first tarantula

[m1k3_88]

i am looking into getting a tarantula, and i have a few questions.
1. what would be a good starter tarantula?
2. what is a good size enclosure for one?
3. can any1 give me a link to a good caresheet about a good starter tarantula.

Thanks, Mike

[reptiles4life]

a pink zebra beauty is a good starter and they dont need that much space , so a 2.5 gallon is good and go to any search engine ( ie. google.com) and type in want you are looking for .

[Vanan]

http://www.gherp.com/gherp/pages/beginner.htm

An excellent page which should answer most of your questions. :)

[m1k3_88]

thanks for the quick replies but 1more question, are they like snakes and get stressed to easily if housed in too big of an enclosure. Its because it would be in a 10gallon (i dont like to see thinks cramped in tiny enclosures)

[Vanan]

As long as you have ample hide spots it should be fine.

[m1k3_88]

could you guys post a couple pictures of your enclosures to help out with setting up my own. Thanks, Mike

[cpt_retic]

Mexican red knee is the top choice . They get fairly big . They also have the best temperment(so to speak) I think they are one of the best looking as well . Second is the Rose hair ,I've had these before and they have never bitten me , and you can always find them in pet stores . These are the top 2 but there are a couple others out there as well. Are you planning to hold this pet or strictly display? cobalt blues are really cool looking but verry agressive. they are florecent blue.

[m1k3_88]

I don't think i would be handling it that often, but i would like to be able to hold it without it being agressive. I do like the cobalt blues, but from what i have heard they would be a little too agressive for my liking. What about pink toes? how are their temperment and would they be a good beginner tarantula? Thanks, Mike

[Vanan]

Pinktoes are generally not aggressive but can be a lil jumpy and move faster than say a terrestrial T.

[Emily-Fisher]

There are several great starter T's. Here are some that I suggest:

-Chaco Golden Knee
-Pink Zebra Beauty
-Chilean Rose Hair
-Mexican Rose Hair
-French Guyana (common) Pink Toe
-Curly Hair
-Rio Grande Gold

The amount of space needed all depends on what species of tarantula you would like to get. I would say that a 5 gallon tank would be ideal for most of the species that I named though. There are thousands of great caresheets on the internet. Just go on google and look up "Red Knee tarantula care" if you are looking for red knee care and you will have tons of pages to choose from ;)

[snakegal12345]

i would say a mexican red knee or rose hair tarantula

[sleddergirl]

We have a Chilean Rose Hair, Mary-Jane. We got her last year at the approx age of 7-8 years. She is in a tank that is 30x12x16. I'm not sure what size that is in gallons. She is not handled, has only been handled once since we brought her home. She is our first tarantula and has made a great pet.

Sue

[reverendsterlin]

pokies, pokies lol, no don't start with these just teasing

[m1k3_88]

Sue, that would be a 29gallon if im not mistaken. How big is your tarantula, what do you have it feeding on mice? if so how big and how often do you feed? Thanks, Mike

[sleddergirl]

Originally posted by m1k3_88
Sue, that would be a 29gallon if im not mistaken. How big is your tarantula, what do you have it feeding on mice? if so how big and how often do you feed? Thanks, Mike



Yes now that the hubby is home.........he has confirmed that is the size of the tank:p Basically I measured her while she was climbing the side of the tank..........LOL, and the measurements that I got were Abdomen to Fangs = 3 inches, Leg Span = 5 inches..........I dunno if I even measured properly..........I just did it while she was walking, not with the legs completely out stretched. She eats only large crickets. We have tried her with mealworms and such but she won't touch them. She was already at least 6 years old (at the bare minimum) when we got her and had never been introduced to any food other than crickets, so now she is reluctant to try anything.