Keeper guide

New Tarantula Not Eating — Is It Normal?

A newly moved tarantula can refuse food because of stress, premoult, normal fasting or simple lack of appetite; water and observation matter more than repeated feeding attempts.

Feeding routine

Check time since arrival, body condition, premoult signs, life stage, temperature context, water. Match prey size to the spider, use abdomen condition and life stage to pace meals, and remove live prey that is ignored.

Stop offering live prey when premoult is likely. Keep fresh water available through fasting and moulting.

Body condition and leftovers

A full abdomen is a reason to lengthen the gap between meals. A very lean abdomen calls for a review of feeding history, hydration and life stage. Remove feeder remains and boluses when they are easy to reach.

Mistakes to avoid

Offering prey daily, overreacting to one refusal and disturbing a sealed retreat.

Quick checks

  • Time since arrival
  • Body condition
  • Premoult signs
  • Life stage
  • Temperature context
  • Water