My favourite to recommend is Acanthoscurria Geniculata. Grow fast, fairly even temperament, large, beautiful, good eaters, leave fantastic sheds, and always out and about on show. Perfect for a starter T. Much better than any of the Grammostola Species (and I have or have owned all the ones you mention) as they are much more temperamental and can be very sporadic eaters. Just a personal thing I guess.
Hi, Dave! It's funny, as I've been asked repeatedly to do these types of lists, and I struggle with them for some of the very reason you point out. It honestly all depends on the individual keeping the tarantulas and the individual specimen in many cases. When putting this together, I did forum and internet searches to see what people recommended and what the consensus temperaments of each species was. Personally, I have a A. geniculata that is a total doll. I have a couple friends that have them that are more high-strung. When searching, it seemed like they were a hot or cold species in terms of temperament (some could argue, so is the G. porteri). It became quite apparent that there was no cut and dry answer, especially once you factor in everything from speed, temperament, potency of hairs, propensity to kick hairs, fasting, growth rate, etc. In the end, I tried to consider what a 10-12-year old kid would be okay with, and drew my cutoff line there. A. geniculata was one I struggled with and even had on the list at one point. I will definitely be revisiting this list in the future, and the genics will make it on. I will also spend more time delineating which species would be better to get as slings for a beginner. You make a great point that a A. geniculata sling is hardy, eats like a machine, and would grow faster. The lack of fasting would also be less frustrating for someone new to the hobby. Ahhhhh...lists! Hahaha. Thanks so much for your input. I'm going to pin this to the top so that hopefully others can see it and consider this species.
Great stuff. Like I say, everyone has their own preferences, I would never be without an A genic in my collection. Particularly easy to keep and a great display species. I know when I had my first spider, a G rosea (was called G spatulata then) I was worried when it didn't eat for long periods, thinking it was going to perish. Lived to a ripe old age in the end, but I've always thought the only reason they got recommended for beginners was they were so cheap. I think as long as you make it clear that they aren't always ideal for handling A geniculatas are perfect starter tarantulas.
Thanks! And I agree completely. I love the species myself and consider it to be one of the spiders you have to have in your collection. I love the G. porteri/rosea, but they can be unpredictable and the fasting gives people fits. I've have my G. porteri for 22 years now, and she has NEVER fasted. I totally lucked out with her. My G. rosea sling, on the other hand, has taken months off of feeding. Hahaha I think what trips me up with the beginner species is most folks that ask what species I'd recommend plan on handling. There is this misconception out there that every in the hobby handles everything, and a some folks don't get that there are certain species that should be hands off. In the case of a hands-off keeper, they are perfect.
Brazilian white knee tarantula is my first spider. I bought her one month ago and I love her! She is so beautiful and really easy to handle. 😍 (sorry for my english, I’m Lithuanian 😂)
YaBoiLucifer I just got my 1st one 2mo ago, a curly hair named Elenore for this reason. It honestly is working. I don't handle her but in worrying about her well bieng I'm far less afraid. I'm getting a 2nd soon lol.
Same here! Did you get one already? Next year I'll move out of my mom's house to study somewhere else so I can get one! The channel "Exotics Lair" got me into T's! I never realized how fascinating they could be even though I used to be so afraid of spiders, the look so beautiful. I think I'll firstly look around to find one in reality ( in a store or something to look at ) so I won't be as shocked if I actually get one. Also handling them is off topic for me too.
Bruce Electrobounce I can totally relate to that, I’m getting better at it, I actually talk to spiders now lol but they still spook me out sometimes. Some spiders are cute.
As a beginner I'd like to start with the Mexican Red Knee tarantula! But I personally LOVE the Versicolour! Your presentation is AWESOME, the BEST I've seen by far THANK YOU!
Thank you so much! The only issue with the versicolors is that they need a bit more babying early on, and mortality rates for slings seem to be a bit higher than with other species.
good story, but just so everyone knows, if a terrestrial tarantula falls from even waist high they can easily die from a bursted abdomen...........need to be extremely careful
To anybody with arachnophobia!! I grew up with the WORST fear of spiders. I remember passing out when i’d see Daddy Long Legs (or however they’re called). I went to a reptile expo once and held one to try to get rid of my phobia and I actually fell in love! I’ve had my pink toe for a year now and they’re super chill animals! Would definitely recommend if you’re trying to fight a phobia😁
I just got my Arizona Blond 2 days ago. She so sassy, and i love her. Had to wait 18yr to get one. Just cause she so sassy i don't think I'll ever try an Handle her, but i don't see a reason to. She's not a dog. ^////^ she is so cute though!!! Ate as soon as i put food in on day one catching all the crikets in like 5mins. [She so much faster than i thought they were!!]
