Feeding frequency
A tarantula's needs change with size, growth rate, sex and body condition. Tiny fast-growing slings generally eat more often than large adults. A rigid rule such as one cricket every seven days ignores those differences.
Read the abdomen
The abdomen is a useful body-condition clue. A very swollen abdomen usually means there is no reason to keep pushing food. A small healthy abdomen may justify offering food sooner.
Slings
Small slings can be offered appropriately sized food more frequently because they have less reserve and moult more often. Keep portions small and remove uneaten prey.
Adults
Large adults can go much longer between meals. Slow-growing Grammostola or Aphonopelma may refuse food for weeks or months without being unwell.
Premoult
Repeated refusal, darkening and retreat-building often mean premoult. Stop offering live prey when a moult appears close and wait until the new fangs harden afterward.
Keep records
A simple feeding log prevents accidental overfeeding and makes fasting patterns easier to recognise. Aim for a healthy abdomen and an appropriate feeding interval.