Greetings

[Denny Teasdale]

Hey everybody....names Denny and I'm just about to embark on the hobby of keeping T's....I haven't got one yet but this will hopefully be rectified over the coming weeks. I'm looking to get a Chilean Rose, I've read a bit about them and it seems that it's an excellent starter...docile and non aggressive easy to keep and maintain.

One thing that is puzzling me though...some people say to handle it as much as possible, others say not to handle it at all..!! what's the general consensus amongst BTS members...? also, I'm assuming a lot of you have had Chilean Rose, are they as easy as they say and if they escape are they easy to re-capture..? I only ask this last question as I have a wife who hates spiders (but she's okay with this one as it's in a terrarium) and a 3yr old child...! I'm guessing if it did escape it's a case of looking in all dark crevasses..?

Anyway I've babbled on enough....full membership to the BTS will most definitely be forthcoming and I can see a visit to the exhibition in order too..!

Cheers Ladies and Gents

[Phil Rea]

Hi Denny and welcome to the BTS Forum. A G. rosea is an excellent tarantula to start off with, and I can almost guarantee that it won't be your last

The subject of handling is controversial, and it comes down to personal choice in the end.

Many people advocate it, many are against it. Personally I don't intentionally handle any of mine because I don't see any benefit to either myself or the spider by handling it, and a distinct possibility of injury to either the handler or the spider being handled. There are people who will say that they 'get used' to it, and can even 'enjoy' it. Personally I very much doubt that a creature solely driven by instinct can enjoy anything, but there you go.

They are certainly fascinating creatures though, whether you eventually choose to handle or not, and welcome to the hobby.

[lynn mawdesley]

Hi Denny welcome to the hobby tis very addictive as Phil mentions hehe!
Just one thing to bear in mind if you do choose to handle your G rosea is they are a 'new world' species and posses 'urticating hairs' which they can flick off their abdomens in defense and also lay them down amongst their webbing and substrate so its always best to wash your hands after handling or any tank maintenance and if you see her flicking dont inhale them unless you want a sore throat lol
Perfect beginner spider tho!

Lynn

[Denny Teasdale]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm with you on the subject of handling Phil and after listening to a few owners I know they also say the same so it will be a case of handling only when absolutely necessary. I've heard they can "kick" these urticating hairs as a defence and that they are quite an irritant and pretty nasty if they get into your eyes, however I was not aware they can lay them on webs/substrate so thanks for that little nugget of info.

I've done nothing but read up on G.Rosea via Wikipedia and other sites since I first decided to get one and went to a shop yesterday to have a look at one...it's made me want one even more..!!! The fact I've had an inherent fear of spiders since I was a child is something to bear too..!! but I must be getting over it as I couldn't get as close to them as I do now and looking at pics of spiders used to send a shiver down my spine but not now....I'm looking to get him/her in then next fortnight or so....as soon as I do then I'll post pics for all to see, even though I'm sure you all know what G.Rosea look like

[darrell hetzel]

hi denny, and welcome to the hobby.
G. rosea is a wonderful species for a beginner. give it about a week and you will want another! very addicting. common advice (at least on this forum) is not to handle any T as it is more dangerous for the spider than anything. as for catching it if it escapes, there will probably be no need. this species likes to stay put. if it does get out, a paint brush is a great tool. spiders dont seem to get irritated by it and you can gently nudge it to wherever you need it to go. good job doing research. a lot of people go out and buy one with zero knowledge of the care they need. it sounds like you are going to do great.

[Mark Pennell]

Denny
While I do have a few Chile roses here, they are all rescue ones. I personally think they are not the greatest first time species.

They are notoriously famous for fasting for long periods, they tend to all be 99.999999999% wild caught. Not very active etc.

Saying that they are an underrated spider in the looks department, freshly molted they are stunning.

As of handling well a quick search on this forum will bring up the BTS views on this and as Phil says its personal choice they is no law against it just some good sound advice...

As a suggestion may I say they a juvenile B, smithi would be a better choice. They will grow faster, look stunning just about any day of the year, and are captive bred!...

Welcome to this addictive hobby...

Cheers
Mark