Impaction | what happened to my RAREST tarantula? 

thank you guys so much for your support, it really does make me feel better and I'm glad Mew's story will hopefully be able to help others identify and treat other tarantulas before it's too late. a big thank you also to Tom Moran for allowing me to use his footage as well, so please go subscribe to him if you're not familiar with his channel as he's very experienced and helpful in situations like this

As someone who doesnt like spiders/tarantulas normally. It really broke my heart hearing she didnt make it. I am so sorry to.hear that

Again, Kat...so sorry for your loss. It's terrible having a tarantula that is suffering from an impaction. Awesome video that will hopefully serve as a resource for others who have experienced this malady. As you said, not many seem to know that an impaction can even happen. And thanks so much for the VERY kind words...you rock.

If it is any consolation, the fact she moved around normally soon after finally releasing herself, she finally felt better before she passed. At the very least, you gave her relief. Its the most one can ask for.

I’m very afraid of spiders, but I’m going through a challenging time in my life and I’ve found that tarantula videos are both fascinating and cute. I’m really enjoying their quirky personalities! My heart is broken for your fur baby. I’m so sorry for your loss. You did everything that you could, and it’s very clear that she loved and trusted you. Thank you for being a great momma to your beautiful creature.

I think she just was impacted too long, I don't know how it works with tarantulas but in other animals Impacted poop can become toxic so it's possible that it became toxic to her

So sorry kat. I just paired my male that I had since he was a spiderling (5 years) and the female ate him. I feel your pain :(

Ugh! I have NEVER heard of this! Knowledge is power! I'm soooo sorry for your little 8-legged baby! 😩😭. But, thank you for sharing!

I'm so sorry for your loss 😥 hope you find a "Miu two"

I used to work at a vet clinic and animals always "perked up" before dying.. it was already really hard.. I love that you care much about non-human lives. I'm sorry you lost such a nice girl.

I just watched a constipated tarantula. I’ve seen it all now. Thank you.

So so sorry for your pain and loss of a dear friend under such chaotic circumstances 🥲

As a fairly new keeper, I'm so thankful for any and all info about possible issues. So sorry Mew didn't make it! It seems like the T community tend to stick together. I sub to as many T people I can find. Thank you for sharing with us. ❤️✌️🤗

I am so happy you posted this! My friends tarantula died of impaction the local vet didn't even know what to do said it was part of a molt defect so glad to know this information now

Hey there, I have some friendly advice that could help save your pet’s lives... I have been keeping tarantulas, invertebrates and reptiles for years so I’ve learned a few things that I’d like to share with others to help them keep their pets happy and safe and not make any of the mistakes that myself or others have made. Some of the best advice I can give you sincerely regarding your tarantulas is to never give your invertebrates a substrate of 100% cocofibre. Cocofibre Aka coconut husk etc pulls the moisture out of invertebrates as it dries leading them to be constantly dehydrated and require more frequent misting. If you do want to use it as it is a good substrate in terms of being fairly inhabitable to mold (organic matter tends mold on the substrate, but not the substrate itself) If you really wish to use it I highly recommend doing it as a mix of black earth, sphagnum moss and cocofibre and mix thoroughly. This mix has never done me wrong. Coconut fibre on it’s own is an awful substrate. If you’re finding your tarantulas in death curls and are uncertain as to the reason if there is no obvious issue (such as the impaction discussed in this video), I’m quite certain the cocofibre is to blame as you mentioned you’d found other tarantulas in a death curl but brought them back after giving them some water and such. If they were also kept on a purely 100% cocofibre substrate then it is most definitely the cause as it pulls moisture out of inverts. It’s really only okay if it is in a mix with other substrates, plus when you mix it with black earth thoroughly it makes for a better digging substrate for terrestrial tarantulas. Also I thought I would mention to be careful about feeding your snakes on top of wooden substrate. Should they ingest any of the large wooden substrate chips (regardless of what kind it is, even if it’s aspen it doesn’t mean it’s safe to consume) it absolutely does not digest and will simply be moved out from one end to the other, however, should a large piece be ingested that they cannot pass, it becomes a medical emergency requiring urgent Vetrinary care. If you notice your snake looking lethargic and lacking appetite and unable to defecate with a large bulge near their cloaca it is urgent that you take them to the vet immediately as they would require surgery to remove the impaction otherwise they will die. I highly recommend you put a small plate down over your substrate when you feed your snakes and let them eat their rodent on top of that then remove the plate after, it’s a simple, easy action that could potentially save your snake’s lives from deadly impaction. Just so you are aware , my advice is only to help because I love animals and I don’t want to see any of them hurt, even if they’re not mine. It’s not to criticize you or put you down in any way shape or form, it’s purely to help the animals because I love them all. 😊

