Which one?

[Colin D Wilson]

Elaine, i actually went to the show to look for a G Pulcra for myself, that was supposed to be it.
I missed out on a bargain that went earlier in the day from the Tarantula Barn. (i knew i shouldn't have stayed and watched the F1)
You won't go far wrong if you choose this species. From my experience... generally hardy, good eaters (occasional fasting periods though), lovely looking, docile and calm.

[Elaine Ross]

Thanks Colin.

Sorry you missed out because of the F1. Thats bad luck.

I have had a look at a couple of places and cant find a G. pulchra. Its first on my short list but maybe not so easy to get as the others.

I will keep looking.
Elaine

[Nicola Dolby]

Tarantula to buy

Elaine, before you go and buy anything else, Lee is selling some Avicularia versicolour at the moment. Here's a picture of the one I got at the bts show last year.



They are pretty easy to keep (any worries and there are plenty of people to help you out) and very beautiful. One thing though, they are not very communal so you could get only one and a greenbottle blue as well to make up for the second one you were going to buy!!

[Elaine Ross]

Thanks Nicola

That is indeed a stunning T but I think I should stick with the terrestrial ones until I learn more. The arboreal ones look a bit more complicated to care for. Perhpas when I have more experience I will give the arboreal T's a try.

Elaine

[mike halewood]

Im hoping to get an arboreal from this years show, Im just hoping there are some juvs there!!! Either a Pokie or a A. versicolor. But that is one stunning looking T Nicola.

[J M Clegg]

Elaine, Your getting an A.Chacona as a beginner spider??? Your a brave Lady!!! Believe me you would be much safer with the A.Versicolour!!!

Don't get me wrong - the Chacona is a wonderful spider. I have a HUGE female, who I love to bits. We call her John Smith - after the no-nonsense beer adverts. She will eat and eat and eat. She has even been known to attack the water as it splashes out of her water bowl as I fill it. She usually sit's out in the open and is a real talking point. But, she is ferocious. I have about 60 spiders here of varying species (H.Lividum, H.Manax, a couple of baboons, pokies etc) and she is the one I treat with the most respect. The minute the tank lid is open - and the tweezers go in, she is on her back with fangs out poised to strike, or flicking hairs at me. She scares the living daylights of me and I have kept insects and spiders all my life!

Your sling will grow very very fast, and it will eat and eat and eat. It will be fantastic. Almost as good as a A.Geniculata to see develop. And on it's adult molt, its colours will be gorgeous. A wonderful spider. Just PLEASE don't ever get complacent with it. They get big, the get fast and they are very defensive. I would argue that mine is at least as aggressive as either a baboon spider or a cobalt blue.

The Versicolour or perhaps a A.Avicularia is a wonderful spider to own, a great intro to arborials and very easy to keep. You should try and find one of these at some point. You won't be disappointed.

[Johanna Turner]

I think one of the biggest things to realise with alot of the agressive spiders is the fact that these creatures can move really bl**dy fast! That's the thing, so when they combine that with a nasty attitude it ain't great!

I have some pokies which came with a warning of their agression and speed - I have not had any problem with these even transferring the fasciata into a different home last weekend. I think so long as you use common sense when doing anything with them and prepare for the worst it's usually ok. And if they have space to get away 'most' will use flight instead of fight.

I know this ain't always the case but it has been so for me (Wait till my P, murinus grows up, I'll change my tune!)

I think it depends too on your attitude with them, you need to be confident but not to the point of cocky, I have become way more confident in my handling of these (I don't mean I get them out and play with them - but I think watching Lee in thespidershop and how confident he was with them and how the spiders reacted made me realise this works) and I think this has helped me deal with even the skittish ones better.

I have some varieties that most would say I was mad to get this early into the hobby but I like to think I am very careful, respect the spider's and their individual characteristics (Like people, they don't always behave exactly as the care sheets tell you they should!! lol!) and use a bit of common sense (And a long pair of tweezers! lmao!).

I would love to tell you the full list but embarrassed that someone might have a go at me about overfacing myself too soon.

But I spend time with them every night and adore feeding time! I have some little (and bigger) corkers and love every minute of the hobby so far!
They keep me sane and I am so attached to some of them already! Have some brilliant moments, especially watching my B, smithi juv digging out her burrow and carrying dirt out with her Chelicerae and pedipalps! Bless! So cute!

[J M Clegg]

Johanna - your post made me laugh!!!

My first Tarantula G.Rosea,

My next 5?
T.Blondi
H.Minax
P.Regalis
P.Fortis
C.Hauahini

Oh yeah, good beginner spiders all of them!!!!!

The minax especially - very very fast and very agressive.

[Elaine Ross]

Elaine, Your getting an A.Chacona as a beginner spider??? Your a brave Lady!!! Believe me you would be much safer with the A.Versicolour!!!

