good starter spider

[regi375]

Honestly, I've always been a bit scared of spiders. Yet I've always been fascinated with them. In hopes of breaking my fear, I am considering keeping a spider. I don't really want like a rose-hair, or whatever that one is that shoots those irritating hairs. So I was wondering what my options were. Any suggestions?

[Jim Smith]

You might consider looking over at FaceBook if you have an account. There are a number of groups that specialize in difference species of spiders. Load of experienced peple that are always happy to share their knowledge.

[Tsubaki]

My favourites are Grammostola Pulchripes and Brachypelma Smithi. Both very suitable for first time spider keepers. Grammostola Rosea or Rose haired spiders don't nessecarily shoot hairs, and they are also very suitable for beginners though known as iffy eaters. If you want any spider that doesn't kick hairs.. Don't go for a juvenile, go for an older spider who's behaviour is already known. This way you can also assure you get a female. (Since males don't live very long)

[eminart]

I agree with Tsubaki - Grammostola and Brachypelma are probably the two best genera to consider. They ARE in the new world tarantulas, which usually do have the irritating urticating hairs you're talking about. But, the reason the new world T's have these hairs is because the vast majority of them have very mild venom, so they need extra protection. When you start looking at T's that don't have these hairs, you start getting into species that pack much more of a wallop with their bites (these are usually old world T's). I recommend you stay away from those, unless you know what you're doing. That said, some new world species, and individual spiders within the species, are less prone to "kicking hairs" than others.

If you prefer an arboreal spider, one of the Avicularia species would probably be best. Although, some people do consider the spiderlings of these species to be a bit more fragile. So, unless you're confident, a more mature Avic might be the better choice than a small spiderling.

[zasshiki10]

How's that going for you, regi375? Were you able to keep a spider?

[regi375]

My dad hates spiders even more than snakes, my mother just dislikes spiders, and my gf is scared of them. Since I still live with my parents and I love my gf, a spider is probably not for me.