Spiderling Chile Rose?

[Natz18]

What do you think?

Its what I feel is a good option for a first spider.. A complete novice I am, but I am rather on the interested side on getting involved with the owning of such a lovely creature.

Do you think its a good option to begin with a spiderling or should I start with an adult or subadult?

Hmmm.

[atum]

Grammostola are a very slow growing group of spiders. I've had 4 chaco golden knee slings, very close to chile rose, for nearly 5 months. All have moulted once, one of them twice, and they are hardly any bigger than when I first got them. Not trying to put you off but just so you know your in for a long wait.

There are plenty of other slow, docile T's that are perfect for beginners. Most T's have pretty much the same requirements so you could even start off with something a bit out of the ordinary. Some just require a bit more respect than others.

Pretty much all Grammostola make good beginner spiders. Chile rose, Brazilian black, chaco goldne knee etc. Or Brachybelma. Red knees, red rump etc.

Just having a quick look at The Spider Shop slings. Big Bend Gold Tarantula.

It all comes down to personnel preference. And bear in mind that some 'docile' T's may turn out to be complete lunatics that threat pose at the slightest movement and go nuts as soon as something enters their enclosure.

[_TiMiSdRuNk_]

I would start off with an adult chile rose because they don't cost to much and are usually pretty docile but a red knee is a good starter but can be a lot more scatty

[FreakOonique]

Hey Natz, welcome to the invert section. Only seen you in the 18's

With a starter spider, there are so many you can go for. Chilean Rose would be ok, however they do have a habit for fasting for months on end, which for a new keeper can be a bit of a worry

Spiderlings would be ok, but can be a little more fragile, and also another thing to take into account is that there are a few more mortalities with them than say a juvie/sub adult

I disagree with the comment made by _TiMiSdRuNk_ , with regards to a Red Knee being more scatty than a Chilean rose. At the end of the day, every spider is going to vary on behaviour.

Personally, if someone asked me what I would suggest for a good starter T, I would have to say Grammostola Pulchripes - Chaco Golden Knee. Probably the most docile of the Grammy family, beautiful looking, get to a nice size, are good eaters, and easy to keep

As Atum said, just because one species is classed as docile, doesnt always ring true for the individual spider. One of my Grammies was a complete nutjob and always wanted to try and tag me, when Grammies are supposed to be docile. Just something to think about

In theory, providing you research correctly, you can start with any spider you want. Its just a case of being sensible

Hope that helps x

[squaddie]

I would go with a juvenile for a first tarantula. They are small enough that you can still see them grow into adulthood, yet big enough that they have survived the rigours of being a spiderling and are pretty much adapted to their way of life.

In general, anything from Grammostola, Brachypelma and Aphonopelma are good choices for a beginner. Personally, I would go with a Grammostola pulchra. They are a jet black species that grows to a good size and are very chunky. Very slow growers but normally very docile.

It is important to note though that each spider has its own personality. My adult Chile Rose is a complete bitch, and ally my Brachy's are hair kicking extraordinares!

[Natz18]

Thankyou for all the wonderful replies

And yes tamz, I'm a regular of the snake section at the moment..

Well, that and 18+ clearly.

Hopefully I can now make an informed descision and be very happy with my very first spider.

Ps. Squaddie, nice to see someone else from down here in south wales.

[Defos]

I have 8 chacos for about 3-4 months and they moulted about 3-4 times. I agree its much better getting them young as you see them grow into the huge things they become.

I miss my chillies both died before there time but the male I had for 7 years and both were superb to own and very docile (male was a bit moody .. strange I know its usually women )

[FreakOonique]

Originally Posted by Natz18

Thankyou for all the wonderful replies

And yes tamz, I'm a regular of the snake section at the moment..

Well, that and 18+ clearly.

Hopefully I can now make an informed descision and be very happy with my very first spider.

Ps. Squaddie, nice to see someone else from down here in south wales.

Have you seen any spiders in particular that you like? x

[squaddie]

Ps. Squaddie, nice to see someone else from down here in south wales.

Haha yes, doesn't seem to be too many of us about, especially in the invert section!

[MissyBats]

Originally Posted by Defos

I have 8 chacos for about 3-4 months and they moulted about 3-4 times. I agree its much better getting them young as you see them grow into the huge things they become.

I miss my chillies both died before there time but the male I had for 7 years and both were superb to own and very docile (male was a bit moody .. strange I know its usually women )

hahahaha
a sling is fun, when they grow you feel like a proud mum, I got a juvi as my first 2 Ts just for confidence building really and plus I loved them
when I got my first sling I got my giant white knee, great eaters and fast growers, she´s huge now, and I do the "proud mummy" look