Why Is My Tarantula Not Eating After Molting?

Introduction

If your tarantula has just gone through molting and there is a food refusal afterwards, then you are not the only one who has experienced this. This situation is common for many tarantula owners. Molting is a natural and very critical part of a spider’s life, and the feeding pattern tends to change during such time. A tarantula can totally reject food for a while before molting, during the molt, and even for a period of weeks or months after it is done. This may cause concerns to new owners, however, most of the time it is just a normal occurrence. The important thing is to know the cause behind it, the possible duration, and the actions that you should (or should not) take during this phase.

This all-inclusive guide provides you with the following information:
• The reasons why tarantulas stop eating before and after molting
• What behaviors are normal and what are not
• How to look for post-molt complications
• How to attend to your spider’s needs during the recovery process
• Signs that point to health problems or advanced age

1. What Happens To A Tarantula During The Molting Process

Molting is a process where a tarantula removes its old exoskeleton in order to grow or heal the injury. It is a tiring and perilous process that alters the spider’s behavior in almost every aspect including feeding.

The Molting Process

1. Pre-molt Stage

• The tarantula completely stops taking food.
• The animal might look a little slow or might even dive into hiding most of the time.
• The darkening of the abdomen indicates that a new exoskeleton is forming underneath the old one.
• Web mat is prepared by some species to rest on.

2. Molting Stage

• Spider turns upside down (a normal behavior).
• It pushes out the old shell slowly.
• Molting could take a few hours or even more.

3. Post-molt Stage

• Soft and fragile is the new exoskeleton.
• Soft are the fangs and as a result, the tarantula has to wait until its prey becomes its meal.
• The spider is motionless while hardening.

During these stages, feeding is dangerous. The tarantula will not be prepared for food even after shedding its skin for several days or weeks.

2. Why Your Tarantula Is Not Eating After Molting

There could be a variety of reasons why a tarantula would choose not to eat after it has molted. Some of these reasons are absolutely normal, while others might indicate a problem.

1. The Exoskeleton Is Still Soft
A tarantula will have a tender and weak body and fangs after shedding. Trying to consume a prey might lead to a severe injury during this period.

• Wait time: It takes 7–14 days for most tarantulas to complete the hardening process of fangs.
• Tip: Do not feed before the fangs turn black; this is the perfect time for food offering.

2. Stress After Molt
Molting is strenuous. Your tarantula might take longer for the recovery process.

• Maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the enclosure.
• Do not create loud noises, use bright lights, or make frequent movements around the cage.
• Do not interact with the spider.

3. Old Age or Slower Metabolism
Tarantulas of old age molt increasingly rare and take even longer to recover. They also eat less often.

• A mature female of a species such as Brachypelma or Grammostola might not touch food for months.
• However, as long as her abdomen is fat and she has access to water, everything is alright.

4. Environmental Conditions
Temperatures and humidity levels after molting are crucial for recovery.

• With low humidity, the spider might have a hard time getting moist.
• On the other hand, if the area is too cold, then the spider’s metabolism slows down making the appetite less.
  Always keep humidity at a moderate level and temperature at the normal range for your species.

5. Leftover Stress From Prey in the Tank
Insect prey if left in the terrarium during or after the molting process may not just cause your spider stress but might even lead to its death.

• You should always get rid of the insects that the spider refused to eat.
• Before giving food again, make sure your tarantula is lively.

3. How Long Do Tarantulas Go Without Eating After Molting?

It varies according to the kind of spider, its size, and its age.

For slow-growing species such as Grammostola pulchripes or Brachypelma hamorii, frequent fasting periods are regarded as normal. If your tarantula has not eaten for more than two months but still appears to be in good condition, it is probably just going through a normal stage.

4. Signs of a Healthy Tarantula After Molting

If your tarantula isn’t eating, it doesn’t have to mean that it is sick. Instead, you can look for the following healthy signs:
• Abdomen is plump and round
• Legs are stretched out properly, and not folded under
• The tarantula is moving slowly but surely
• Fresh water is being drunk
• No injuries or fluid leakage is observable

Seeing these signs, your spider could be in good condition and just taking a longer time.

5. When to Worry

The refusal to eat can sometimes point towards a problem. You can watch for the following signs:

1. Shriveled Abdomen
A shrunken abdomen can be a sign of dehydration.

• Make fresh water available.
• Humidity should be increased slightly.
• Do not feed until the spider has drunk.

2. Curled Legs or Weak Movement
This could be a sign of fatigue, dehydration, or an internal injury.

• Inspect the water supply.
• Make the environment around the tarantula quieter.
• If the problem persists, your spider might suffer internal damage.

3. “Sucking Stomach” Problem
Tarantulas may occasionally get internal blockages resulting in their inability to eat. Such a situation may arise if a part of the stomach lining gets torn during the molting process. There is no treatment for this, yet it does not happen often.

4. Very Long Fasting Periods in Young Spiders
Months fasting is an option for adults spiders but not for young ones (slings). If a sling stays without food for more than about 2–3 weeks, it is necessary to check the temperature and humidity again.

6. How to Encourage Feeding Safely

After the time of recovery is enough for your tarantula, you can work on the reptile gradually to eat again.

Step 1: Wait for Fangs to Harden

• The color of fangs changes from white to reddish-brown then to black.
• The prey is to be offered only when the fangs are totally black.