even though you say "slow" or "pet rock", we got our first T's this Oct. rose flame, curly hair, versicolor, and Golden knee. not planning on handeling much. but living art and loved. wish us luck lol
You really should!! I'm in my 50s and got my first T (Rose Hair) in my late 40s. They are the best roommate you could ever have. The best advice I can give you- if you have cats, please have a lock on the cage. My fluffy tailed demon has moved the screen top 1/4 inch open (old type of container with no lock). I found Hairyette hiding behind my hand towel at the sink 25ft away. I took a pic before the rescue. The same fluffy butt showed me where she was. The first time it happened I walked in to Hairy in threat posture on the carpet and my 2 cats sitting around looking like "wth are you and why are you out?". I have had her close to 10 yrs and only 2 escapes. I need to get a newer living quarters to prevent it but for now I have a strip of tape across it.
After reading your article and watching this video I picked up my first tarantulas ever (a Chilean rose, Chilean flame, & 2 Brazilian blacks). Im absolutely terrified of insects & spiders, but for some reason Im not scared of tarantulas. You do such an amazing job explaining your tarantulas especially their temperaments and negatives. Thank you so much for getting me into this hobby!!!!!
Congrats, Chloe! You picked up some awesome species there. :) I started out terrified of spiders and tarantulas, and it took me a few years to get completely over it. Thank you so much for your very kind words...that just made my day! :)
My first tarantula (is my only tarantula, so far): #CaribenaVersicolor. I’ve had her 2.5 years. She’s molted 9 times and she’s puppy-dog tame. 😊 Named her “Fluffy,” and she’s helped me get over my 40+ Year-long arachnophobia.
She is. Since I upgraded her terrarium, she hasn't wanted to be out, which saddens me but I know she is just adjusting and loving her new home with mossy bark and large steps into platform with cave below. I cannot wait until she is bigger. Love your video btw.
I just got her 2 weeks ago. I am uncertain her age (forgot to ask) but she is no where close to full grown. she sits comfortably in palm of my hand being about the size of my palm. I know her leg span can reach 8.5 inches. I think she has like 2 inch leg span atm. But I am no professional so I cannot tell. lol
I don't know why the rosie's get so much hate? I owned two as my first t's and both we easy as hell to take care of. As long as you're not a complete idiot and know what to look for you'll be fine.
They are a great species. They are hardy, great eaters, most of the time docile, cheap, look great when fully developed. There is so much information on the boards and youtube as to how to take of T's. It drives me crazy also.
The potential for a highly defensive T is definitely off putting for some. My family had one while I was a kid who was one of these highly defensive "psycho rosies" despite being told they're extremely calm. It died after a bad molt and the temperment definitely put my parents off getting another in the future, especially having kids in the house. If you can get one with a proven docile temperment or you're prepared for the potential for a higjly defensive T then I think they're a great species, but they do have the potential to put people off the hobby forever if we don't properly inform people of the fact this species seems to have a much higher number of defensive specimens than other beginner friendly species.
I used to hold spiders when I was younger. To dumb to realize some could kill. But when I got older I'm pretty freaked about spiders. At the same time I kinda want a pet tarantula. Took me awhile to realize the home invaders are grass spiders harmless to us
Tom Moran even if I got into it I probably never be that guy with a trapdoor or any other aggressive one lol. I like the Antilles pink toe and Mexican fireleg. Just a matter of talking my wife into letting me have one. That's the problem. Parents wouldn't let me when I lived with them. Wife won't now. But I'm allowed to have a bearded dragon lol
Hey, I don't blame anyone for not wanting one of the feistier ones! There are plenty of amazing species out there that won't give you a heart attack with their attitudes (or send you to the hospital with a bite!). My parents wouldn't let me have snakes or tarantulas (it was my mom basically) so when my wife and I moved out together, I got both. hahaha. I'm VERY lucky that she's into them, too...or at least does a great job pretending like she is. lol
Same when I was younger I would go out looking for snakes, spiders, and amphibians. I’m terrified of spiders but not snakes or anything now. I want a spider tho after watching some videos for a while. May be buying a pink toe.
hi Tom, My B. albopilosum is completely opposite to what you said about them. Living devil. Attacks everything it can reach. I wouldn't dare to put a finger into her enclosure. It's good evidence that temperaments vary between specimens. My B. vagans is calm opposite to the common belief. What is your opinion on starting with arboreal species? What is your opinion on having T. ockerti as the first "arboreal" species in someones collection?