I’m a total arachnophobe but seeing your passion for it really is making me rethink. Poor girl, I’m so sorry for your loss :(

I never thought I would get choked up over a loss of a tarantula. I know this is an old vid but I’m sure you’ll always cherish her. Your videos have opened my eyes to how fascinating and wonderful they are and I couldn’t help but subscribe. Even though spiders creep me out lol

I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet is never easy no matter how big or small the pet is.🙏🏻💕

I don't know why this was on my suggested but I had to watch it because I was absolutely intrigued and I have to say, I wasn't disappointed in the least bit! I love you and your videos!! This is super informative! Thank you for making this! 💗

I'm usually a little scared of spiders, so I avoid videos like this. It says a lot when someone like me watches and likes a video like this. Great job 🙂

I love tarantulas i have one myself and this is very heartbreaking

Sorry for your loss I had a adult female pterinochilus murinus that was impacted I felt as if I got lucky and I caught it early but I "unclogged her" per say she did the same thing moved around was fine (bit me twice god blessed hellfire and brimstone she's not nice and it hurt like no other t) but I was ok with it bc .. I was prodding her booty .. understandable .. and she curled back about 3 days later but she ate in the meantime ... So I figured let's do this again .. did it again and again and again the cycle repeated and got bit .. again and again and again and she refused to molt ( and it was about time ) so I did a little digging and to my research I found that too much calcium In the diet can cause impaction I'm not sure if this was solid fact or not but I then switched from large gutloaded crickets to dubia roaches and within 2 weeks she has been agressesive as ever and healthy as hell .... Thought I would share my experience as well

I’m so sorry for the loss of Mew. She was a beautiful tarantula. Your videos and pictures of her have helped me get over my fear of spiders. Take care. 💗

i am so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful t. By making this video, it is not only a dedication to her and also the other people in this video, but also it will help others to notice the symptoms of impaction, and maybe help people catch it sooner, and help save their t, especially as it is such a rare occurrence! Again, so sorry for your loss. I hope you find a new one soon :(

I'm sorry for you loss lovely. Well done on making a video, hopefully this can help others notice the warning signs before it's too late.

I'm so sorry, Kat, this is so heartbreaking... I'm glad you're reaching out to others in the hobby who have had to go through this. It's so important to band together and support one another during difficult times; I don't really understand channels being put against each other either. I learn so much from your channel, I don't own any Ts at the moment but I feel like your videos really teach so much. Thank you for sharing, I imagine it's hard to make a video like this but you're helping educate your audience about the hobby and I think that's so beautiful.

fkn sad :( and.. i never heared from a tarantula coming back from death curl, thats crazy O_o

im sorry for your loss thanx for using it to educate other tarantula lovers

Tom Moran is the best! He’s definitely very knowledgeable and seems like a genuinely nice guy. I love both of your channels. Very sorry for your loss. I got my pink zebra beauty sling several months ago from Net-bug.

I am terribly sorry fo r your loss. Losing an animal while trying to save it I think it's worst, in my opinion. I tried to saved a baby bird who feel from the nest, and got (I think) attacked or smash by a bicyle because he was in the middle of the street, but he died in my arms. I wish you some good feeling to come over your pain. You are such a nice keeper, keep up the good work. I'm sorry for your loss. sending love

Ever since I've found out about Exotics Lair's channel, RU-vid has been showing me all kinds of channels about tarantulas, and yours was one of them. Every one of you guys have helped me with my arachnophobia, but I do have it and it's not easy, so it hasn't been a huge improvement such as me wanting to have all sorts of tarantulas and touching spiders that are clearly harmless to humans (Like jumping spiders, for instance). But one tarantula I've started to want to have as a pet was this one, the Pink Zebra Beauty (A beauty indeed, as Exotics would say). And I'm so horribly sad about hearing these news. I'm sure Mew was an amazing little girl. Sorry for your loss, Kat. But know that you did everything for her and you always cared for her. In the end, that's what matters. She was super beautiful. A beauty indeed.

I'm so sorry for your loss Kat, my sincere condolences, it sux when things go bad for them and there's probably not a lot you can do for them. 😢

I saw you post about it and was wishing for the best. I'm sorry she didn't make it. Losing a pet is never easy and losing one of your favourites is even harder. I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you though, for making this video. It provides an awareness of impaction so hopefully if any of us also happen to get a tarantula suffering from it we can recognize it. Cool new addition.

I’m so sorry that this happened to you. Thank you for making this video. I’m sure this was tough to go through, but I’m sure this is going to come in handy for lots of tarantula keepers out there

You did your best for her. Losing a pet is aways hard. I'm really sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry you lost any tarantula but especially such a unique and beautiful species. I am so glad you had the opportunity to own one and to give her such a beautiful life for the time you had her. You are an amazing tarantula momma. Thank you for sharing this with us. Much love from Oregon.

