Newbie help/advice...please!

[AmyW]

Right, we keep lizards and snakes and have been mulling over the idea of getting a Tarantula.
We have never kept or handled one before so was hoping to get some advice from people off of here.

We want a T that is not too fast and is not too 'hard' to care for. But this will be our only T so it needs to keep our interest.

So some suggestions would be very much appreciated, if you don't mind, then I can start researching.

Also can I have common names as well as scientific please!


Thankyou,

Amy and Dave

[squaccy]

Originally Posted by AmyW

Right, we keep lizards and snakes and have been mulling over the idea of getting a Tarantula.
We have never kept or handled one before so was hoping to get some advice from people off of here.

We want a T that is not too fast and is not too 'hard' to care for. But this will be our only T so it needs to keep our interest.

So some suggestions would be very much appreciated, if you don't mind, then I can start researching.

Also can I have common names as well as scientific please!


Thankyou,

Amy and Dave

I was just like you, I've only had a snake and a mantis so a spider was a HUGE step up. Thing is, is I have 2 "beginner" T's; a Chilean Rose (G. Rosea) and a G. aureostriata (Chaco golden knee). The Chilean Rose is a nutter- hence his name B.A because he runs at us when we open his tub (well i think its a he...) whereas the Chaco golden knee hides in his hide and only comes out when he wants food or when we unearth him.

I've only handled the Chaco golden knee once because he's a juvi so big enough to, but its not like snakes or lizards- they're far trickier to handle most people don't handle T's as often as we'd handle our reptiles

I've had my T's about 3 months know so I'm still learning- but I'd reccommend getting juvinile T's. As for breeds; can't really say much because I have 2 "beginner" T's so they aren't THAT interesting (in comparison to a Colbolt Blue) but I think our Chaco Golden knee is the prettiest

Hope this helps

[atum]

How to choose your first spider.

Most spiders require pretty much the same sort of requirements, some just need a bit more respect than others. As said in the guide, something from the Grammostola or Bracypelma family is always a good start. Brazilian black, chile rose, chaco golden knee, red rump, red knee etc.

I would stick to new world spiders. Old worlds are always a lot quicker and have more potent venom. The only thing you have to watch out for with new worlds is they can uriticate hairs from their abdomen if they feel threatened or if they just generally don't like you.

I would also start with a juvenile / sub adult instead of a sling. Especially if you choose a spider from the above families as these are very slow growing.

Or you could try an arboreal spider? Avicularia aren't too fast as arboreals go and are quite easily available. Think i saw an adult pink toe for sale in the classifieds the other day. And just as a personal opinion, arboreal spiders are the way forward.

Hope this helps a little.

[atum]

Originally Posted by squaccy

G. aureostriata (Chaco golden knee).

G. pulchripes.

[MissyBats]

Aphonopelma sp Blue Guatamalan Blue are good too, although skittish and I dont handle mine...
B.albopilosum, I have one, they are very cute too
A.Chalcodes (Desert Blond, and I have the arizona ones, slow growing but gorgeous)
my B.Verdezi is very cute (mexican rose grey)
however, I have a few that are "docile" but they are skittish-highly strung and nervous, I have some that are a little more aggressive yet are calmer! lol
its weird how its down to the individual spider sometimes...
my pink toe is a DARLING! the best T I could ask for and she was my first too
likes having her back legs stroked, slow and calm...
love her so much
x

[Dan99]

IMO I would think about either getting a Avicularia Avicularia Or an Avicularia Metallica, as they are nice and calm spiders. A. Metallica was my first spider too.

[squaccy]

Originally Posted by atum

G. pulchripes.

thanks like I said, still learning

[atum]

Originally Posted by squaccy

thanks like I said, still learning

No worries. Im still quite a newbie as well. Always picking up new stuff.

[Kyle T's]

Choose a Brachypelma of some kind they are really good eaters only down side is some are slow growers but other than that they look good.

Good luck

[squaddie]

Anything from Aphonopelma, Brachypelma and Grammostola are generally regarded as the best starters as they generally don't require specific temperatures or humidity.

I think if you're gonna pick your first spider, it is best to see the T before you buy. I say this because its all well and good saying that a Chile Rose is wonderfully docile, yet mine is a complete psycho! Each T has its own personality.