- Joined
- Sep 21, 2002
- Messages
- 150
I keep reading cautions about the uirticating hairs of new world tarantulas, but have had no first-hand experience as yet. I have had three rosies, and none of them ever flicked hairs at me and I have never itched after holding them. I haven't even bothered taking the precaution of washing my hands after holding them.
So, what's going on? Do Ts just drop the hairs, or must they actively "fling" them into the air? Do some people have allergic reactions to just holding Ts, and if so, is it from the hairs? Lastly, I know rosies are considered one of the calmest species, but I have heard of people having problems with their hairs. How many here have had trouble with rosies?
Any other stories about urticating hairs would also be appreciated. I assume that when my current slings get bigger I may discover more about them on my own. I have a collection of four different new world species I just got last week. All of them are 1" or less in size right now, and I don't plan on attempting any handling until they get bigger, especially my pink toe, which made a valiant attempt to escape when I unpacked it. It appears to be a good jumper too.
Bryan
So, what's going on? Do Ts just drop the hairs, or must they actively "fling" them into the air? Do some people have allergic reactions to just holding Ts, and if so, is it from the hairs? Lastly, I know rosies are considered one of the calmest species, but I have heard of people having problems with their hairs. How many here have had trouble with rosies?
Any other stories about urticating hairs would also be appreciated. I assume that when my current slings get bigger I may discover more about them on my own. I have a collection of four different new world species I just got last week. All of them are 1" or less in size right now, and I don't plan on attempting any handling until they get bigger, especially my pink toe, which made a valiant attempt to escape when I unpacked it. It appears to be a good jumper too.
Bryan