My condolences for your loss, Kat! 😭💔

I got a pink zebra beauty for my first ever tarantula, honestly the best tarantula species I've ever known, unfortunately i only had mine for 5 years (male) but back then i was only 8 when i bought it, with all my birthday money, but i didn't understand the difference between male and female life span so it was even more heart breaking that i didnt know why he died

My moms beta fish died the same way...he couldn't poop and kept getting fatter and fatter then one day he basically exploded over night.

Your video here showed how much you cared! Bless your heart and your T’s😢

Appreciate you’re openness about all your experiences with tarantulas, I’m a first time owner of one and these kinds of videos have helped me mentally prepare for so much more than I knew would potentially happen with one 💜

Sorry for your loss Kat I never knew this could even happen! Thank you for sharing your story such a shame she didn't make it she was beautiful. at least you tried everything you could for her when most would have given up.. just shows how much you care for them and how awesome you are 😊

Im so sorry for your loss, I literally started to tear. I have a curly hair that I love so much.

This was so enlightening. I now know why my obt died. 😭 im sorry for your loss and thank you so much for sharing your experience.

Sorry for your loss. Mew was really beautiful! Thanks for sharing your experience and having something positive come out of such a sad situation.

I’m so sorry for your loss.

I always appreciate your honesty and genuine demeanor about topics. So sorry to hear she didn't make it 💔

Damn, that hitted me harder that I thought it would. It is one of my favourite genders and you can find them in the North of Argentina that is where I'm from. I would love to have one someday. Stay strong! :)

Thank you very much for teaching something about tarantulas, I did not know about. Thanks! So sorry about your loss. Every tarantula death is heartbreaking, definitely

Tom Moran is so awesome! Sorry for your loss, Kat. 😢

This is so sad but you know what you relieved her so she wasn't in pain at least and she passed with more comfort ❤️. The important thing is you did everything you could! That doesn't make it easier but hopefully while reflecting back on this situation is that you are ok now.

I’m sorry Kat. I commented on your IG post of her, I was hoping she was going to pull through. I’m so sorry she didn’t. But i’m glad you’re putting your info out there to help others.

Sorry for your loss Kat! Your respect for animal life is very inspiring...Thank you for posting this difficult video!

I'm sorry for your loss. Mew shall be remembered.

I'm sorry for your loss Kat you had me in tears. I hope you can get another one she was beautiful. take care and I will see you in your next episode.

I'm so sorry for your loss! I never will probably have a tarantula just from my fear of spiders but I love watching them online

I lost a red eyed tree frog about 3 years ago and it was devastating… I have anxiety to this day about a few pets I have right now too and it’s the worst feeling ever. Your a strong person to make this video!

I’m sorry Kat, I can’t imagine what it was like to go through this, my heart goes out to you and Mew.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Wish there was more that could be done and I hope you find your new mewtwo soon ❤️

I'm sorry to hear you lost her. After I saw your pic and read the comments about impaction I watched Tom's video that you referenced. After I saw that I was really worried she didn't come out of it. My heart aches for you friend, that is one of my favorite species so it sucks to see this happen.

I am so sorry for your loss

I'm so sorry Kat. She was beautiful, and you went above and beyond for her. Take some time to mourn and take care of yourself! Tom Moran is awesome too.

oh poor spider 😢 Im sorry Kat and Tom is really nice he always takes time to answer questions and stuff in RU-vid comments

I am so sorry Kat to hear that your lovely Mew passed away :( I wish you all the best and that you find another beautiful pink zebra soon! I know that words may just hardly help but please know that you and your beauty were one of the main reasons for me to start the hobby! I was so lucky to even get a E. campestratus and she molted successfully 2 days ago. You (and your fluffy ones) just contribute(d) so much to the fact that my 8 Ts are doing really well and I love it to look after them every day => thank you so much for your channel, your dedication and your lovely way to share your knowledge. Your advices are so much appreciated! Best wishes Kat, greetings from Austria! Looking forward to see you smiling soon again! Ps.: ..also many thanks to the Dark Den, Exotics Lair and Tom Moran, you are all rockstars! :)

Sorry for your loss Kat 💔

So sorry! It’s hard to lose any pet. You always give so much too them. Love and attention.

I have a hard time clicking like only because I'm so sad for your loss. Thank you for sharing this important information, I hope it helps other people who may have trouble with their tarantulas.

