What to check
Check species lifestyle, new enclosure, retreat quality, burrow sealing, premoult, normal posture. Recent rehousing, premoult, maturity and the species' normal lifestyle can all change behaviour.
When to intervene
Act on physical problems: flooding, overheating, unsafe fall height, an escape route, trapped live prey or visible injury. Hiding, digging, webbing and long periods of stillness are often normal when the enclosure itself is sound.
Mistakes to avoid
Digging it out, removing the hide and constant opening and checking.
Quick checks
- Species lifestyle
- New enclosure
- Retreat quality
- Burrow sealing
- Premoult
- Normal posture