15 May 2009

Anyone for Cricket?

Red is turning out to be a master hunter. Last night I caught her a small cricket, which was about twice the size of a micro cricket, and popped it into a feeding vial. To avoid disturbing her, and as I thought these crickets would have a bit more jump in them, I left the lid on the sling pot and tipped it down the feeding vial access that is fitted into the lid.

True to form as soon as the cricket hit the ground Red was on it in a flash, but in a manner reminiscent of the first encounter with the bean weevil she jumped off again!

The cricket hopped to the opposite side of the spiderling pot. I wondered what Red would do, and if I would have to remove the cricket.

A minute or so later the cricket started to walk around the perimeter of the pot, towards Red. This was make-or-break I thought, how would Red react? Last time she did this with the weevil she didn't want any part of it. Not this time!

Learning from her previous life experience she pounced on the cricket for a second time and this time hung on! She dragged it over her burrow entrance and finished the job.

I think I'll leave it until Sunday night to feed her again, I don't want to over do it. I feed her every other day and only one prey item, that's no where near over-feeding her but I don't want to take the risk. Really over-feeding can shorten their lives, I have read.

For the time being, I'm just glad she's showing healthy natural instincts and is eating well.

2 comments:

  1. Sounds like she is prgressing well!

    How long do you think it will be until first moult?

    Has she grown noticably in size since her arrival?

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  2. I would expect her to moult soon, but not until she has refused a feed. She is definately getting bigger in the abdomen, so it could be nearly time.

    Maybe her big appetite is a precursor to the rigours of moulting?

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