Step 2: Give Little, Soft-Body Prey

• A small cricket, mealworm, or roach can be offered.
• Insects that are large or aggressive which can bite should be avoided.

Step 3: Feed at Night
Tarantulas are night creatures and they feel less exposed when they eat in the dark.

Step 4: Keep Food for a Short Time
If the tarantula doesn’t eat within a day, take out the prey. Keeping it longer can stress your spider.

Step 5: Keep Hydration
Keep a shallow bowl of clean water accessible. Your tarantula might drink even if it is not eating.

7. Post-Molt Care Tips

Correctly taking care of your tarantula after molting will facilitate its recovery and also prevent any complications.

Keep the Enclosure Clean
Take away the old molt plus all insects that have not been eaten. This way, the chances of mold and bacteria will be reduced.

Maintain Ideal Conditions

• Temperature: Maintain it at the species’ recommended range (in most cases 75–85°F).
• Humidity: Supply moderate humidity to assist rehydration but avoid over-misting.
• Ventilation: Provide fresh airflow to inhibit the growth of fungi.

Avoid Handling
A tarantula’s exoskeleton and fangs are very delicate just after molting. Avoid handling it or moving it for several weeks.

Observe Behavior
Tarantulas in good health frequently do stretching or grooming of themselves after molting. They might also drink more water than they usually do.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Feeding Too Soon
Submitting prey before the fangs are fully developed can result in encouragement or even death.

2. Overfeeding
Tarantulas, even when fully recovered, do not require feeding every day.

• Feed them once a week or even once every two weeks.
• Tarantulas that have been overfed often go on long hunger strikes later.

3. Ignoring the Environment
Low humidity or cold temperatures will prolong the recovery process. Always keep your spider’s habitat stable.

4. Panicking Too Soon
New keepers concerned about their spider’s health usually jump to the conclusion that their pet is sick if it doesn’t eat for several weeks. In most scenarios, the best thing to do is just to wait it out with patience.

9. The Role of Age and Species

Not every tarantula reacts in the same way to the coming of the new skin—the temperament of the spider varies with age and species.

Fast-Growing Species

• Usually, they take up to eating very shortly.
• For example, the families of Poecilotheria, Psalmopoeus, Avicularia.

Slow-Growing Species

• The patient ones can go without eating for months.
• Examples: Grammostola, Brachypelma, Tliltocatl.

Males vs. Females

• After reaching sexual maturity, male tarantulas might molt one more time, but not necessarily.
• Females, on the other hand, continue molting throughout their lives, albeit less frequently as they grow older.

If the case of an older female is that she has not been taking food for a long time and there are no other problems, it is likely just the normal aging process.

10. Could It Be Something Else?

Tarantulas may sometimes stop eating for reasons not related to molting at all.

Possible Causes:
• Temperature changes resulting in low activity
• Stress due to moving the terrarium or changing its conditions
• Light and vibration being too strong
• Overfeeding causing the spider to lose interest in food
• Illness or parasites (rare but possible)

If your spider shows signs of weight loss or unusual behavior, please get in touch with a vet who is familiar with the care of invertebrates.

11. How to Tell If It’s Time for Another Molt

In case a young tarantula continues to refuse food for several weeks, it may be preparing for another molt. Nevertheless, it still has a young age.

The signs that indicate an approaching molt include:
• The abdomen turns darker or gets shinier
• Less activity and slow movements
• Entrance of the burrow being covered with webbing
• Gradual decline of appetite

Always consider the possibility of pre-molt if your spider is fasting but seems to be healthy.

12. Hydration and Its Importance

Water is an indispensable factor in molting and maturing after shedding the skin.
• Always maintain a shallow water dish filled.
• Utilize water that has been treated to remove chlorine.
• If the humidity is low, lightly mist the substrate.

The tarantula needs to be hydrated to get back to its original state of strength and flexibility after the shedding.

13. What to Do If Your Tarantula Still Won’t Eat

When months have passed and your tarantula still turns its back on meals:

1. Check the enclosure conditions once more.
2. Confirm that water is available all the time.
3. Smaller prey can be offered as a trial.
4. Do not disturb the spider.
5. Examine the tarantula for any signs of ageing or injury.

If the tarantula is still active and receiving water, it likely is in good condition.

14. Death by Old Age

Due to their age, older tarantulas tend to consume less food and may finally stop feeding entirely.
• Females are capable of living for more than 20 years.
• There is a drastic decrease in food intake during the last period of life.

If your tarantula is old and still very quiet, it could just be its natural time to die.

15. Key Takeaways

• Tarantulas usually cease eating during the molting process and also afterward.
• This fasting period can go from days to months depending on the species and age.
• Do not give food until the fangs are completely hard.
• Make the surroundings stable and give water.
• Do not cause any stress or handling that is not necessary.
• Long fasting is usually normal, particularly in adult spiders.
• Only consult an expert if the spider shows signs of distress.

16. Final Thoughts

A tarantula refusing food after molting is almost always a sign of normal recovery, not illness. Molting is a vulnerable phase that requires rest, protection, and hydration. The key to successful tarantula care is patience and observation.

If your tarantula seems calm, hydrated, and healthy, simply let nature take its course. Eventually, it will begin eating again when it’s ready.

By keeping the environment stable and resisting the urge to intervene too soon, you help ensure your spider’s long-term health and comfort.

Also Read: What Are the Most Common Health Problems in Pet Guinea Pigs?