Is Your Tarantula Stuck in a Moult?

Posted: May 26, 2025

It’s every keeper’s fear — your tarantula starts moulting… and doesn’t finish. A stuck moult can be fatal, but quick thinking and calm action can sometimes help save your spider.

How to Tell if a Tarantula Is Stuck

• They’ve been on their back or side for 12+ hours with no progress
• Part of the old exoskeleton is still attached — especially on legs or abdomen
• The tarantula seems exhausted or unresponsive

What You Can Do

• Do not pull or peel: This can cause deadly injury
• Increase humidity slightly: Add moisture to one part of the enclosure
• Leave them alone: Most attempts to intervene only add stress
• For experienced keepers only: Using damp cotton buds or tweezers with precision, as a last resort

What Causes a Stuck Moult?

The biggest factors are dehydration, low humidity, and internal weakness. This is why pre- and post-moult care matters — giving your spider the best chance of getting through safely.

When to Accept the Outcome

Sadly, some spiders don’t survive. If your tarantula passes away or loses a leg, know that it's not always your fault — moulting is risky even with perfect conditions.

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