New Molts

Upon arriving in the classroom today, after Spring Break, all 7 of the G pulchra were out on the surface. Number005 and Number007 have been sealed in their burrows since late February and have not been observed. When I examined the enclosures as I watered and maintained I noticed Number005 had something sticking out of its hide; a tiny molt. I  figure some time between March 23 and today the 3 Musketeers (005, 006, 007) molted. I can not confirm the molts of Number 006 and NUmber007 since they were inside deep burrows, but due to the nature of sac mates molting at about the same time for several molts after hatching I can figure that all three have molted. Each is now about 1" maybe slightly more. Since they tend to be very nervous, pictures and measurements are difficult as they dart for their burrows or shelters at the slightest vibrations.

Unplanned Arrivals

Well, I just received four new arrivals; 2 Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens about 1" each, and two Avicularia metallica about 1/4"-1/2" each.
I had  no plans to rear or breed these species, however, they were free. I took part in an event on one of the tarantula forums and the prize was these four specimen; who could possibly turn down four free tarantulas?
I plan to keep the Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens due to their fascinating body patterns and behavior. At this point in time I have no plans or desire to breed this species. Also,  I am not sure I want to keep the Avicularia metallica, as I am not all that interested in the arboreal species at this point in time and I want to focus my energy on the raising, breeding, and behavioral documentation of the Grammostola pulchra species.

GBB001

 GBB002

The Silent Lull

Not a lot has been happening lately. 2 of the new 3 (The Three Musketeers) have been sealed in for about two weeks now. Number6 opened its burrow last Thursday, and today I saw it sitting out on the substrate a few times basking in the light from the small lamp. I did lift the water cap hide in Number5's enclosure and peek in on it. It was just sitting there, looked a little plump but the opisthosoma has not darkened yet.
Midnight (001) has been sitting on the surface regularly for a couple weeks now. The other three members of the Fab Four have opened their burrows but have been tucked away, and Shadow still has her burrow sealed.
I also added some artificial plant material to Fab Four enclosures for more natural look. Some of them have come out and webbed the silk leaves.

New Molts From the Fab Four

We have new molts and more growth. On March 1 I arrived in the morning to find Shadow(003) and Midnight(004) had molted during the early hours of the morning.
Then, two days later on March 3 when I arrived in in the morning and found Eclipse(001) had just finished molting.
And then, two more days later, I arrived in the morning to find Phantom(002) had molted the night before.
What a great week. After nearly a month of not seeing any of them they molt in the same week. They have gained quite a lot more in size. I have not measured yet, but they look to be almost 3 inches now. (please read the warning about handling at the top of the page)

Shadow(003) after March 1 molt