I’m so sorry for your loss Kat :( I can’t imagine how distressing that must have been to see your girl go through. I hope you’re doing alright

Kat iam so sorry for your loss stay strong I love your videos

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m a dog person but I don’t dislike other critters and I know what how awful it is to watch a critter fail and not be able to turn things around. Hope you find another much like her. (Sorry I don’t have the depth of knowledge or vocabulary to know what different types or groupings describe one kind of tarantula from another. I don’t want my ignorance to come across as insensitivity.) I’ve met some interesting, beautiful tarantulas. My household is too busy and chaotic to be healthy for such sensitive beings and this is the first RU-vid video I’ve ever watched but I will be looking for more.

We’re sorry for loss Kat, I will share this ok.. ❤️👉🏻🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

Sorry for your loss !

Sorry for your loss and thank you for the video. I had never heard of impaction before

Im so very sorry for your loss .... big spood hugs

Oh Kat I am so sorry for your loss hun. It doesn’t matter how long you have your babies when they pass it hurts. At least you know you did the best you could for her and that is a good thing. Hang in there hun.

I’m so sorry for your loss 🖤🖤 thanks for making such an emotionally difficult video, the information is very needed in the hobby. Sending hugs your way

Sorry for your loss 🙏

That's so painful!!! For you and your baby Girl Tarantula!!! It good you got info from another spider Enthusiast,condolences Kat.

thank you for posting this. and thank you to Tom for sharing his experience. so sorry for your loss. I can tell you are devastated! I'm so sorry! sending you hugs

When my jumping spider died, it legit made me cry. It still hurts me tbh.

Sorry for your loss, I’ve never had a tarantula but very interested. Bless her I hope she wasn’t in too much pain x

Rest in peace, beautiful Mew. Sorry for the loss

Sorry About your Loss Kat, thanks for sharing so we all can learn.

Kat, so sorry for your lose, I know only too well. Also thank for this video, I had heard about impaction but knew very little. I lost a young Asian Forest Scorpion that was fine one day the next, dead, it was almost like he’d run out of gas and stopped Couldn’t understand why and my partner who used to work in the Inverts & Reptile house at London Zoo said that it was probably Impaction. I think you did a brilliant job at trying to revive her You did all and more than you possibly could have Thank you for the education 👍🏿

Also if I had deadly constipation..soaking my butt for 30 seconds wouldn't do anything major to help...looks like the pressure gave and she might have ruptured an organ in the process and bled internally. People do need to know about this as a problem. And all I can say to help prevent this from happening is to regulate humidity and keep them hydrated. Water is a life saver for all life.

*Watches video *Runs to check my tarantula

Sorry this happened. This is the first I have even heard of impaction. I wonder how prevalent this is throughout the hobby.

Exotics lair has a new tarantula going through the same thing right now ;-;

Tarantula Kat - i am so incredibly sorry for your loss. It's never easy to lose one we've become so attached to. 🖤

So sorry for your loss, all life is important and when we loose a pet no matter if it’s a dog, cat, fish, or spider it affects us and it hurts. Take care and I hope you find another one like her. 💕

Thanks so much for this video. It must have been really hard to make. I got my first and only tarantula back in February and she passed this summer. She was just a little sling and I felt horrible like I had done something wrong. I appreciate this video and I had watched another recently that talked about the pros and cons of slings v. adults. Both of these videos have helped me feel so much better that it may not have been something I did, it may have just been a fluke. I wasn't sure I was going to ever get another tarantula but these videos help me be open to the idea.

Very sorry for your loss.

So sorry for your loss 😢

I'm so sorry for your loss. That is one thing I have always feared with mine and thought my xenesthis sp blue was impacted for a bit. I watched Tom's videos too and hated seeing his in that situation. I hope someday we get to the bottom of what causes this.

So weird, I was reading Tom Moran's blog posts last night & came across his post about his impacted T + watched the linked video. I then searched RU-vid for more videos about this, but the only one I could find was an old RobC (tarantulaguy1974) video about treating a suspected impaction on Zilla who was already suffering a massive abdominal cyst. So it is great that you have posted about your experience, as there was not enough information out there. Really important, thank you for sharing this info. I am sorry that you lost her, despite trying so hard to save her ❤️

Watching your videos because I'm struggling mentally and not invested in these guys (though I'm kinda starting to fall in love), and it fills me with so much hope for humanity that there are still more passionate, empathetic people out there willing to be this open and honest and do their best to get good information out there ❤

Your passion and sincerity shine through, I wish you the best.

I'm so sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose a T. Watching your video has made me aware of possible illnesses and I check on my T's to ensure they are ok. I hope you find your Mewtwo

i’m so sorry for your loss 🥺 it’s sad how she was doing good after she was relieved... and then passed away. but it’s ok, she could’ve been in a lot of pain you know? you did your best and that’s what matters!

Poor thing. It’s a sad part of animal husbandry, but we all know that you tried your best and cared very much about her! Tom seems like a great guy, and I’m glad you could support each other.