How to choose your first spider.

[shiprakaul]

Originally Posted by Incubuss

We get a lot of people asking for information on what spider is good for beginners, so I wrote this.

It would be nice if a mod could make it a sticky.

How to choose your first spider.

When choosing your first spider, you need to take your level of experience into consideration. The chances are you have not dealt with spiders in the past if you have never owned one, so you will be best off getting a spider that is not too aggressive, not too skittish, doesn’t have very potent venom, and also doesn’t get too big.

The best spiders to start off with are all in the Theraphosidae family (tarantula). You then need to choose the species of tarantula that will be best for you.

The best species to begin with are either in the Grammostola or Brachypelma family, as they are none aggressive, have weak venom and very hardy. These tarantulas include the Chilean Rose Hair (Grammostola Rosea), the Brazilian black (Grammostola pulchra), the Honduras Curly Hair Tarantula (Brachypelma albopilosa) and the beautiful and most popular pet tarantula in the world; the Mexican Redknee (Brachypelma smithi). All these tarantulas are terrestrial/burrowers.

If you fancy an arboreal spider to begin with then I would suggest starting with one from the Avicularia family. If you do choose an arboreal species then you must take into consideration that these tarantulas need more care then the ones above. They require much higher humidity, more height then ground space, and more tank decorations (for them to attach their webs to)

It is wise to stay away from the more aggressive Asian species such as the cobalt blue (Haplopelma lividum), the Thai black (Haplopelma minax) and any of the Poecilotheria (Ornamental) family as they are super fast, have very potent venom (for a tarantula) and are very aggressive. You should also beware of all the tarantulas with baboon in their name until you have a lot of experience with the lesser aggressive species, as these tarantulas are VERY fast, will quickly adopt the strike pose and will not hesitate to bite if felt threatened.

Now you have chosen the spider that best suits you; its research time. Research is the most important thing to do before buying a tarantula; you will need to know everything from what tank and bedding to use to what humidity and temperature it should be kept at.

Handling: Tarantulas are display animals and should not be handled, they do not like or need it, yet some species such as the Grammostola Rosea will tolerate it for short periods of time.

NOTE: Please remember that all tarantulas carry venom and can bite! Their venom is not medically significant, but can cause pain ranging from that of a bee sting to possible paralysis. And can kill if you’re illergic to the venom. Also, most tarantulas have the ability to flick urticating hairs from their abdomen, these hairs can cause itching, irritation and in some species, temporary blindness.

Good luck and enjoy your new pet.

Thanks for reading,

Incubuss.

great guide. I ever love to know more about spider and my all friedns also join me to research new things about it when i will show this guide to my all friends I am damn sure they will also like it too. Thanks Incubuss

[corpselight]

Originally Posted by davieboi

personally ive never expierced so called aggresive spiders i been able to handle stromatopelmas, haplopelmas, poeclitherias and although they do occasionally try to bite you the only spider i have had that was properly mental was a female macrothele so i dont beleive in starter spiders any more and im only fifteen

sorry can't be bothered to read x number of pages, but i have to agree with this post above.
personally not a big fan of handling (though will do for medical reasons or to avoid freaking the spider out if it's already walking)...but the point remains the same.
NO SPIDER IS AGGRESSIVE. this is a trait of humans and the odd other mammal (perhaps some reptiles). a small point, you'd think...but important.

the word is DEFENSIVE, and some of the "recommended starter species" do not read the same books and thus do what they like...and for some of them, it's to get stroppy when a keeper fails to respect their speed and potency.

if that seems like arguing semantics... think about the masses out there that think spiders personally hunt them down! the truth of the matter, as reflected by a careful choice of words would perhaps set them at east and cut down on random spider stompings....not to mention potentially increase interest in preserving endangered ones.

[snake boi]

Hi, do you know if red kneed tarantulars are docile and quite slow?

Thanks

[snake boi]

Thanks for the information, I know now its docile and quite slow.

[beckyl92]

i think the last paragraph just put me off getting a T. lol!

[Croesy]

Yup I think I agree with Becky, just as I was thinking "hmm would I like a spider?"

[promarc73]

well ive had my Grammostola rosea (chile rose) for 4 months now and he's brill i do handle him (even though some say dont) and im very very comfortable doing so. i got him because i have a fear what a good way to over come it. just bought a amel morph corn snake and i can easily say my defo next T is going to be the Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird Eating Tarantula (Lasiodora parahybana) which i find very exciting and a lovely T, i'd also love to have a Mexican Red-kneed Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) but i dont think the missus would let me due to space. but i'd say it's down to basic knowledge, do as much research as you can before buying, and what you caracteristic's of the T you'd feel comfortable with. and this is a top guide

[Duq]

Hey all... Currently keep a selection of reptiles but want to branch in and have a first Spider.

Been looking at Avicularia Versicolor and was curious if this was a good choice for a first Arachnid? Also what set up is fine? i have a 30x30x45 Spare exo terra is this sufficent? Any Care sheet or advice much appreciated!

[Jay1978]

Interesting post. I would like to own a spider one day and did not have a clue what would be a good first one to go for. Thank you for taking the time to write this and now i'm after a mexican lol

[_Birdeater_WM_]

hey all , well i started my collection 4 months ago always have been facinated by spiders and i started off with a ginat white knee , had him @ 6 months old and now hes nearly 10 months , he moulted last night , amazing thing to watch ,so proud lol , also last week i bought a salmon pink ive had my eys on these for many many months , hes only 4 months old atm but hes about 2.5 inchsand has quite a large home and seems vry very happy , eating well etc , but i agree ,i researched these spiders months before purchasing them , so if a total novice T's are ideal