Excellent point, and one I've tried to explain to folks with an interest in handling. I have Old Worlds that are completely docile and New World species that would bite you in a heartbeat. It all depends on the temperament of the individual spider. I do think there are species that then to be, in general, more docile than others, but attitudes may vary. I know plenty of folks that started with arboreals, and most started with either an Avicularia species or Caribena versicolor. The problem with these species isn't the temperament, but the fact that they are a bit less hardy than the terrestrials commonly available. Someone new to the hobby will be learning all the basic facets of tarantula husbandry as they go (how to feed, cleaning, cage setup, temperature, moisture requirements, rehousing, etc), and these species can be a bit less forgiving of husbandry mistakes. I think if a new keeper really does his or her research well beforehand, they can make good beginner species. As for the other New World arboreals like Psalmopoeus and Tapinauchenius species, those species are a bit too fast and feisty for most new hobbyists to handle. I think the T. ockerti could be a manageable first tarantula. They are definitely hardy, but they are VERY skittish and prone to kicking hairs. In my experience, a lot of folks just getting into keeping tarantulas are looking for one they can handle, and I definitely wouldn't include the ockerti as one of the generally tractable species.
Thanks for answer. It's just general opinion on species but every specimen has its own character. I recently came accross some B. albopilosums that tend to be aggresive and also the number of reports of aggresive specimens in my country (Poland) is quite interesting, cause they are considered the most docile species. My cousin started with T. gigas mature female. His colleague gave him this T as a good begginer species. That's true this genus literally teleports. My cousin keeps Avis in an interesting enclosure. IT is made of glass with a bottom part of one side wall made of steelwire net (sry don't know proper english word for this) and a top side of opposite side wall made also of this kind of net. It allows for a cross ventilation and he keeps the enclosure itself really moisty. The results is no deaths of Avis including slings for the last 5 years. I think a key to success with Avis is high humidity with good ventilation (as they have in a higher parts of trees in their natural environment) .
That is really interesting about the B. albopilosums. I wonder if the ones you have come from a particular population of them that is more defensive? I know there are already suspected to be three types of B. albos available over here: Honduran, Nicaraguan, and "hobby form" (usually considered to be some type of hybrid). I'm not sure if there have been any temperament differences between the three. Starting with a T. gigas? Now that's impressive! Yeah, the general consensus with the Avics now is that ventilation is incredibly important. Over here, most folks now keep them dry with a water dish and good cross ventilation once they are out of the sling stage. Some keep the slings moist, others dry with a dish. That cage design sounds very cool!
The problem with Brachypelmas in Europe is that they are in fact mostly hybrids. I have read somewhere that is is really easy to crossbreed albopilosum and vagans. Maybe it's "vagans gene"? It's still considered the most docile species . The key to start with T. gigas was that he didn't know, what he holds into his enclosure. :D The spider itself was quite calm but really fast. Yeah the idea is to recreate its natural conditions into tree tops (high humidity + a lot of fresh air).
I actually have what I suspect to be an albo/vagan cross. They call this the "hobby form" in the States, as it pops up quite a bit and is usually sold as a B. albo. Vagan genes would certainly account for the more high-strung B. albos. Great point. I still believe that a lot of the species we think NEED high humidity just tolerate it where they come from. Many of the species that were thought to be moisture dependent 10 years ago are now kept dry with no issues. It's interesting to me how well they adapt.
I just wanted to say something about the first trantula that you showed. Brachypelma albopilosum or the curly hair. I've heard people say and I seen him different post that they think that this is not a very attractive trantula. In fact I've had people call it ugly. Really! I just want to point out two things. First I have never seen an ugly tarantula. They are living works of art and they are all beautiful. And second if you've ever seen any of these spiders in person anyone can tell you that they look a whole lot better in person then they do on camera or in pictures. So keep that in mind when you're looking for a new or first tarancula.
My dad's friend just got a deal at the pet store for eight of them and he's giving me one for free. Idk if I want the Mexican Red Knee or the Skeleton because the Skeleton looks so cool even if they tend to be more aggressive.
That's awesome! The skeleton will grow more quickly, but will need a bit of moisture and will burrow. You likely won't see it as much. The red knee will be more visible, but they grow more slowly.
Hi, I really want to get a Tarantula but I'm worried if I get one, I will get bored and will most likely want to get more. Is it worth getting if you just intend to get one?
Hello! Great question! I had just my G. porteri for almost 15 years, and I never got bored of her. While researching what other species were available (it had been years since I had tried to buy a tarantula) I became fascinated by all of the species. That led to me buying more. So, sure...You can have just one!
I've had my Chilean Rose for 7 years and been quite content. I've just got my second Tarantula yesterday, the Brazilian Giant White knee. It's a juvenile (6-8cm) and very cute!!! :D
Thank you for your advice and for answering my question. I did get my first T about a week ago and it's a Brachypelma Boehmei (Mexican Fire Leg). It's probably about 4-5cm leg span but it was the only docile species available near me. I'm fascinated by how it rolls up dirt and carries it from it's hide (under bark), and dumps it in its water dish and builds a hill against the opposite end of the tank from it's hide. It has been doing this for days and days and sometimes just non-stop for hours. I'm already wanting my second one, which I'm hoping to get the Green Bottle Blue :) Edit: I hope it's a female because it is so fussy about it's enclosure and is very skittish.
