First Tarantula

[Julie May]

Hi everyone, I'm new on this forum, so if this is in the wrong place, I do apologise. Anyway, this may just sound like a somewhat daft question, but I've never owned a tarantula before, so I figure asking is my safest option.

I have been looking at getting a tarantula for a long time and I've read a lot about the care of them and feel that I am ready to own a tarantula, but the thing is, I'm not too sure what would be best to get, as I have never owned one before, my best friend (who has several different breeds), told me to stay away from anything with the word 'baboon' in its name as they are much more agressive than other. I've been considering a Mexican Red Knee, but wanted to know what other options there are, and would like to know if a Mexican Red Knee would be a good idea as a first tarantula.

[Michael Seils]

I very recently (two days ago) got my first ever tarantula too. So check some of my topics, they might contain some new guy questions that you might also be having. As for the mexican red knee, I think that should be ok from what I've heard. I personally went for the chile rose, and its been fine so far and the curly hair is another people often advised me was good for begginers. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your tarantula, I know I like mine.

[Mark Pennell]

Julie
Yes Mexican Red knee (Brachypelma smithi) is an excellent choice, they are by easy to keep, great to look at and easy to get hold of as captive bred.

The Curly Hair, (Brachypelma albopilosum) another excellent choice, again easy to maintain, and to get hold of.

Chile roses are also fine but personally I have stopped suggesting these as first time pets as they are always wild caught.

Your friend is quite correct Baboon spiders are best looked into when you have a few tarantula keeping months and years under your belt.

The same goes for the Earth tigers, tarantulas from South East Asia etc. These are personal favourites of mine.

If you have any questions about your new tarantula - this is the place to ask OK. Even if you think they are stupid or silly questions or are embarrassed to ask, don't be! We have all asked these questions in the past.

I for one am happy to answer them.

Best regards
Mark

[Adam Smith]

"Chile roses are also fine but personally I have stopped suggesting these as first time pets as they are always wild caught."

I had no idea there were many wild caught Chile rose!

They are right in some of the kind of tarantulas you should start on. I started with red knee and a month later a mexican black velvet, may call their common nameas red rump but the first book I read called them (by common) mexican black velvet which I am sticking too. Anyway, some other species are becoming more available and as such are more great first timer species available.
Whats become available very quick and many around are; (1)Grammostola Aureostriata (Chacoan Gold Knee) theres 2 forms Argentine and Paraguay forms (colour variation). In fact many Grammostola would be suitable.
(2) Aphonoplema seemanni (Costa Rican strip knee or zebra knee) these make great for beginners although somewhat more nervous and skittish they are great to have. Nervousness shouldnt be too much of an issue if you never intend on holding them.
(3) there are many dwarf species becoming available now and most are docile and easy enough to keep although juveniles and subadults are best bought as the slings are really small and delicate. Holothel incei (Trinidad Olive dwarf)

[Julie May]

Thanks, I've heard that zebra knee's aren't so good for first time, but I won't be picking it up (cause that's just mean to the spider, and I don't fancy getting bitten). Well I'm going to go and look at a place I've found near me that sells tarantulas and ask a few questions, and get a few more books.

[Adam Smith]

They are more nervous than temperamental which is why they are not advised as a first but if no one is handling it its not so bad. The rest are most recommended

[Nicola Dolby]

first spider

Hi Julie'
if you go to www.brachypelmas.co.uk you'll find info on most species in the Brachypelma genus. As Mark said they are the perfect starter tarantula and this website has pictures of all the species mentined as well so you can have a good browse and choose. Also if you are thinking of possibly getting an arborial spider, can I recommend Avicularias. they are gentle and whilst quite reserved they are complete cute furballs as well. Hope this helps.

[Julie May]

Well I have my tank all set up and ready, and I have reserved a beautiful pink toe. It was the last one they had left, and it's all mine! So I'm a very happy little girl right now. I'm going to get it tomorrow, I can't wait I'm so excited.

[Dave Gunter]

"Chile roses are also fine but personally I have stopped suggesting these as first time pets as they are always wild caught."

Hehehe, except the 200 or so hatchlings i'm potting up at the mo

Quick question on the subject - they are now past the ewl stage and are just starting to crawl about, when will i need to start feeding them??

Sorry for the quick hijack Julie, congrats on the pink toe, they're lovely

[Michael Kingwell]

Well I have my tank all set up and ready, and I have reserved a beautiful pink toe. It was the last one they had left, and it's all mine! So I'm a very happy little girl right now. I'm going to get it tomorrow, I can't wait I'm so excited.

So, you should be picking up any time soon???? Bet you had trouble sleeping.......??? lol.
**Congratulations on your new arrival**

[Mark Pennell]

Hehehe, except the 200 or so hatchlings i'm potting up at the mo

Quick question on the subject - they are now past the ewl stage and are just starting to crawl about, when will i need to start feeding them??

Sorry for the quick hijack Julie, congrats on the pink toe, they're lovely

Dave
wait until they are active spiderlings, running about etc. and congratulations on the success, we should breed more of this species.

Regards
Mark

P.S Also to Julie all the best with your new spider, the start of many I suspect!

[Julie May]

Well as of yesterday I am the proud owner of little Bodmin! I'm a very happy girl.

[Dave Gunter]

Pics then please Julie

[matt hyde]

yes pics please of the lovely girl. oh and of the spider too Ill take some of bodmin while Im at yours. Might come back with a new spider if we go to kings