Town_From_Da_Lv]

@@TomsBigSpiders your videos give me help with caring for my tarantula,thank you,and my sons name is Jaxon,I don't mind if you give him a shout out,he would love it,,thank you,he also loves our tarantula,he always wants to see it after he gets home from school

[@charliemum]

Would love to see a vid like this for arboreal tarantulas 😊 great vid though Tom as always 👍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Charlene! The difference with arboreals is that they will make a web hammock instead of a mat. They also tend to slow down quite a bit.

[@charliemum]

Cool my first arboreal is tiny and due to moult soon I think as it has slowed right down but I am having problems finding a moulting vid that was for arboreal t's loads of them actually moulting but nothing about what to expect in premoult except they won't eat 😆

[@Nobythulhu]

SUPER helpful. I was worried sick over my Brachypelma Vagans suddenly refusing all food. I thought she was sick and kept poking around its lair to see if maybe some half-eaten feeder was rotting there. Once I saw this video, I realized what was going on, and let her be. Two weeks later, she molted. Awesome vid, thank you very much for the info!

[@HamDX2LVG]

Awesome video thank you so much for explaining all the pre signs to look for as I am new to this and so trying to learn all the essential stuff so that my Brachypelma Smithi can have a great life with little to no stress. 5 star rating from me :-)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome...glad that I could be helpful! :) And congrats on your B. smithi!

[@MiniZooTube]

Lots of great information. Great video!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much!

[@DevonnyDX]

Nice, thorough video!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!

[@DevonnyDX]

@@TomsBigSpiders Most welcome!! 😊😊

[@leemillard6504]

Fantastic vid tom 👍🏽

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Lee! :)

[@kutpaling_9288]

Thanks for this video,I was worried about my T. I'm glad it's safe

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi! So glad that it was helpful! :)

[@sevenn7pure]

Dude awesome video!!!!!!! That's pretty much par 4 the course with any of your vids but had to say!!!! I'm up 2 3 slings atm and my reluctant gf is starting to warm up 😊. She observes them with me and does her own, so I couldn't be happier than that lol. Just sent her this link and told her she should really watch this. She thinks one of the Ts is gonna molt, I'm not so convinced. We will c, thanks much again Tom!!!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, M! I'm so glad that this helped (and that your GF is coming around...that's extra awesome! :) ).

[@sickslick8089]

They don't always molt on their backs I've had many times where they molt where their lying on their chest

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Although that can happen, It's much more common for them to molt on their backs. I have had a couple molt upright, but the vast majority flip to their backs. Interestingly, it was two G. roseas that molted upright for me. Which species did you have molt upright?

[@sickslick8089]

@@TomsBigSpiders Honduran curly hair, Colombian lesser black and Dominican purple these three ive frequently have had them molt on their chest. It happens to me frequently. I freaked out when this first happened to me. I was new to the hobby. But when my Colombian lesser black male molted I thought he was doing the "death curl" but no when I came back from work one day I found him shiny and pink and his old molt next to him.

[@iakdrawllim4127]

Tom Moran Very late to reply to your comment, but I’ve always found my G. Roseas moult the right way up too!

[@christiansaravia7865]

Sick Slick thanks for this comment I have a curly hair and a pumpkin patch and my curly hair isn’t moving but he’s on his chest I don’t wanna bother him but I keep getting scared that he died

[@sickslick8089]

@@christiansaravia7865 youll just have to wait and see i wish you the best.

[@gman6912]

THANK YOU I FOUND MY ROSE HAIR ON HER BACK AND IT HAS BEEN 2 YEARS SENCE LAST MOLT THANK YOU THIS VIDEO JUST CALM ME DOWN THANKS AGAIN

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Your'e most welcome! I'm glad that I could help.