Cobalt blues are generally considered to be advanced species due to their defensive dispositions, potent venom (a bite from one would be VERY painful), and their moisture dependency. This species will burrow in deep, moist substrate, and you won't see it very often at all.
Hi Tom Moran 😊 I had a beginner question 🤔 If my Tarantula have to big abdomen, do I have to stop feeding until next molt ? I feed 1 médium criquet per week and I think is maybe too much for juvenil 2.5 inch H.pulchripes (she's about to explode 😂joke) Thank you very much 😊 you are my mentor !!! 😎I notice your cannibal corpse shirt 😉 When I was younger, I played in a deathmetal band call Cryptic Cremation😎 you can hear on RU-vid our 1996 music lol and We often go see Cannibal Corpse shows. I talk a little bit with Chris Barnes 😀 also i seen Deicide and Suffocation in show too ☇ Good memories
I don't believe that you can over feed them. They will stop eating when they are ready to go into premolt. However, if you think that she's super fat, you can lay off the food for a couple weeks and try again later. And that is an awesome story! Man, I'm so jealous! Thank you for chiming in!
Hi Tom watching your videos and dark den has made me want a T I'm still researching. I'm in the Midwest US probably going to check local pet store I trust till expo comes back. Any advice on where to get a tank for them? Probably thinking of GBB.
That's great! What type of enclosure are you looking for? You can go the really cheap route, or you can get a nice acrylic enclosure. Do you know which species you are looking at and what size? We can take it from there. :)
I was thinking about making one out of plexiglass. As far as the type or T I'm not for sure on size dwarf spiders got epic colors while bigger ones look just as good.
I don't like tarantulas but, my mom wants me to have tarantulas. Sooooo, these tarantulas are good idea but spooky to me. I'll fix the "Scaredy sense" off me. XD and i'll take care of them if i had one. Do you know any great websites to buy tarantulas?????? DADDY DONT LOOK DOWN WEW ALMOST THERE TO THE BLACKHOLE! WEW ALMOST TO BLACKHOLE!!!!!!!! AGAIN IN 3 2 1 EAGYIFGAW YESSSSS YOU FINALLY MADE TO BLACK HOLE.. PLEASE GIVE ME THE GOOD WEBSITES TO BUY CHEAP TARANTULAS please >:D
i just got a pink toe today for a late birthday present❤so my gbb is doing well but no molt yet and for my obt he is hanging in there eating good .im so happy to have 3 t's and hoping to get more soon ....thanks for taking the time and teaching and care for them .
I know this video is older. Hopefully I can get your reply. I realllllllly like the Antilles pink toe but I've never owned one. What are your thoughts?
Hi! Were you looking to get an adult or a slng? The slings have a narrower band of acceptable conditions than the adults., which can be trickier for those just getting into the hobby. If you started with one of these, I'd suggest looking for a well-started juvenile. Here is a video I did on their care: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-66NBOMgK6HQ.html
Thank you for posting this video, I used to have tarantulas a few years ago, and am thinking about getting back into it. I will definitely have to check out pet paradise since I am relatively close to it, may just have to find a reason to "need" to go that direction :)
Great video, watching from GB 🇬🇧 I'm 16 currently and trying to find a weekend job, as soon as I do I'm 100% trying to get a tarantula, I don't know if you can get most of these species in the UK but I'm going to research, but 1 big problem is is that my mum probably won't let me get one(my whole families afraid of spiders) I am afraid of spiders also(the smaller they are the more scared I am of them) I don't know why but I'm 100% fine with tarantulas. I somehow convinced my mum to allow me to get a corn snake, any tips on convincing my mum on letting me get a sling? And I know I said I'm scared of smaller spiders and slings are small but they're going to be in a tub and not next to my head at night 😂
Thanks so much! You should be able to find most of these species in the UK. I believe the majority of them are available over there. I wasn't allowed to get a tarantula until I moved out of my parents' house. I would keep talking about tarantulas with her, sharing some of the things you find out as you research. If you can, try to get her to watch some videos talking about them and their care. The trick is to approach it not like you're trying to convince her, but more that you are trying to share some of the fascinating information you're finding out about them. A lot of folks are apprehensive at first, but they soon become interested. Good luck!
I've had my first tarantula, a Tlitocatl vagans sling, for about a month now. It's pretty much a pet hole lol but it's already molted once and may be in premolt again already. In your species vid I saw you say that they won't hesitate to kick hairs and even as a 1" sling mine kicked at me when I took its molt. I didn't even know that slings that tiny had hairs, but sure enough I got a little itchy after. It's been a great eater too. It only refused one meal and that was just because it was in premolt when it arrived. All this rambling to say that, as a beginner keeper myself, I recommend the T vagans for a first tarantula
Hello! Yup, for some folks they can be great beginners. The only reason that they don't make it onto some lists is because some adults tend to be a bit defensive and will bit. However, I have one that is quite laid back. Thanks!
