deep freeze

[Bloodtkr]

Had to put another kid in cryo-stasus last night. Baby giant African I affectionately called Pukey ( it hurled on its paper towel ) it would drink but not eat. I found it floundering around on the bottom of the deli cup. I hope someone puts me in cryo or steps on my air hose or unplug me if I'm in a bad way ; /

 

[agent A]

when in doubt, snuff it out

it's the kevorkian way

 

[bobericc]

Whats wrong with you and 'chaeta buddy?

Upload a pic of their housing and let me know your general care

If you get any time to read my caresheet it should help a bit.

 

[Bloodtkr]

They're L3/4 sphodromantis Tanzania. I have them in 16 oz deli cups with fabric vented lids. 5 out of 6 molted and are savage eaters ..this one didn't eat since molting.

 

[bobericc]

Oh i thought it was giant african stick cause you had one before im sorry.

I havent kept sphodros since blue flash, i hope the rest go good.

 

[Rick]

Sometimes it happens. I recall a time when every mantis I had died from some unknown cause. I ended up having to start over after disinfecting all equipment.

 

[Bloodtkr]

I would do exactly that if more than one kicked but I think the rest are OK. My problem now is humidity. I bought a hygrometer yasterday and its only 45% in my apmt. 2 out of 5 shields had trouble molting ( legs stuck ) the 3rd did it with ease. I mist the lids often I guess a small humidifier is next? The wife saw a penguin shaped one and now wants it ; )

 

[dmina]

So sorry for your loss... Sometimes you go nuts trying to figure the whole thing out... I know you are working hard, and doing the best you can with your mantis. I think the hardest part of this hobby is getting the temps right... especially here, where we have such drastic weather changes... again sorry for your loss.

 

[Bloodtkr]

Thanx...here too 35 one day 0 the next. Gas heat doesn't help either. Makes it kinda dry. I think the humidifier will help me as well ; )

 

[Jay]

I used to use pearlite (a mess) but after changing to moss stuff (pictured below) the humidity has been fantastic.

I use the moss in conjunction with screened deli cups filled with water.

I haven't had to do a major clean up of the substrate yet, though I suspect I will need to screen out dead fly parts - eventually. <_<

Note: Not promoting a specific brand, but the forest moss sure has helped!

 

[Bloodtkr]

Thanx everyone for the info and advice. Good thing I bought all the young kids cuz I'm about to loose some adults. Coming up on the year mark.

 

[agent A]

I used to use pearlite (a mess) but after changing to moss stuff (pictured below) the humidity has been fantastic.

I use the moss in conjunction with screened deli cups filled with water.

I haven't had to do a major clean up of the substrate yet, though I suspect I will need to screen out dead fly parts - eventually. <_<

Note: Not promoting a specific brand, but the forest moss sure has helped!

i HATE that stuff!!no offense to u or anything but i used that stuff for my female toad when i was breeding them and she needed a few days break from my males and the stuff (according to my mom-im anosmic) stank up the room and it attracted fungus gnats that really irritated everyone

i found that similar products (frog moss) should be rinsed with hot water first then used and that helps mitigate such issues

 

[Bloodtkr]

I used sphagnum at first but the mantis were pulling it up along with any food. Then I switched to sheet moss which worked well til I saw folks on here talking about the coconut fiber stuff. Cheap..condensed..holds a little moisture. I like it ; )