Bite

[Jamie Brady]

Ive got a very small OBT but am starting to get the neccessary equipment for when he gets big and gets the RAGE :P
Could anyone tell me at what kind of size do you need to think about a spiderling bitting?
Just wondering Thanx again

[Richard Gallon]

When it starts to go orange, then it'll be more than willing to bite. +3 cm leg-span.

Correctly maintained it won't cause you any problems. Just a few basic rules:

Don't mess with African tarantulas when you've had alcohol - it'll dull your reactions lol. Obvious really, but tell that to the drunk person who decided to pick up a crawshayi!! I think he sobered-up quickly after that bite - lol.

If it bolts, let it run. Don't try to catch/block its escape with your hand. Tarantuls can't run that far anyway - they have to stop quickly for physiological reasons (booklungs are rubbish).

Always use a box with a lid and long forceps if you really have to move the spider.

Expect to be bitten by this species - the extra care you take knowing this will help you avoid a bite. I've kepts tarantulas (primarily African) since 1989 and have never been bitten. Treat them with care, anticipate their reaction, and you won't have problems.

Richard

[Mark Pennell]

Ive got a very small OBT but am starting to get the neccessary equipment for when he gets big and gets the RAGE :P
Could anyone tell me at what kind of size do you need to think about a spiderling bitting?
Just wondering Thanx again

Jamie
They are capable of biting from the moment they are able to feed. Of course they need to get a bit bigger for the fangs to penetrate human skin. I have had several Asian spiderlings have pop while potting and separating them, quite funny watching them try, and one or two got enough purchase to feel it.

The trick is just not to give them a chance to nail you... just treat with respect, don't handle and all should be fine.

Cheers
Mark

[Mark Pajak]

Hi Jamie,
If it is the venom that concerns you then size isn't an issue as (i assume ) the venom would be just the same at any age. Personally I would try and avoid any situation where a bite would be possible even for a spiderling. Look at the next shed skin, if the fangs are more than a few mm then your fingers are on the menu!

[Jamie Brady]

thanx

Cheers for the advice-the drink thing made me laugh but is so true. He's just over 1cm leg span and very quick for his size, looking forward to him getting bigger. Always show them respect so should keep me out of harms way

When it starts to go orange, then it'll be more than willing to bite. +3 cm leg-span.

Correctly maintained it won't cause you any problems. Just a few basic rules:

Don't mess with African tarantulas when you've had alcohol - it'll dull your reactions lol. Obvious really, but tell that to the drunk person who decided to pick up a crawshayi!! I think he sobered-up quickly after that bite - lol.

If it bolts, let it run. Don't try to catch/block its escape with your hand. Tarantuls can't run that far anyway - they have to stop quickly for physiological reasons (booklungs are rubbish).

Always use a box with a lid and long forceps if you really have to move the spider.

Expect to be bitten by this species - the extra care you take knowing this will help you avoid a bite. I've kepts tarantulas (primarily African) since 1989 and have never been bitten. Treat them with care, anticipate their reaction, and you won't have problems.

Richard

[Jamie Brady]

Feedback

Jamie
They are capable of biting from the moment they are able to feed. Of course they need to get a bit bigger for the fangs to penetrate human skin. I have had several Asian spiderlings have pop while potting and separating them, quite funny watching them try, and one or two got enough purchase to feel it.

The trick is just not to give them a chance to nail you... just treat with respect, don't handle and all should be fine.

Cheers
Mark

Thanks for the feed back mark, he's just over a 1cm in leg span at moment. Had him on my arm recently when housing him-will be te first and last I think

Already ordered equipment to keep him at distance when he gets bigger, thanx again

[Jamie Brady]

cheers

Hi Jamie,
If it is the venom that concerns you then size isn't an issue as (i assume ) the venom would be just the same at any age. Personally I would try and avoid any situation where a bite would be possible even for a spiderling. Look at the next shed skin, if the fangs are more than a few mm then your fingers are on the menu!

Venom not so much an issue with me was more just a wondering what size they can go through your skin-will be making sure my finger is not on the menu lol. thanx for the feed back though,

[Peter Lacey]

I've had about 20 OBT slings over the last year and half and so far things have been fine. They grow fast and demand respect. One thing I found was they were determined to keep hold of their webbed substrate and defend their burrow. I rather stupidly tried to create burrows in tubs with the substrate close to the top. None of them burrowed but webbed at the top, attaching it to the lid, so feeding was always a close affair. Not once did one run out, which is more than can be said for the crickets! Next time I'll leave more space at the top of the tub.
The last 5 went out on Tuesday, they were about 5-7cm and on packing they followed the same routine, holding onto their webbed substrate which I put into the new tubs for postage. One tub fell over and that set it off, my first big strike pose which it held for 20 minutes or so, with its legs sticking out the tub as it lay horizonally in the bath. The mrs wanted me to just slip the lid on, but common sense told me not to get too close. Instead I tried to usher it back with a cricket tub lid and it struck at the lid, and again, and again. On the 6th strike it then retreated into its tub and only then did I feel it was safe to put the lid on. Good heart exercise!
If its any consolation I have 2 females that are very docile and the previous owner of one used to put his hand in to clean the enclosure.
Common sense, respect and a back up plan is all you need

And here's one that didnt want to go in the packing tub:

[Rich.Harrington]

A very easy test with any T is using the moulted skin, if you can press the fangs slightly into the back of your hand then the spider is already 2-3 moults past being able to bite you.

Note I'm not suggesting folk start to go around puncturing their hands all over, just simply a test in the way you would with a pin or such, all your trying to check is if you can enter the first layer of skin nothing more.

[Jamie Brady]

Thanx

Thanx for the further posts guys-appriciated. Liked the pics of the little obt, wee menace.

[Nicola Dolby]

Another little trick if your spider escapes is that they do like the dark. So if one gets out search in all the darkest places of the room first. (You can check behind the radiator but it would be doubtful you'd find one there, too hot!)

[James Box]

i've had my two first for about the same length of time as Peter, though i've since added. i've had three near escapes (my fault!!) but i would stress that they are not horrible spiders, maliciously plotting your demise. they are just fast and defensive, and i think in most cases (that i've ever heard) they would rather run and hide then fight. but they are well equipped for running, very speedy!
the word is the venom is not at all fun to deal with, so definitely best not to get bitten! but i do think that is easy, with just a bit of care and respect.
...like i failed to exercise when i went to rehouse one while talking on the phone! stupid! but i got her back, she hadn't gone far
my closest call was the mature male, though, he ran between my legs as i was sitting down and onto my hamstring! part of the run was over my hand as well! think if i remember correctly he stopped on the side of the bed.
i got him back safely too, but my heart was in my mouth!