Poecilotheria ?

[snickers]

I went to hollybush reptile shop near cannock today. They have an adult P. regalis there and my OH was amazed by it.

I've been avoiding arboreal spiders, and none of my spiders are really aggressive, so getting a pokie will be a bit of a jump for me.

Which one would be best to get first? Should I get something else first to get used to arboreals?

I'm off to research how they need setting up etc, but any pointers will be welcome.

It's by no means certain I'm gonna do this for a while, but I'd like to get some idea at least

[selina20]

Originally Posted by snickers

I went to hollybush reptile shop near cannock today. They have an adult P. regalis there and my OH was amazed by it.

I've been avoiding arboreal spiders, and none of my spiders are really aggressive, so getting a pokie will be a bit of a jump for me.

Which one would be best to get first? Should I get something else first to get used to arboreals?

I'm off to research how they need setting up etc, but any pointers will be welcome.

It's by no means certain I'm gonna do this for a while, but I'd like to get some idea at least

I would get either an avic or a p.cambridgei as beginner aboreals. Also i would start with a juvi pokie 1st because then u can get used to their speed and they tend to hide more as bubis while ur getting used 2 them. Afterall its upto you what you get just make sure u read up on them 1st.

[herpzane]

If you do sufficicient research and have the confidence then why not. If you do feel your not ready for it then start off with a different species of arboreal T. Avics are good.

[Danhalen]

Pokies aren't really agressive. More defensive for the most part - some more than others. If you've been keeping spiders for a while now, and have a bit of experience with some faster varieties, or are generally confident, then by all means go for a Pokie.

The best beginner pokie is quite easily P. Metallica. However, they are very expensive and difficult to source. Then there's P. regalis. Cheap, stunning, get to a good size, and aren't the fastest species of pokie either. This is what most Pokie keepers start with (however, some can be prone to getting a bit snotty).

If you don't think your'e quite ready for a Pokie yet, then go for an Avicularia. Chances are the avic you buy wont be the avic you get (the entire genus is a huge mess up in the hobby with hybridisation between different forms or even species to a lesser extent) but they make very good beginner aboreals.

[selina20]

Originally Posted by Danhalen

Pokies aren't really agressive. More defensive for the most part - some more than others. If you've been keeping spiders for a while now, and have a bit of experience with some faster varieties, or are generally confident, then by all means go for a Pokie.

The best beginner pokie is quite easily P. Metallica. However, they are very expensive and difficult to source. Then there's P. regalis. Cheap, stunning, get to a good size, and aren't the fastest species of pokie either. This is what most Pokie keepers start with (however, some can be prone to getting a bit snotty).

If you don't think your'e quite ready for a Pokie yet, then go for an Avicularia. Chances are the avic you buy wont be the avic you get (the entire genus is a huge mess up in the hobby with hybridisation between different forms or even species to a lesser extent) but they make very good beginner aboreals.

But this can be said for most genus' nowadays including pokies

[Danhalen]

Originally Posted by selina20

But this can be said for most genus' nowadays including pokies

You know I love ya to bits, but that simply isn't true :p

Other genus' are somewhat stable compared to Avics. I can pretty much guarantee only a handful of people in the entire hobby actually own a true A. Avicularia - and that's the genus' "spokesman" so to speak.

How many times can that be attributed to any other genus?

[selina20]

Originally Posted by Danhalen

You know I love ya to bits, but that simply isn't true :p

Other genus' are somewhat stable compared to Avics. I can pretty much guarantee only a handful of people in the entire hobby actually own a true A. Avicularia - and that's the genus' "spokesman" so to speak.

How many times can that be attributed to any other genus?

Talk to Mr Wilson about Brachypelma vagans :P.

Happy New Year btw

[Lucifus]

Avics in no way will prepare you for a pokey. Pokeys are fast beyond belief to the point they teliport. P.Cambridgei are mid level arboreal's but tbh they are easy to deal with but you dont want to be bitten. I had one as a sling for my second spider and have easily become my fave. They are fast but not too bad. If your bitten by a pokey you will be out of action for a week. Powerfull venom + speed = nightmare.

I have found that pokeys are not really aggressive but they are fast. Every time i move it up to a new enclosure its hell. The last time i spend 20 mins chasing it around my desk with a pot while it threat postured me and outran me every time and its only one inch. An adult however are more easily caught than a baby due to size but the venom delivery will be much larger.

Im not one for saying dont get it if you want it. But even if you think your prepared for the speed of a pokey.....your probally not. However they are extremly pretty and since its an adult you will probally have to repot it only once into its new home. As long as you have tongs you "should" be fine. Take serious consideration and go with your gut.

[Danhalen]

There are some good points raised above, but I'm not sure I entirely agree with the post. Yes, they can be fast, but that is mostly dependent on the species. And with a bit of practice, you get used to managing them.

For example, I removed 7 of my pokies from their homes this evening to photograph for my pics thread - I didnt really have a problem with any of them. That included a sub adult P. Rufilata, which is probably the fastest pokie sp. I also tubbed up and photographed a P. Metallica last night.

All I was armed with was a cricket tub. No tongs

Also, the bite effects can be quite subjective, to the point where someone may only experience some localised pain and swelling. Generally though, you are correct. It's not a pleasant experience.

To be honest, when it comes to managing pokies, I think most of it is down to sensible housing, and the level of confidence of the owner. For example, I find it easier just to straight in there with a cricket tub and show the pokie who's boss lol

[taorchard1987]

hi guys im new to these boards. my first arboreal was an avic avic but sadly died, the a got an avic versi sling which again died and so i got another avic avic which again yes it died. i have no idea if it was anything i was doing or if it was probloems with humidity. however my next arboreal was a sling pokie ornata which done brilliant from a 1cm sling to a full adult. since then i dont do any other arboreals but pokies. since then ive had p.formosa, p.ornata again, p.regalis, and my absolute fave my p.metallica. my advice get a sling pokie so you can learn to appreciate there speed because the last thing you want is to get tagged by one.
oh i also had a avic fasiculata which again...........died