I can't speak for all but mine only flicks when it's in premolt. Other then that he's pretty tolerant of maintainance. If I accidentally nudge him he just kinda looks at me like what was that for? But when it comes to prey it's like he came straight from the depths of hell
An all around good first T is G. pulchripes. They are hardy, fairly active, and faster growing than others from this genus. They are also generally docile. As they grow there colors are beautiful in a subtle way. They are inexpensive, good eaters and get pretty big, up to 8".
If your looking for a species that's pretty reluctant to kick hairs E. Campastratus might be your answer I just got one for that very reason but mine is only a sling so I'm not entirely sure if what I heard was true. However if you are looking for a more active spieces. This is not your gal they tend to hide alot.
E. Campastratus are as mellow as they come but are slow growers and not the biggest eaters. They are large and beautiful.
), but I didn't feel super confident in my ability to keep the conditions right. If you're like me, a GBB is great because they are extremely hardy, and as long as it doesn't get really wet or the temp doesn't go waaaaaaaayyyy low, they'll be fine. I would recommend, like others here, species from the brachypelma genus, GBB's, or maybe a G. Rosea. One thing to note, Rosies are known to be a little moody, so some of them are sweet as syrup, and others are will throw threat postures as much as an OBT. Does temperament or keeping their conditions right concern you the most?
They visible more as they get larger, slings can burrow and hide a bit. As adults they are visible and gorgeous. They are less active than GBBs. While they are good eaters, very few new world T's can compare to GBBs prey response. They are also less active and grow a lot more slowly. B. albiceps is a great species for a first T. They tend to be docile. I have it on my wish list.