Considering a T

[desipooh.12]

I'm scared of T's, well picking them up, not necessarily spiders in general,
but I've been very curious & fascinated with T's lately, I've been looking at the OBT and they are absolutely beautiful but I've read they're aggressive & they're bites are like a rattlesnakes?
but then again I have a young BRB & they have a reputation as well & mine is very docile..
any advice or info on slings? Especially the OBT..

[formica]

Baboons are considered some of the more aggressive, willing to bite and fast moving, not for beginners or anyone who still has some fear over big arachnids, i'd consider a Rose Knee or Curly hair first, if you want to try one :)

rainbows are very docile snakes, even their young are docile compared to allot of other common snakes in captivity, i dont think there is any comparison with a baboon T!

[DragonsEye]

There's a reason they are commonly referred to as "Orange Bitey Things". heh :D Bite as bad a rattlesnake? No, at least not damage-wise. With respect to pain that could be another story. Considering they are also fast devils, I would not recommend one as your first T -- even if you don't ever plan on holding it. (And OBTs definitely should not be handled.)

For a first T, check out some of the Grammostola, Brachypelma, or Avicularia. Google will supply you with quite a few images to peruse.






http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/obeah/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/fireplace-smiley-emoticon_zpsb9e1dae8.gif (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/obeah/media/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/fireplace-smiley-emoticon_zpsb9e1dae8.gif.html)

[boosh96]

I'd recommend getting a juvenile Lasiodora parahybana, or Brazilian salmon pink birdeater. They're inexpensive, they're hardy, and after they put a little size on them they'll start growing quickly and eating like horses. They're a bit on the skittish side, though.

Edit: If you want to cough up the money for one, you can get a Brazilian black T, or Grammostola pulchra. They're long-lived, slow growers, and they're supposed to be extremely docile. Plus, the adults are a solid velvety black color.

[desipooh.12]

Wow Thank you all I appreciate the advice,
Its just the baboons are so beautiful, thats what draws me too them,
Something nice to look at but can't touch!

But I will definitely look all those arachnids!
I think ill get the courage to over come my fear! :)

[desipooh.12]

What about a Martinique Pinktoe T?
I've read there docile but skittish when spooked..
And the housing for T are simple!
Does anybody have a Martinique Pinktoe T?
If so any tips on housing & feeding?

[Skits]

OBT's are definitely very fast. They're also famous for being teleporters on how fast they are, and they are really aggressive. It's rare to get one that's docile. Mine is an evil one lol.

For the martinique pinktoe, avicularia species are easy to care for and generally docile. They arent too fast, and instead of biting they shoot feces as a defense mechanism. Of course they can still bite but be careful :)

Slings: Keep them in a pill container, or a container the size 3x their legspan in height. Feed them a cricket leg or pinhead cricket once or twice a week (depending on the size of the T).

Adults: Keep them in a vertical arboreal tank, about a 5-10 gallon is ideal. Have lots of things for them to climb like plants, branches, vines etc. Feed them an adult cricket or dubia roach once a week.

[kelzerman]

Yeah I agree an wouldn't suggest a obt. Any tarantulas bite is harmless unless your allergic to the venom. Not saying it isn't painful and there is also a risk for infection. The other suggestions are good first starters. Just remember no tarantulas like being held. They will never understand there handlers. Their brains are very primitive. And even the nicest tarantulas can bite. I'm not saying this to scare you, but for you to understand that any handling is a risk for a bite.

I love my tarantulas. They are one of the most interesting things I have owned. And watching them mate is one of the coolest things I've seen. Not being weird lol but is an odd ritual. I hope you purchase a T and join the addiction. At one point I housed 30 T's and had many successful breeding attempts.

[desipooh.12]

Yeah I agree an wouldn't suggest a obt. Any tarantulas bite is harmless unless your allergic to the venom. Not saying it isn't painful and there is also a risk for infection. The other suggestions are good first starters. Just remember no tarantulas like being held. They will never understand there handlers. Their brains are very primitive. And even the nicest tarantulas can bite. I'm not saying this to scare you, but for you to understand that any handling is a risk for a bite.

I love my tarantulas. They are one of the most interesting things I have owned. And watching them mate is one of the coolest things I've seen. Not being weird lol but is an odd ritual. I hope you purchase a T and join the addiction. At one point I housed 30 T's and had many successful breeding attempts.