Yup...and I still have her now. When you consider that she was likely 9 or 10 years old when I got her (she was already an adult), you are talking about a 30-plus year lifespan. :)
Hey, Jack Daniels! That's a leg from an old molt. The spider did not lose a leg. I should have put a note in the video, but I honestly didn't notice it until people brought it up in the comments. :)
Jack Daniels Actually there's 2 cases where a 'stray' leg in in there - I have no idea about tarantulas but I'm guessing they were part of 'old molts' because in both cases the spiders had all 8 legs, that I saw. It wld b good 2 know if I'm correct or not though! lol. 😉
I have had several Rosies and I thought they are great starter Tarantulas. The first one I had always ate and would really only fast for a couple of weeks after molting. She would take five or six large crickets at a time and turn them in her fangs to make a ball of crickets. Then she would go over them with her spinnerets covering them with silk before she would eat. She was so fasinating to watch and she was extremely easy to handle. Well I guess it just comes down to each their own :)
I think it's just become the "in" thing to bash them, especially with some of the newer keepers. It drives me crazy, as many of started with them, did great, and got hooked on the hobby. I LOVE when they make the cricket burritos! hahaha She sounds awesome! :) Thanks again!
Hi Tom,I just picked up E. campestratus and Euathlus sp. red slings from net bug... the campestratus is like 1/3" and the Euathlus is pretty small - 1/4th".. How long am I looking at for these guys to molt out to adults? I've never kept slings...only adult G. rosea, B. albopilosum, Theraphosa stirmi, and a very pissy Cyriopagopus lividus. They are qyite addicting!
Hi, Ryan! Unfortunately, both of those species are slow growers under normal conditions. You are likely looking at several years or so. My E. campestratus slings are about .5-.75" now, and I've had them for a year. They were about .3" to start. Yes, this hobby is terribly addictive! Great collection you have there!
I kinda want a tarantula but will have to wait tilp i have my own place. My paretns are fine with any animal but agiant spider. Guess ill stick to feeding my garden spiders :p
If you're in the US, you want to buy a sling or two now. They won''t be around for long. These have been imported from Germany because they haven't had a lot of luck breeding them in the US.
Tom Moran I'm from Finland, been waiting for some warmer weather so I could try and see if I could afford to buy one. Spidersworld should have some slings for sale still! I just don't want to risk it that I'll order one and they wouldn't make the journey because it can still go below freezing point over the nights. Do you know what is the hottest temperature a pulchra can live in comfortably? I haven't found an answer. My apartment has a problem and it's 24-26°C in here most of the time, which is a "little" bit over average room temperature. Got my radiator turned off and thermostat on cold but it doesn't help.
Back when this was published, you could find them for that cheap. In the states, many are now more expensive because we don't do enough breeding here and have to import our slings from Europe. Also, prices can differ from country to country.
i really want a tarantula and i love to let them crawl on my hand if i have one! one time my classmate brought a tarantula to our school and she let it crawl on my hand! i got interested in tarantulas after that and i really want to have one! can i ask u something? what is the best tarantula that wont bite? im actually a little bit scared that i will buy a spider and it will just bite me. I know that this is a weak question, but i really want to have a tarantula that i can touch and wont bite! can u pls tell me? and something that's not a hair kicker? and that's not fast?
Hello! Although some are very tolerant of handling, there is always the chance that they can kick hair or bit. The second one on this list, Euathlus sp. red, is the most docile tarantula I keep, and they are very friendly. Mine has never kicked hairs.
Azella AMQ i would really not recommend holding often due to them not understanding whats going on when you do, but Brachypelma Albos are good (the first one), and Euthalus Sp red as he said. some Grammastola roseas are docile, some Brachypelma hamoriis.. it all depends on the spider, but those are what i can recommend. the first two are better though.
I love arachnids but I live in a cold climate... I wanted a tarantula when I was little but idk I could keep one in Massachusetts, I'd worry about it's health in the winter :(
I don’t know much about spiders other than I’m terrified of them butttttttt.... why does the “Golden Knee” spider have a random leg just laying in its cage??
Hi, Liz. I put that in the description. It's a leg from an old molt. When they molt their exoskeletons, the sheds look just like hollow spiders. That leg is off of one of those sheds.
