My First Tarantula - Any Advice Please?

[Min Nina]

Hi Tess!

I think you've found some wonderful alternatives there! All very beautiful spiders. I don't have any experience with the Grammostolas (looking for one atm and is also quite new to spiders) but I would still like to recommend the Brachypelma family cuz it's my personal favourite and I have 7. I love the strong colours, size and temper. Of course every spider has it's own personallity but mine are all very docile cept for one which I didn't raise myself. Since I only have a few spiders I spend quite some time tending to them which has made the one I've had the longest recognise me, I swear it does! :P (i.e very calm when I'm tending to it and flicking hairs when it's sb else. :P)
So..anyway as I said I warmly recommend the Brachy.

Best of Luck in your choice!

[Stanley A. Schultz]

First, "Welcome to the hobby!"

And, "Welcome to these forums!"

Hi, I've just joined and I'm planning to get my first tarantula imminently. I've researched fairly thoroughly but would like some advice please, I'm thinking of getting either a Brazilian Black, Chaco Golden Knee or Curlyhair female. I've got plenty of room for her so it doesn't matter if she gets big (ie Chaco), and I'd really love to be able to handle her. Does anyone have any advice on which would be a better species to get? Thanks

While any of those you've chosen would make wonderful pets, my preference might be the curlyhair (Brachypelma albopilosum). Or, the Brazilian black (Grammostola pulchra). Or, the Chaco golden knee (Grammostola aureostriata).

Oh h***! Get one of each!

Lastly, has anyone told you of the tarantula enthusiast's lament?

LIKE THOSE POTATO CHIPS, YOU CAN'T HAVE JUST ONE!

You've been warned!

[Colin D Wilson]

I personally would choose a Grammostola for a first spider as they're a little more rugged than other genus and tend to forgive any slight errors we might make regarding temperature, humidity and feeding in starting out in the hobby ( the Brachypelma albopilosum comes a close second in my opinion)

This could be taken as "touting for business" (and possibly is) but i have a couple of unsexed 4-5 inch G pulchripes juveniles here for sale if your interested ... just PM me if so.