Thats why I want one, because they're so fascinating & cool to look at & to learn from..
I guess I mainly want one for just a show case
but id like to hold it to over come my slight fear..

[desipooh.12]

OBT's are definitely very fast. They're also famous for being teleporters on how fast they are, and they are really aggressive. It's rare to get one that's docile. Mine is an evil one lol.

For the martinique pinktoe, avicularia species are easy to care for and generally docile. They arent too fast, and instead of biting they shoot feces as a defense mechanism. Of course they can still bite but be careful :)

Slings: Keep them in a pill container, or a container the size 3x their legspan in height. Feed them a cricket leg or pinhead cricket once or twice a week (depending on the size of the T).

Adults: Keep them in a vertical arboreal tank, about a 5-10 gallon is ideal. Have lots of things for them to climb like plants, branches, vines etc. Feed them an adult cricket or dubia roach once a week.
Thank you this helped!
would I have to handle frequently?
and how exactly do I pick it up without hurting em? I wish I had spidey senses to tell weather it is going to bite me lol

[kelzerman]

It doesn't matter how much you handle they will not get used to it. I have found with some of my more docile T's that I do handle is use a soft bristled paintbrush to coax them onto your hand. Hey bites do happen and like with snakes don't let being tagged turn you away from these interesting creatures. Its not as bad as people say ;) I have been nailed a few times and I would compare it to a bee sting. One of them was like a big *** bee ;)

Please post pictures as soon as you get your little gem.

[desipooh.12]

It doesn't matter how much you handle they will not get used to it. I have found with some of my more docile T's that I do handle is use a soft bristled paintbrush to coax them onto your hand. Hey bites do happen and like with snakes don't let being tagged turn you away from these interesting creatures. Its not as bad as people say ;) I have been nailed a few times and I would compare it to a bee sting. One of them was like a big *** bee ;)

Please post pictures as soon as you get your little gem.
well I haven't been bitten YET by my BRB
so that I'm not scared of..
I probably won't get one now, maybe a few years or a year or so.. Still like to do more research before buying.. But I've been watching alot of YouTube videos just to see them in actual movement!

[kelzerman]

I am not trying to turn you away! They are wonderful creatures and one of the most hardy animals ever. Maintenance on these guys is so little. I would just go for it. lol I was terrified of the buggers until I got to understand them. If you ever have any questions please ask me.

[DragonsEye]

would I have to handle frequently?

From any T's point of view, it would be "happier" if you never handled it at all. T's aren't like cats or dogs ... there will never be any "warm happy" feelings in seeing you or having contact with you. They simply do not have that capacity.





http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/obeah/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/3n4_zps089a4696.gif (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/obeah/media/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/3n4_zps089a4696.gif.html)

[kelzerman]

Some days are good and some days you will get this.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/11411949075_c88eb551a5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/51129064@N02/11411949075/)

[desipooh.12]

Some days are good and some days you will get this.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/11411949075_c88eb551a5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/51129064@N02/11411949075/)
Yeah but it still looks cute & fuzzy!
I think I've found a another for my collection lol
ARACHNIDS it is!

[kelzerman]

Woot!!!!!!!!

[drumcrush]

I wanna get a Brazilian black Tarantula and a green bottle blue tarantula someday

[kelzerman]

The Grammostola pulchra is a beauty. I got mine and she was a 1/2" sling. Its been about a year and a half and she is about 1 1/2" now. Very slow growers.

The Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is awesome. Wonderful colorations. A bit flighty, but nothing difficult.

Looks like you did your research both specimens are great tarantulas. Post pictures when you get your little guys.

I am telling you its an addiction. I started with one, then got another, and another. About 25 later I started a little breeding.

[MizCandice]

I can not attest to any personalities, However I have a buddy who breeds and sells ALOT of the mexican local spiders and I always admire the rose hair and rust leg among others. The pinks and oranges are so bright. What do you giys think about the mexican tarantulas temperament? My buddy states it really depends on the individual spider.

