15 replies to this topic

[Raider Nation Fisher]

I have got the brilliant idea in my head that I need a new tarantula. I really am quite fond of them as are they of me. However, I have a few problems. My last tarantula was EXTREMELY docile for the breed it was. So much so that is almost unheard of. I also raised it from the time it was a spiderling. Which I think had a lot to do with the fact that I could handle her (unless my wife was around). I no longer have the time at the current moment to do that. so I would have to most likely get an adult.
Problem 2. New World Tarantulas are out of the question because they like to flick itchy hairs at ya when mad. So that leaves me with the more moody and defensive Old World Tarantulas. Which are more tempermental.
Problem 3. Price. Adult Tarantulas can be pretty dang expensive to buy.

The one I like the most is 400USD for an adult female. Check out, P. Metallica to see a picture.
The other two being a OBT, P. murinus, and a Cobalt Blue (this was my last spider) H. lividum. Are extremely defensive. And can be very ill tempered when they want to be. Okay ill tempered is putting it mildly they are down right psychotic.
Should I jump back into this or do wait a few years and do it the way I want to by raising one from a spiderling?

[tomustang]

You can get a stuffed animal tarantula for now

[scrutch]

I'm amazed that your wife even let's you into the house. My wife would lock the doors if she knew I was gonna attempt to put one of those into my house. My advice is to wait. But take my opinion with a grain of salt. I'm the husband of an arachnophobe.

[scrutch]

Have you ever been bitten by one?

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Have you ever been bitten by one?

Nope. Gotta be quick and be respectful of the spider. Once you know its temper, moods, and body language its Much easier to avoid. Also those 3 types are rarely if ever handled. I handled my cobalt because I knew her quirks, and had had her for A LONG time. From what I've been told its is extremely painful if one bites you. So by minimizing handleing and a lot of respect for what its capable of it cuts the risk of being bitten down to almost nothing.

Also I've already had two Cobalts before. One died back in October, she was my all time favorite by far. That girl was absolutely nuts. She really was insane. The other one, the one I was talking about in my previous post, died a few years back. she was the one that I had hand raised. She was great as far as spiders go, but no where near as entertaining to watch as the other was. Currently we are Tarantula free.

My wife doesnt mind as long as its not a snake.

[Bassn Blvd]

Dude, you've got serious issues-haha. I get goose bumps just from reading about spiders.

[clayton86]

I love spiders no fear of them what so ever I was catching Brown Recluses and Black widows in Mississippi and when I was in Georgia just to chase guys who were terrified of them only ever got bit once by a recluse in Georgia man did that SUCK right in the arm pit while I was sleeping. id say wait till u can hand raise one I think it would be cool and you would be able to handle it more. You should get a scorpion iv been trying to talk the wife into it almost had her a few years back then she seen this monitor and wanted that instead till she seen the price we left with neither animal.

[outdoorsman110]

I got bit by a recluse here in VA, found a home inside my kayak when it wasn't in use, that was not a joyful experience. While moving firewood I grabbed a log and a widow crawled up my arm and I froze I was think I was in for a very painful bite, but nope, it turned around and crawled back on the wood I was holding.

[outdoorsman110]

Gila Monster anyone?

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Gila Monster anyone?

Nope I don't do reptiles. Just eight legged beings. As well as canines. After getting attacked by a bird today I kind of wish I had my tarantula from years past to send in before I stuck my hand in that wretched nest. She would have made quick work of that bird. Instead I get my glove nipped and had a frightened bird fly in my face. Almost messed my pants when that thing shot out of that sign letter.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

I love spiders no fear of them what so ever I was catching Brown Recluses and Black widows in Mississippi and when I was in Georgia just to chase guys who were terrified of them only ever got bit once by a recluse in Georgia man did that SUCK right in the arm pit while I was sleeping. id say wait till u can hand raise one I think it would be cool and you would be able to handle it more. You should get a scorpion iv been trying to talk the wife into it almost had her a few years back then she seen this monitor and wanted that instead till she seen the price we left with neither animal.

Not real big on tiny spiders. If its full grown size is less than 4in. Across I'm not messing with it. I can't stand tiny spiders.
And yes it is different if I'm raising a tarantula from a spiderling, at least its in a container of sorts, and not crawling around the house or where ever.

[Bankbeater]

I have been bitten too many times. When I see one, its open season on the little suckers.

[GLADES]

Do you keep your spider on a leash? ..lol Just kidding.

Spiders are cool to watch and photograph, but I would rather have a dog.

[Scorcher214]

Looked at a vid of a female P. metallica. Those things are really neat looking. The blue with the little bit of yellow........GO BLUE

[grimlin]

Me personally wait till you get time to raise a fingerling.

From dogs to snakes to lizards,I've never had any good experience with older pets that I acquired or met.I had an older iguana that was just plain mean. I don't know what the previous owners did to it.


Spiders are another story for me,which I don't know anything about. I would think it would be best to raise something when it was little in this area. I'm not the biggest fan of spiders,i don't hate em'....but I don't like em' either...lol