Hey! Thanks for the amazing video! I subbed, I need a bit of help tho I am not sure what to get tho I am deciding on which tarantula to buy, (this is my first time) I'm having a hard time deciding on which is a better beginner species, these are what I want for a T : -Docile (ik that sometimes even the beginner species can act like a devil as each tarantula can have different behaviours) -Slow moving -Low venom -easy care That's basically it. But these are some of the species I have put on my list Brachypelma hamorii (red knee) Grammostola Rosea (red rose hair) Grammostola Pulchripes (chaco golden knee) Grammostola Pulchra (brazillian black) Brachypelma Albopisolum (Honduran Curly) Euathlus sp.red (chilean flame) Please help me decide which species I should pick, and if you have time, you can help by selecting a Species out of those 4 and explaining how to care for them and why they are a good beginner species, humidity levels, food from sling to adult, and why its superior over the others in your opinion! Thanks! 😃 This video helped me a lot! Subbed and i'm heading to your newer videos after this!
Check out this video, Jasutin, and we can take it from there. This may answer some of the questions. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MKMHuyExcc0.html
@@TomsBigSpiders Yes I've watched that video before u replied, now I have 3 choices to pick from (these 3 species came from me discussing on the tarantula forum website, as many experts there explained quite a lot of stuff, from your channel and other channels) Brachypelma hamorii Grammostola pulchripes Brachypelma albopisolum It's down to those 3 and I can't pick which, As your newer video had B.alpobisolum as #1, Most people recommended me the B.alpobisolum as well, so I think I'm getting that! Thanks for the heart and reply! I'm looking forward to future videos
hey.. I actually have a pink toe but I didn't get it in a up right tank.. I hot it in a 20 gallon and the humidity was said to be set around 70% to 80% and temperature 60° F to 80° F. I have her in an 82% humidity (Just very recently sprayed down) and in a various range of 76° F to 81° F. If I'm doing something wrong, please give feedback.
Hi, Dustyn. How long have you had her for? A 20 gallon sounds a bit large. How is it set up? Does she have cork bark to climb on? Artificial foliage for cover and to web to? Do not worry about keeping high humidity with this species. Provide her with a water dish, mist the side of the enclosure or the decorations once a week, and she'll be fine. I keep my pink toe species on dry substrate with a water dish. I don't worry about humidity at all. The temperatures sound great. If you want to email me photos of your set up, you can send them to tomsbigspiders@outlook.com.
As a Beginner I don’t know what to choose between the Curly hair or the Mexican Red knee because of my background (Mexican) but in other words what would you recommend as my 1st T ?
Honestly, you can't go wrong with either of them. The curly hair will grow a bit more quickly if you pick up a sling. The Mexican red knee is absolutely stunning as an adult (and it's from Mexico!). Are you looking for a sling or an adult?
Hi Tom:) New subscriber here from Norway:) Just got me a Grammostola Rosea as a first tarantula:) Gonna watch a lot of your videos, cause I think this hobby will be addictive 😀 Keep up the great work 👍
Hello, Nikki! First off, thank you so much for subscribing, and congrats on your first tarantula. Yes, it's INCREDIBLY addictive. I once told my wife that I could see myself having 30 someday. I now have 220. :) Thanks!
@@TomsBigSpiders I have one ofta those too, but I would never handle it. Mine is pretty calm but I'm not taking risks since I don't even know if I can handle a wasp sting.... Never been stung by a wasp as far as I remember.
Tom, I started getting Tarantulas last October. I don't handle and I have 8 now. 7 slings and one Avicularia avicularia, G. Pinktoe. I have a GBB which I love, both types of Curly Hairs, a Tiger Rump Davus sp, Hapolo??? sp Columbia large Pumpkin Patch, and ??? still learning Latin Scientific name ....Chaco Golden Knee. I rescued an Avicularia avicularia and it is ??? 4 inches or a little smaller. Pics on Instagram. I talk to you every so often. I am really wanting a Versicolor. Carbena...??? I love my slings because I want to learn and grow with them but of course, hoping I don't have a house full of boys. But love them all very much. Yes, I had...still a little nervous, and doing Awesome taking care of everyone. Please reply or PM me on FB Tina B Johnston Baker or Instagram Tina Johnston Baker. I'm hooked and know my crew is going to grow and would like someone to guide me on a more person advisor friend. I know you are busy with all the Dog Farting and clicking, lol, just kidding. I know you are busy but hope you can contact me and ... I'm having trouble finding one. Please help...Signed, you're #1 Fan besides Billie, kids, farting and clicking dogs...colds and hot sauce. Yep, this is a weird comment. If nothing else, you'll probably remember me. Hugs to all. Hope to hear from you. The Poop Cannon is fun getting used to, and it's my first larger...T that you can actually REALLY see, lol, nicknamed "Leg" real name Seraphim. Yep, I need some sleep, ok...this Novel is done.
Watch out, Tina...that 8 will soon be 80! haha The scientific names will come in time. It took me a while to learn them. Did I tell you about Quizlet? You can make electronic flashcards on it and use the app on your phone to practice the names. Some fine it useful. I don't get on FB as much as I do RU-vid unfortunately. I just can't keep up with all of the messages on all of the social media. Did you message me on Instagram as well? Hahahaha. You gotta have the farting dogs! lol
Yea that was my first T. She has a great temperament and is almost always out (besides the winter months), but she is a great T and my #1 recommendation as a beginner T. They don't fast that often either. Also very easy to take care of.