[kelzerman]

He is right. I have a B. smithi and that is a good species to start with. I had a Grammostola rosea that had a temper comparable to an OBT, but most are pretty laid back. Always test their mood with a paintbrush before you let them crawl on you. You will get a threat pose if they are not in the mood. Most of the Brachypelmas are pretty laid back, but there is a select few that can be temperamental. Get something laid back for your first T. That way you can get used to a tarantulas behavior. A lot of mine are pretty mean so they are never handled. They are manipulated into catch cups for cage maintenance.

[desipooh.12]

I think I want to start off with a sling first so that I
Can get use to having em around,

[DragonsEye]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/11411949075_c88eb551a5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/51129064@N02/11411949075/)

Btw, Desi, despite appearances, this T is not asking for a hug. :D

I wanna get a Brazilian black Tarantula and a green bottle blue tarantula someday

Grammostola pulchra are gorgeous but are often harder to get and definitely on the pricey side. Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens on the other hand seem to be easier to obtain and are quite reasonable. As Kel. mentioned they are fast and flighty and so are not ones you should try to handle unless you relish the idea of chasing one all over your home. Very heavy webbers, IME.

I have a B. smithi and that is a good species to start with.

Many of the Brachypelma, especially B. smithi, have a well deserved rep for being hair "flickers". Still if you luck out with a really docile one, they are very hardy and, IMO, quite attractive.




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/obeah/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/penguinornament_zps2256439b.gif (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/obeah/media/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/penguinornament_zps2256439b.gif.html)

[kelzerman]

Many of the Brachypelma, especially B. smithi, have a well deserved rep for being hair "flickers". Still if you luck out with a really docile one, they are very hardy and, IMO, quite attractive.




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/obeah/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/penguinornament_zps2256439b.gif (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/obeah/media/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/penguinornament_zps2256439b.gif.html)
[/QUOTE]


Yes you are right about them being flickers. I forgot about this because the hairs rarely affect me.



A sling is a good idea, but I would get 2-3 because they have a higher tendency to die. Just remember NO OVER WATERING!!! I always kept my slings in a small vial. Tarantulas do not need large enclosures and tend to do better in smaller enclosures. I tong feed mine. The last thing you want is a loose cricket in with a tarantula that is about to molt.

Just some random answers to questions I had when I first got my tarantula


Just remember get what you want. If you ever have questions, post. No question is stupid. I will do my best to answer with my past experience.

Good luck T hunting.

[desipooh.12]

Many of the Brachypelma, especially B. smithi, have a well deserved rep for being hair "flickers". Still if you luck out with a really docile one, they are very hardy and, IMO, quite attractive.





http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/obeah/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/penguinornament_zps2256439b.gif (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/obeah/media/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/penguinornament_zps2256439b.gif.html)




Yes you are right about them being flickers. I forgot about this because the hairs rarely affect me.



A sling is a good idea, but I would get 2-3 because they have a higher tendency to die. Just remember NO OVER WATERING!!! I always kept my slings in a small vial. Tarantulas do not need large enclosures and tend to do better in smaller enclosures. I tong feed mine. The last thing you want is a loose cricket in with a tarantula that is about to molt.

Just some random answers to questions I had when I first got my tarantula


Just remember get what you want. If you ever have questions, post. No question is stupid. I will do my best to answer with my past experience.

Good luck T hunting.[/QUOTE]

[desipooh.12]

really in a small vial? I was watching videos on YouTube & I came across this..
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4zSVd94DJJk#
I REALLY like this one, a Martinique pinktoe! Absolutely gorgeous

[kelzerman]

That is definitely a juvenile. Yes slings are tiny. This one is about the size of a dime.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3671/11412190386_081bf1c967.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/51129064@N02/11412190386/)


This one could go in a small deli cup, but when they are a sling sling about the size of a pinkie nail I would recommend a small vial.

[DragonsEye]

Desi, the reason many hobbyists will keep a tiny sling in a vial is mainly for their convenience. It is simply easier to keep track of the sling, make sure if its prey has been eat or not, and to better note when it may be going to molt.

Yes, A. versicolor is beautiful. HOWEVER, just so you're aware, the individual you linked to is a young juvenile. It WILL NOT have that same coloration upon maturity. As a late juvenile/adult it will look like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/obeah/critters/ff82e3dd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/obeah/media/critters/ff82e3dd.jpg.html)


It is pretty much the norm that sling coloration looks nothing like that of the adult. As another example, the sling Kel posted above will look completely different as an adult. (Is that A. minatrix, Kel?)

