I spilled water on myself, honest.

[Pixie]

Dragoon:

For the coloring, I think the "age" of the tarantula is a big factor in it's coloring. Almost all the pics of young goliaths I've seen are like Tonka, dark brown with some reddish/pinkish hairs. Older, they seem to turn into a lighter but richer brown.

I can't wait till my Tonka gets to be that beautiful brown

As for the webbing, in my experience, they don't web much if at all. I wouldn't worry about the behavior you described, they probably don't produce as heavy silk as other species. (Some seem to produce multiple silk strands at once, others just one or two (completely personal observation)). Sometimes the webbing is so fine that we can't see it until it's gotten a few layers of it, my guess is that's what's going on with your T.

Mine just weaved a thin web mat when it's about to molt. My guess is that yours is probably doing the same

I must say, VERY nice specimen you have there!!!

Pixie

[bubba]

You may have a convert here. The pictures of the Mexican Red Knee really impressed me. There must be many books out there for beginner tarantula owners. Any suggestions? Thanks

[Pixie]

I must warn you though, it's a very addictive hobby!!! IMO even more so than herps!

There are a few books out there to read up on their basic care, the first that comes to mind is the classic by Stan Schultz "The Tarantula's Keepers guide". Not sure on the exact spelling but it's something very similar to that.

Martin at www.TarantulaCanada.ca has a great book review section, I will let him make the better book suggestions

There is a lot of good info on the web for basic tarantula care, here are a few links to start you off:
www.arachnopets.com - www.arachnoboards.com
www.spidertalk.net
www.atshq.org (American Tarantula Society)

What I love most about Ts is a tie between the awesome display animals they are and their easy care and maintenance. I love getting to watch them anytime I want and even after years of having them and different species, I NEVER get bored with them.

Don't be shy to ask any more questions

Pixie

[bubba]

I looked at some spiders at a local reptile show but they didn;t have any mexican red knees. Do these come under any other names? But, the spider thing may never happen anyway 'cause the ole lady sez NO SPIDERS! And here I was about to confront one of my biggest fears. I think I would actually do well with a spider like the Mexican Red Knee. Pretty little buggers.

[TheRedDragon]

Originally posted by Pixie
I must warn you though, it's a very addictive hobby!!! IMO even more so than herps!

I hear you there! We're up to three, and I'm sure I'll have at least 10 more by the end of this year!