Hey Tom. I am really wanting a Chillian Flame. Where is a good place to find one? I looked on Fear Not. But didn't see any. Also Update on my Avic. She is doing Awesome.
Hi, Karson! Man, I can't find them anywhere. Folks had slings a while back, but everyone seems to be out of them now. So glad to hear that your Avic is doing well!
For the Brackypelma Albopilosum, I’ve read a lot about them and everyone says their docile, and hardly attack humans. Would this be a certain species you can pick up or handle?
Hi, Dayyton! If I was one to handle, I have two that would definitely make good candidates. They are normally very even tempered once they put on some size. :)
Very well done video, and super informative! I hunt and teach on my channel with more of the wild outdoor spiders, but did get from a friend a birthday present and my introduction to Ts, a Honduran Curlyhair, a GBB, and a third one which I can't remember now that didn't make it. Anyway as I was learning more about T's I learned the hard way that some can be very strong and determined to get out of their enclosure. Such was the case of my GBB. I had a pretty heavy weight (in my estimate) over the screened top, and although it was a divided (Plexiglas) aquarium-like habitat used to house both the GBB and CH, disaster struck. Somehow in the night the GBB managed to push the top up enough to climb over and into the side of the curlyhair. They were both fairly good size spiders. The commotion woke me up and by the time I got to the enclosure, my curlhair was dragging the GBB into it's lair! It was too late to do anything. In the morning my ch with it's "cleanliness" nature had deposited the remains of the carcass outside of it's resting area! I was sick...it was hard lesson to learn! Sorry for the lengthy story! I shall forward your channel on to those who ask me about getting started in tarantula keeping as I get several of those requests.
Hello, Bob! Oh, man...that's terrible. I'm so sorry. Yeah, I've heard many horror stories about the split cages, and they normally don't end well. I spoke to someone who had two B. albos he kept that way for years without incident. Then, one day, one squeezed through and was eaten. I try to warn people about this, but many don't believe me! Thanks so much for sharing your story. May I use this comment on a future video to talk about this?
I’m looking for a tarantula that will be easy to care for. I don’t want one that has a high chance of biting me because I have a fear of spiders and I want to get rid of my silly fear. What would you recommend to me that’s super easy to care for, friendly, and doesn’t bite much. Speaking of biting, what does it feel like? Does it hurt?
Euathlus sp. red would probably be your best bet. They are small, easy to care for, and don't usually bite. The B. albopilosum would be another good one. I don't know...I've never been bitten. :) For these species, it would be like a bee sting.
Sounds like you have a sweetheart! These guys are either really docile or quite skittish. I have two...one is very laid back and the other is skittish and will kick hairs. I spoke to a lot of folks before putting this list together, and they were quite split. Again, ANY of the species on this list can make for a good beginner, as temperament from specimen to specimen may vary. :)
I have to disagree on your g porteri point from personal experience. I got a rosy when I was little and it put me off the hobby for a long time. She wouldn't eat for a year so I thought she was sick and gave her to my cousin. I'm older and more experienced now and realize she was just fasting but I still don't think they're worth getting considering all the "better" options.
There will be an endless debate about this one. Sure, some folks are turned off by them, but there are also many keepers who had a G. rosea as their first, loved them, and continued with the hobby. My first was a G. rosea, and look where I am now. And I'm not alone, as I talk to many new keepers that start with them and love them. It comes down to personal opinion. I certainly respect that they aren't the best beginner for some folks, but every spider in this list could fall under that category. The reason why I did this list was to present some of the other options so folks can make their own informed decisions. This is partly why I don't like doing lists like this, as there is no right or wrong answer...only opinions. Thanks again!
So, I have a question about rose hairs. I've never heard of a psycho Rosie before is it just a spider in particular or is it an age issue? Like is it something they can grow out of or? Just like to add that I do not have a "pyscho Rosie", but I do have a super particular and sweet rose hair, lol.