So when looking at Ts, make sure you find photos of the adult stage. Particularly if you should get lucky and get a female, you'll be looking at the adult colors for a looong time.

Also, you should note that there are a few species that display a marked color dimorphism between ADULT males and females (slings on the other hand will look the same). For your edification I present the link to the following picture (not mine).

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6858/mvc014sef5.jpg

Which of the two would you like? Both are the exact same species (Pamphobeteus nigricolor ). The colorful one is the male and now that he has his colorful "big boy" fancy pants on, he will be dead of old age in a year or less. The boring brown one is the female. She'd be around for a long time.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/obeah/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/christmas-holly-smiley-emoticon_zpsc8e52da5.gif (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/obeah/media/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/christmas-holly-smiley-emoticon_zpsc8e52da5.gif.html)

[kelzerman]

It is pretty much the norm that sling coloration looks nothing like that of the adult. As another example, the sling Kel posted above will look completely different as an adult. (Is that A. minatrix, Kel?)




No that is just an A. avicularia. Those are cool also. Mine would jump from one hand to the other. There a good starter T, but you have to remember they are an arboreal tarantula and need height rather then floor space. Also they tend to appreciate higher humidity which can be an issue because of mold and fungus. But I never had an issue with mine. As long as you have some sort of cross ventilation you will be fine. Ill get pictures when I get home of my juvi P. platyomma compared to how he/she looks now. I have not sexed it yet, because he/she loves to destroy his/her molt after.

[Skits]

The temperament is really based on the individual T. Some will enjoy being handled, some won't. You can't really tame one down enough to be able to trust them. My B.Albopilosum is so sweet, never bit but has gotten startled. I've had a G.Rosea that I was able to hold and I never had a problem with him. My first T was actually a mature male A.Avic, and he was so tame. He got me into keeping T's. :D I don't often handle them, just once in a blue moon and they remain tame. As long as you take them out carefully and know not to make sudden movements, even then, you never know.

[desipooh.12]

Desi, the reason many hobbyists will keep a tiny sling in a vial is mainly for their convenience. It is simply easier to keep track of the sling, make sure if its prey has been eat or not, and to better note when it may be going to molt.

Yes, A. versicolor is beautiful. HOWEVER, just so you're aware, the individual you linked to is a young juvenile. It WILL NOT have that same coloration upon maturity. As a late juvenile/adult it will look like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/obeah/critters/ff82e3dd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/obeah/media/critters/ff82e3dd.jpg.html)


It is pretty much the norm that sling coloration looks nothing like that of the adult. As another example, the sling Kel posted above will look completely different as an adult. (Is that A. minatrix, Kel?)

So when looking at Ts, make sure you find photos of the adult stage. Particularly if you should get lucky and get a female, you'll be looking at the adult colors for a looong time.

Also, you should note that there are a few species that display a marked color dimorphism between ADULT males and females (slings on the other hand will look the same). For your edification I present the link to the following picture (not mine).

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6858/mvc014sef5.jpg

Which of the two would you like? Both are the exact same species (Pamphobeteus nigricolor ). The colorful one is the male and now that he has his colorful "big boy" fancy pants on, he will be dead of old age in a year or less. The boring brown one is the female. She'd be around for a long time.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/obeah/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/christmas-holly-smiley-emoticon_zpsc8e52da5.gif (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/obeah/media/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/christmas-holly-smiley-emoticon_zpsc8e52da5.gif.html)

The Male is BEAUTIFUL! and so big compared to the female.. I'd prefer the male, why is it the males dont last long, compared to females, is it because females are internally stronger then males because of giving birth? Or is that just how it is..
also I didn't know that T's can basically take off they're own leg if its injured, and when they molt another one appears? Thats the smartest & most clever thing, I didn't know they were that intelligent.. Not saying they're dumb

[desipooh.12]

That is definitely a juvenile. Yes slings are tiny. This one is about the size of a dime.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3671/11412190386_081bf1c967.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/51129064@N02/11412190386/)


This one could go in a small deli cup, but when they are a sling sling about the size of a pinkie nail I would recommend a small vial.
see now thats cute! I've seen them as slings & they look so harmless! I'd want a sling at first to adjust & let it grow with me..

