FRAGILE SLING CARE.  SIMPLIFIED.

Caring for fragile species such as avicularinae and versicolor isn't complicated.  You just have to avoid one thing, and that's stagnant humidity.    Humidity itself isn't what kills the sling, after all they are from a very humid area, but what grows in THAT enclosed, HUMID space, will.   Because humidity caused by wet substrate is a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria, which will infect the sling's

booklungs, causing the sling to pass.

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 All Avicularinae, Versicolor and a few other air quality

sensitive species are raised on bone dry coco substrate.   If you don't have any dry substrate ready to go, you can use a piece of paper towel on the bottom until you do.   At our home, there's always substrate drying in the oven.

 

Since the sling is to be raised in a lower humidity, well ventilated space, you must provide water.   I avoid misting as it causes humidity to spike and stay elevated for too long.   A water dish holder should be glued to the side to avoid substrate getting in and wicking water out, causing  a problem.   I also like to elevate it, so it's always within reach as many arboreal species don't like to walk on the GROUND.

                                                  

Ventilation:  fragile species require a well ventilated enclosure,  however you don't want to turn their space into a dehydrator.   Over ventilation will cause the spider to get stuck in molts or desiccate in the hours post-molt, before the exoskeleton hardens.   I find if dry sub is used, ventilation does not have to be a ton of holes up and down the sides and on the lid.  

 

Here are some examples of SLING ENCLOSURES i USE HERE, with success.   Please note, your room's ambient temps, humidity and air flow from vents or fans, etc. will affect the spider's micro environment.   Adjust accordingly.