Don't get me wrong - the Chacona is a wonderful spider. I have a HUGE female, who I love to bits. We call her John Smith - after the no-nonsense beer adverts. She will eat and eat and eat. She has even been known to attack the water as it splashes out of her water bowl as I fill it. She usually sit's out in the open and is a real talking point. But, she is ferocious.

Thanks for taking the time to reply

I think you have talked me out of the A. chacoana for the time being. I think for the large one I will stick with my original want of the G. aureostriata and maybe a couple smaller ones like the B. emilia (I saw one in the Tarantula Shop website) and the G. pulchra (cant fine one yet) that was mentioned earlier.

I'm glad I'm not in a hurry to decide because I may well have ended up with something I wasnt prepared for.

Elaine

[Elaine Ross]

I think one of the biggest things to realise with alot of the agressive spiders is the fact that these creatures can move really bl**dy fast! That's the thing, so when they combine that with a nasty attitude it ain't great!


I think it depends too on your attitude with them, you need to be confident but not to the point of cocky,

I have some varieties that most would say I was mad to get this early into the hobby but I like to think I am very careful, respect the spider's and their individual characteristics (Like people, they don't always behave exactly as the care sheets tell you they should!! lol!) and use a bit of common sense (And a long pair of tweezers! lmao!).

Hi Johanna
Sorry I couldnt figure out the multi-quote option so just cut some of it

Your post was really helpful and much appreciated. I'm learning so much from all of you here in such a short time.

I totally agree with what you say about respecting the spider, I do this for all critters I come across. I have a parrot here who can be pretty vicious and one who is just tempermental so respect is definitely warranted when you see what they can do with those beaks lol. Confidence is a must in all cases.

Like you, I wont be handling my T's. I dont see any need to and from what I have read it isnt good for the T anyway and can be dangerous to it. I will be content to watch, learn and enjoy.

I cant believe how hooked I am already after only having my little guy for such a short time.

Elaine

[J M Clegg]

Elaine, don't get me wrong - the Chacoana is a fantastic spider, but as a beginner (in my opinion) not really that suitable when it gets bigger!

The B.Emilia is a good choice, very slow growing though as a sling and will need patience. Another one to look for is the B.Bohemi it has much brighter colours than the B.Emilia. I like to grow on my spiders from slings, that way you learn about each individual spider as it grows and of course figure it's personality.

The BTS show in May is a great place to find the odd bargain. European breeders attend also and it's suprising the number of different species that turn up. You may well find your G. pulchra there. Last year I bought slings of H.Lividum and A.Versicolour for £3 each! i bought a G.Aureostriata for £2.

I was like my Mrs in a shoe shop on Boxing Day!

[Elaine Ross]

Elaine, don't get me wrong - the Chacoana is a fantastic spider, but as a beginner (in my opinion) not really that suitable when it gets bigger!

The B.Emilia is a good choice, very slow growing though as a sling and will need patience. Another one to look for is the B.Bohemi it has much brighter colours than the B.Emilia. I like to grow on my spiders from slings, that way you learn about each individual spider as it grows and of course figure it's personality.

The BTS show in May is a great place to find the odd bargain. European breeders attend also and it's suprising the number of different species that turn up. You may well find your G. pulchra there. Last year I bought slings of H.Lividum and A.Versicolour for £3 each! i bought a G.Aureostriata for £2.

I was like my Mrs in a shoe shop on Boxing Day!

My heart is definitely set on the G. aureostriata and the G. pulchra but I will keep looking and taking advice on the 3rd for the moment.

I think the show will be too far for me. Do you know if there are ever any in Scotland?

I'm sitting here giggling at your "I was like my Mrs in a show shop on Boxing Day!" lol.

Elaine

[sarah Smith]

You know Eliane arborials are not any more complicated to look after than terrestrials they just need a different kind of tank set up. The only real difference in the care of most arborials is that they need height rather than floor space, and some sort of vertical hide or log, so dont let that stop you if your intrested in the avics that have been shown to you here.

[Elaine Ross]

You know Eliane arborials are not any more complicated to look after than terrestrials they just need a different kind of tank set up. The only real difference in the care of most arborials is that they need height rather than floor space, and some sort of vertical hide or log, so dont let that stop you if your intrested in the avics that have been shown to you here.

Thanks Sarah

I have had a look at some of the arboreals and must admit I was rather taken with a few. I will keep reading and learning.

I'm getting organised at the moment with a couple of new tanks, I need heat mats and a thermostat and a couple more bits and bobs. I dont think the heat mat on the B. vagans tank is upto much as I'm having trouble maintaining the temperature. Any suggestions on type and where to buy? (as cheap as possible of course so long as it is the right thing)

If you have a few T's how do you manage with heat mats etc. Do they all have one or is there a better way? I dont have a seperate room to house them so will be in the living room. Funds are prettty tight so suggestions would be great.

Elaine

[Lee Ardern]

I find all Grammostola species equally as docile.