[desipooh.12]

No that is just an A. avicularia. Those are cool also. Mine would jump from one hand to the other. There a good starter T, but you have to remember they are an arboreal tarantula and need height rather then floor space. Also they tend to appreciate higher humidity which can be an issue because of mold and fungus. But I never had an issue with mine. As long as you have some sort of cross ventilation you will be fine. Ill get pictures when I get home of my juvi P. platyomma compared to how he/she looks now. I have not sexed it yet, because he/she loves to destroy his/her molt after.
yeah I've seen the setups for the arboreal Ts & its cool, the humidity I can handle.. Hopefully for my first T I can get a docile one lol key word HOPEFULLY bahaha

[DragonsEye]

No that is just an A. avicularia.

Ah. I didn't realize the Avic avic slings were so colorful. Looks a lot like a baby minatrix. Too bad they don't keep that look.

Also they tend to appreciate higher humidity which can be an issue because of mold and fungus. But I never had an issue with mine.

I never had an issue either. I suspect in my case it was because I kept its enclosure drier than most folks would. I just made sure it had plenty of water available to drink. The pic I posted was of mine. I'll "have" to get a new one someday. Mine "hooked out" so I gave him to a breeder I know.


The temperament is really based on the individual T. Some will enjoy being handled, some won't.

Sorry to break it to you, Skits, but there is no such thing as a T that "enjoys" being held. They are far too primitive to have such emotions. The best that can be said is that there are Ts that will "tolerate" being handled.

The Male is BEAUTIFUL! and so big compared to the female.. I'd prefer the male, why is it the males dont last long, compared to females, ...

Males once they are sexually mature get wanderlust bad. Whether they "wear themselves out" looking for a mate, or whether they have that strong searching drive programmed into them because their life clock is "ticking down" is anybody's guess. Simplest to say, that's just the way they are.

I didn't know that T's can basically take off they're own leg if its injured, and when they molt another one appears?

The damage has to be pretty extreme for them to autotomize a limb. When the limb is regrown it is done gradually with each successive molt resulting in a replacement limb that is a bit bigger and a bit closer to normal size.

Thats the smartest & most clever thing, I didn't know they were that intelligent.. Not saying they're dumb

They ARE dumb/not very intelligent. The ability to regrow a limb has nothing to do with their brain power, nor is it under conscious control. It is simply the way they are designed.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/obeah/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/ReinDeer01_zps4125fd29.gif (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/obeah/media/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/ReinDeer01_zps4125fd29.gif.html)

[kelzerman]

lmao Dragon I am laughing my "butt" off at your comment, "They ARE dumb" haha.

That's a little harsh. I would just say they have a very primitive brain.:crazy:

[desipooh.12]

Ah. I didn't realize the Avic avic slings were so colorful. Looks a lot like a baby minatrix. Too bad they don't keep that look.



I never had an issue either. I suspect in my case it was because I kept its enclosure drier than most folks would. I just made sure it had plenty of water available to drink. The pic I posted was of mine. I'll "have" to get a new one someday. Mine "hooked out" so I gave him to a breeder I know.




Sorry to break it to you, Skits, but there is no such thing as a T that "enjoys" being held. They are far too primitive to have such emotions. The best that can be said is that there are Ts that will "tolerate" being handled.



Males once they are sexually mature get wanderlust bad. Whether they "wear themselves out" looking for a mate, or whether they have that strong searching drive programmed into them because their life clock is "ticking down" is anybody's guess. Simplest to say, that's just the way they are.



The damage has to be pretty extreme for them to autotomize a limb. When the limb is regrown it is done gradually with each successive molt resulting in a replacement limb that is a bit bigger and a bit closer to normal size.



They ARE dumb/not very intelligent. The ability to regrow a limb has nothing to do with their brain power, nor is it under conscious control. It is simply the way they are designed.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/obeah/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/ReinDeer01_zps4125fd29.gif (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/obeah/media/Smileys/Christmas%20smileys/ReinDeer01_zps4125fd29.gif.html)
lol I know that growing back they're leg has nothing to do with intelligence,
I ment the fact that they amputee they're own leg when its injured,
Some guy was talking about how his T did that on a group on Facebook.