breeding males going back to food

how do you guys get your breeder males back on food and when do you usually see them start eating again? after ovulation, after female lays? my 2k gram male has refused the live small rats I've offered so far and he's been of feed since dec 18.

I'm not worried as his weight loss is minimal, I'd just like to know when your males start eating for you again and what prey size you used for a male that size.

thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Xan Powers!

two of mine have resumed feeding, but i am still waiting on most of them to go back on feed. I would like to see the general consensus her as well.

I had 3 males breeding from Nov-Dec through March, their weights were between 1200-1500 grams, as soon as I was positive females were gravid I washed each male with some dish soap and water bleached their tubs out and fed them small rats and they all ate right away for me.

I have a male spider who hasn't eaten since Sept. He started out at 1242g, and is now 1080g. I don't think thats a significat weight loss, but Im still frustrated he won't eat. I even pre killed a hopper and left it in with him ALL NIGHT.... and nothing :( He has never eaten a single meal for me, and I'm starting to get worried. So I would also like to know what kind of experiences people have with this

Based on my own experience, you can't put a timetable on it. Some eat through breeding season, some eat sporadically, and some don't eat at all...for a very long time. All but one of my breeder males are currently off feed.

You can try all the tricks in the book, but ultimately..when they are ready they will start eating again, and usually with enthusiasm. Don't stress too much over it, your males certainly aren't.

We have one male that typically only eats 3-4 months a year. He goes off feed at the first whisper of breeding and doesn't start again until we are already planning the next season. That is plenty of time to pack on his lost weight though.

Good luck.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Courtney281

I have a male spider who hasn't eaten since Sept. He started out at 1242g, and is now 1080g. I don't think thats a significat weight loss, but Im still frustrated he won't eat. I even pre killed a hopper and left it in with him ALL NIGHT.... and nothing :( He has never eaten a single meal for me, and I'm starting to get worried. So I would also like to know what kind of experiences people have with this

---

Don’t worry too much my friend I was the same way as you. My male finally took a small rat yesterday for the first time since December 12. He lost total of 200g before taking his first meal in 4 months. I would just keep his tub/cage clean with fresh water and with time he will eat for you.

I appreciate the kind and wise words everyone. I know he'll eat in time :) on a side note... I can't wait for my first clutch in two weeks!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Xan Powers!

He'll eat soon enough. I have my boys and girls in separate areas. Sometimes they can just smell them. But at the same time. I just had a male go back on feed from Dec. Just keep on offering. The big boys will take longer because they have more junk in the trunk then smaller boys. 

I like to wash my males and put them in a separate room from the females. That usually does the trick. If not, I even put them into a smaller tub. Works every time!