The first thing to check
Look at the whole situation before worrying about a missed meal from Poecilotheria formosa. Check whether the abdomen is already well filled, whether the spider is hiding more and whether a moult may be approaching.
Make sure a Salem Ornamental has access to fresh water and that the enclosure is within the normal temperature range of 22–27°C.
Premoult fasting
Premoult is one of the most common reasons Salem Ornamentals stop eating. Heavier webbing, a closed retreat and changes to the exposed abdomen can support that explanation.
If Poecilotheria formosa appears to be in premoult, remove live prey and stop offering more until after the moult and hardening period.
After rehousing or disturbance
A recently moved Salem Ornamental may ignore food while it establishes a retreat. Give Poecilotheria formosa time to settle instead of treating the first refusal as a husbandry emergency.
With Poecilotheria formosa, repeatedly opening the enclosure, moving the hide or offering prey every day can prolong disturbance. Keep water available and try again later.
Adults and mature males
Adult Poecilotheria formosa often eat less frequently than fast-growing juveniles. Mature males may become more active around the enclosure and less interested in food after the ultimate moult.
Do not try to force-feed a Salem Ornamental. Offer suitable prey occasionally and remove it if the spider is not interested.
When to offer food again
After a normal refusal, wait before trying Poecilotheria formosa again. The exact interval depends on size and life stage, but there is no need to replace an ignored feeder immediately.
When a Salem Ornamental resumes normal activity after a moult or fasting period, start with a sensible meal rather than several feeders at once.
When to look beyond appetite
Food refusal in Poecilotheria formosa matters more when it appears alongside other problems such as obvious loss of body condition, difficulty moving or an enclosure issue that could limit access to water.
Appetite alone is a poor measure of health in Salem Ornamentals. Use the spider's overall condition, recent moults and normal behaviour to decide whether the fast is unusual for Poecilotheria formosa.