[@donk_the_bushranger9556]

Very informative mate especially as I'm new to keeping Tarantulas 👍🏻

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Danual! Hopefully, you found some of this useful! :)

[@Iheartdgd]

Thank you so much Tom

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank YOU for commenting! :)

[@huntermac2386]

Tommmm! Told you awhile ago I got sent a Metallica. The gooty blue, well now I just bought a ivory billed ornamental (lowland) and I’m pretty experienced now. Thanks for all the vids brother. I wish I could show you this ivory, most beautiful animal I have ever seen in my life.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats! Both are gorgeous spiders. :)

[@danielformston9567]

Fantastic video. Learned alot from this. Local pet shop isn't very informative more about the money for him so thank God for video's like this. Well done

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much,. Daniel! Yeah, unfortunately, the local pet shops are usually terrible for good information on tarantulas. :(

[@bessiebraveheart]

Hi from England, just subbed, great information.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

And hello from the US! Thank you so much!

[@jennskinn]

still helping us newbies! ty

[@TomsBigSpiders]

haha. Of course, Jennifer! :)

[@PJBovio]

Tom, this video was BRILLIANT, and so informative AND comforting to watch!! I don't even own a tarantula, but if I ever decided to, I know where to turn if I need any information. My gosh, such an INCREDIBLE process, the molt!!! It's like watching a MIRACLE take place; a tarantula actually giving birth to itself!!! What's really amazing is seeing the end result, that shed exoskeleton that looks like a full-fledged corpse rather than a molting! What happens to the shed? Will the tarantula use it for bedding or eat it or just let it be? And when it's let be, what happens to it? Does it just stay as is, or does it disintegrate or rot?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, P.J.! I get a LOT of frantic questions about molting, so I figured it would be a good time to make something like this. It can be very scary and confusing to folks who have never gone through it. I've seen them doing it dozens of times, and it never ceases to fascinate me. As for the shed, some will cast it out of their dens or drop it in their water dishes. Burrowing species will often web it up into their dens. They do not seem to disintegrate or rot at all.

[@PJBovio]

WOW!! You know, when I used to see spiders in their webs in the corner of our sunroom door back in my childhood home, I see the mother sitting on her sac and then see what I thought was another spider wound up in the web. I thought it was her dead mate!! Now I know it must have been her molt! Spiders are truly remarkable! I'm sure everyone is appreciative of your excellent video about molting - it'll certainly put a lot of frightened minds to rest!

[@justme2845]

Thank you for filming this. I thought my gbb was just being stubborn and not eating. I was starting to get worried.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hopefully, it helped to set your mind at ease. A note about GBBs: they don't tend to get as fat as other terrestrials when they are in pre molt. They also will become quite lethargic and often hide in their webbing for a while. Hope that helps! Good luck!

[@Flashpg]

I know this is a few years old but thank you for this video. I am in a T group on FB and I'm new at owning a T. I found it on it's back so asked my group if it was dead. I got a lot of angry harsh comments and ridiculed for asking this question which disappointed me. Maybe I should have watched this first but at least now I know. Thanks.

[@robjohn5036]

Great vid Tom 👌

[@pinupgirl9160]

Excellent video.👌 I feel like I learned a lot.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! :)

[@sadman9022]

my first t and first molt is happening right now so i searched up on what do i do, thanks for the help fam even tho this was uploaded in 2017

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! let me know how it goes? :)

[@stringsandthings511]

Same here mine has refuesed food for 2 weeks and is looking really plump cant wait to feed her again

[@GamerGoneFishing]

Thanks for the info. I just got a G. Pulchripes juve today. My first tarantula

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Your most welcome. And congrats on your first tarantula! You picked a great species! :)

[@michaele.derrickjr.9200]

Excellent information my friend

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Michael!

[@katebarlow8466]

This is really helpful. Thank you!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, Kate!

[@jaceyapila3271]

So very helpful!! Thank you

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome, Jacey!

[@jasperd3705]

Really helpful channel..👍 newbie from Philippines 🇵🇭

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Jasper! :)

[@NoMoneyHubby]

*DO MORE "TARANTULA MYTHS" PLZZZ*

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm working on one right now. :)