It all depends on the individual specimen, really. Tarantulas can be much like people this way. Some like hugging and personal contact; some abhor it and don't like to be touched. A "psycho rosie" is a rose hair that is a bit more defensive and won't tolerate handling. Spiders can also change in temperament from molt to molt. You might have a really wild specimen that suddenly becomes docile after a molt. Or, I was just speaking to a keeper who had a really tame one that is now wild after her last shed. Sounds like you have a sweetheart! :)
I’ve worked with an Avicularia Avicularia she was the first tarantula I held and was the one that helped me get over my fear, still hate spiders I find in the bath tho
Hey Tom what do you think about aphonopelma seemani as a beginner species ?? Just would like your opinion on this because I'm still looking for my first T and I respect your opinion more then most
Hi, Cassandra! That was my second tarantula ever (back in the '90s), so I think that they can work just fine. They tend to be a little more high strung than some of the other "beginners", but not enough to pose a real issue.
the spider in the blue container had a random spider leg laying there. I couldn't be the only one who seen that. plz correct me if I'm wrong bc I'm actually curious
i am sad today. i have 12 tarantula's 50 molts. i raised a chaco golden knee from a sling to 4 inch's. it went into molt got a little ways thru than died.I can't get another one. if anyone has any info as to what might of happened i would appreciate any info . thanx Barry
Hello, Susan! Awwwww...I'm so very sorry to hear that. UGH. I just lost one of my Hapalopus sp. Colombias to a bad molt. Sometimes, there is nothing you can do. If your guy had access to water, you likely did nothing wrong. It sometimes just happens. :(
Loved your vid. Great info, very specific, very informative. A+! Just taught my daughter (4) about tarantulas and im getting ours in the mail soon. We cant wait! But very good information
Hi, Al! Fantastic question. I have four kids myself, and I think that they can be awesome pets for kids. They aren't as cute an cuddly as some of the pets out there, but they will definitely learn to appreciate (rather than fear) them. Depending on the ages, you just want to make sure they are supervised.
i plan to get one i cannot fathom why anynody would get them strickly as pets but not handle them. it seems unethical and its very lame. Good video though so many species, i plan to get an Arachnid
That's awesome! Unethical? How so? Although some of them will tolerate some handling, many do NOT appreciate it. Many people keep fish as pets, yet they don't handle them. Although I'm not against handling, and I have a couple I handle, it is not in any way a necessity. Also, Old Word tarantulas (tarantulas from Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe) have medically significant venom and won't hesitate to bite if handled. Here's an article I wrote a few years back that presents some things to think about when handling: tomsbigspiders.com/2014/11/26/handling-tarantulas-some-things-to-consider/
Wow man I have a spiderling still of a Mexican red knee and I went to a reptile show and said I want a big spider and got the Goliath bird eater just like u said that crazy how you know
My very first tarantula is a pinktoe. I still have him but I have a warning for others who want one. I was told they are very calm, docile and handleable spiders. While he is, now, I almost lost him cause the very next day of owning him, I opened the door and he took off like a bolt and was up the wall in no time and almost went into the AC vent. When they want to run they can RUN! And climb walls to add to that... named him Trouble cause of that stunt. Also, no one told me he will poo all over the glass walls so, get ready to wipe off spider poo pretty much everyday from the tank walls if you wanna have a pretty nice looking enclosure.
Yeah, they can be very calm, but they can also be skittish and they are capable of jumping. And they will not only poo on the walls, but they can shoot poo as a defense. Spiders are so much fun. hahaha
Hi, Jose! Which species are you looking for? Females are in demand for breeding purposes and because they generally live more. Sexed specimens usually command much higher prices. And, in the case of larger females, they cost even more. Let me know which species you're looking for and I'll try to get you some leads.
That's such a shame. I've spoken to many Australian keepers who would love to have some of these. I love your species, but you're right in that they can be a handful.
Why dont you promote handling? I am thinking about getting one, to be honest, spiders freak me out but i do think tarantulas are really cool and interesting and I kinda want to get one to help me get over my fear.
Hi, Morgan. Long story short, the spiders don't really get anything from it, as they are not particularly "cuddly" pets. It also increases the chance of a spider bolting and falling. I got my first years ago to help get over my fear. On my first attempt at handling, it had a feeding response and grabbed onto the paint brush I was using to guide it. I passed out, as I came VERY close to getting bitten. That incident set me back quite a few years. haha. I HAVE held since then, but I no longer have any interest in it. Here is an article I wrote about handling. tomsbigspiders.com/2014/11/26/handling-tarantulas-some-things-to-consider/
Can you get any of these species in Australia, like are they very sensitive to climate and will the Australian law allow for shipping and keeping as pets etc?
I want to get a pet tarantula but im scared that it will bite me and that i will not like it so could u tell me a great spider that does not bite and THAT IT DOES NOT have venom
Unfortunately, all tarantulas have venom. Some just have venom that's not very potent to humans. And please keep in mind that you don't HAVE to handle them at all. Many folks in the hobby, myself included, don't handle theirs due to the risk of injury to the spider if something should go wrong. The most docile species on this list are the Euathlus sp. red and B. albopilosum.
I'm a snake person and spiders creep me out but I think feeding and taking care of this animal would show me the true form of tarantula and attitude of the tarantula
Hello, Donna. I don't have those two on this list as they are advanced species. Here are videos I did on them: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pseATerzVq0.html&lc=UgzK2O5LEeJ86tkv4vB4AaABAg ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yifD6mKOvq4.html
