Great advice for beginner T keepers

[Tom Forman]

Ok well this is probably nothing new to most of you but I made a great discovery and am surprised I hadn't read this before.

Basically alot of the time when I go check on my Tarantulas they won't move, even when I pick up their container, open the lid, alot of them will just sit there motionless.

Now I'm sure alot of starting Tarantula keepers wonder if their spider is alright since it is showing no sign of life ( I know I used to alot), I've had to stop myself many times getting a pen and giving it a little prod just to see if it alright. Of course doing this is nothing the Tarantula appreciates and although it should not be done, I'm sure lots have done it.

Well, I discovered there is no need for that at all any more. Although a T can sit completely motionless it is very easy to tell if it alive or not.

All you have to do is look at its spinnerettes!

If their spinnerettes are tucked up close to their abdomen, they are clearly fine and just acting motionless

I thought I would share this with you, even if you have known about this already, I'm sure there are some that hadn't thought of this.

I've basically got something to look at every time when I'm checking on my spiders now to see if they are doing ok.

Saves you tapping the container, prodding a leg or blowing on your spider which like said are things we should be avoiding.

[Clinton Hogben]

Hi Tom
sorry to knock holes in your theory but by L para will sit for hours with her spinnerets pointing straight out though she will tuck them up on occasions
this may vary from species to species but not sure

all the best

[Andrew Ferguson]

Nearly all advice, however trivial it may seem is invaluable to all new beginners. Believe me, nearly everyday my B.smithi gives me cause to think something is wrong.
I guess if you want an active pet, buy a springer spaniel instead!!

[Colin D Wilson]

I guess if you want an active pet, buy a springer spaniel instead!!

Guess i'm a glutten for punishment Andrew, I bought one AS WELL !!!!

Meet Deefer......


Back on to topic....ahem .....

Some of my lot sit with their spinnerettes laying flat on the substrate, some individuals even crunched up a little, i suppose it would be very unnerving to see if you weren't used to it.

[Andrew Ferguson]

Meet Deefer......[ATTACH]1261[/ATTACH]

Would that be Deefer Dog by any chance!!?? I'd call my dog that if my wife wasn't allergic to dog hairs.

[Colin D Wilson]

Of course...... it's "D" for Dog, i also have a Rat called Arthur (R for Rat)
simple guy with a simple brain, that's me !!!

Anyway, back to topic now or i'll have to moderate us both

*edit* Buy a poodle, no hairs !!!! good intelligent, obedient, loving dogs. (good on guard too)

[Andrew Ferguson]

Yes, yes, back on topic!!!

I've noticed my tarantula has its spinerettes flush against its bum when it's in its hide or hiding under a leaf. But when it climbs the side of the tank, I can see all appednages, rather like the tarantula on the BTS logo.


Hmmmm, how does Essfa © sound for the next spider? Rather unisex too! And I've claimed copyright

[Colin D Wilson]

Was just thinking the same thing about climbing, looked round at the T shelf and one of my rosea decided to prove us wrong


quick shot, camera phone, no flash.

[Andrew Ferguson]

And for once, my smithi did something right for me. I got out the camera and knowing I was going to take some snaps in its new home and it took a gentle walk up the side and showed me these

[Tom Forman]

Yes, yes, back on topic!!!

I've noticed my tarantula has its spinerettes flush against its bum when it's in its hide or hiding under a leaf. But when it climbs the side of the tank, I can see all appednages, rather like the tarantula on the BTS logo.

well you can obviously see your spidey is doing alright if it is walking about lol.

and I'm sure this is species related.. But mine all have theirs flush up against their bum when sitting motionless.