Mating

[William L. Harlan]

Hi, I am new here. Looking at the Forum there are many knowledgeable Tarantula lovers here. I am sorta new to the hobby. Have had my first "T" for about a year and a half now. I have a Aussie Phlogius crassipes "Eunice", a Psalmopoeus irminias, and a Pterinochilus murinis. All female. They are all doing great and growing nicely. All three are around 4". I would like to try breeding as I learn more and more. Can any one tell me at what age { approximately} a female is ready to breed? I have heard it can be several years. Also any advice as for some reading about "T" breeding. Thanks, Bill

[mary walters]

It depends on the species Bill, Brachys take forever to mature. Most of mine I use the rule of thumb, if the males and females carapace is the same size go for it. I have a 2 year old female irminia who will be mated soon.

[Phil Rea]

Keeping and Breeding Tarantulas by Ron Baxter will be the book you're after

It's more to do with size than age where breeding is concerned, and it varies from species to species.

[Ian Hall]

On the subject of mating...

How long does it take for Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens to mature?

Male and female, is it the same length of time?

[mary walters]

Yes Phil, thats my breeding bible too mate.

Males will always mature before females, any species.

You can hold the male back by keeping him in a cool area of spid room and feed him less, say 1 cricket a fortnight/3 weeks, but he will mature when he is ready regardless.

cyaneo, my male matured in a year from sling, but I had an a/f waiting for him.

[Phil Rea]

Yes Phil, thats my breeding bible too mate.

Well it must work then Mary

[William L. Harlan]

Keeping and Breeding Tarantulas by Ron Baxter will be the book you're after

It's more to do with size than age where breeding is concerned, and it varies from species to species.

Phil Rea, Thanks for the info. I could find only one copy of this book. It was on Amazon and for a used copy they wanted $88.00. Is this book really that expensive ? And any suggestions to where else I might find it ?
And thanks to all who posted answers for me.

[Phil Rea]

No, it's nowhere near that price. Just had a quick look, and I've found several new and used copies in the US. I'll private message you the information

[karen Hampton]

Try ebay for a copy....i got a few of my books from there and all reasonable prices.

[mary walters]

Hehe Phil, it works for us then mate, I would recommend it to anyone starting out with breeding. A few gestation times are a bit out but hey, it gives you the info you need in bucket fulls.

[lynn mawdesley]

Keeping and Breeding Tarantulas by Ron Baxter will be the book you're after

It's more to do with size than age where breeding is concerned, and it varies from species to species.

Would this book be available to buy at the BTS Phil? wouldnt mind casting my eyes over it myself but i cant find any when i google it

[Phil Rea]

Would this book be available to buy at the BTS Phil? wouldnt mind casting my eyes over it myself but i cant find any when i google it

I wouldn't think it'd be available at the BTS Lynn. Have a look at the back of the BTS journal. There's a regular ad for it in there. You can obtain it direct from that address/number

[lynn mawdesley]

I wouldn't think it'd be available at the BTS Lynn. Have a look at the back of the BTS journal. There's a regular ad for it in there. You can obtain it direct from that address/number

Oh yea silly me lol cheers Phil ill get it ordered this week you can never have too much info

[Phil Rea]

Oh yea silly me lol cheers Phil ill get it ordered this week you can never have too much info

My thoughts exactly

[William L. Harlan]

I wouldn't think it'd be available at the BTS Lynn. Have a look at the back of the BTS journal. There's a regular ad for it in there. You can obtain it direct from that address/number

Phil, I paid for membership when I registered here. How can I geta copy of the BTS jourlal you speak of ?
Bill