- Joined
- Apr 19, 2012
- Messages
- 321
Occasionally, on Instagram, I will do a little write up here and there on very basic information on tarantulas to help at least a couple of people who don't really know anything or who never decided to do research or, for some reason, figured they didn't need to. A lot of it is my personal opinion, or things I believe are extremely basic, helpful, safety tips. I believe no one is an expert and no one has to listen to me, but little tips of advice just to help nudge people along or refresh their memory is always welcome. I also believe people should be allowed to experiment with setups, substrates, etc. at their leisure as they gain more understanding and knowledge. So, like I said, often my tips are for upmost for beginners until they gain more experience. I thought I'd share some of them with you and catch a few opinions. Please be nice to me. I'm not trying to force my opinions down others throats or give out free information to people who never did research. Rather, hopefully catch their attention and interest here and there so they'll want to do more digging on their own. Spark some inspiration, if you will, and save a couple of T's from potentially dangerous situations. Some may think it's pointless to do this, but I have helped several people so far and I think it's fun to do it. Most people seem very thankful. I hope you enjoy:
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: NEVER USE MESH TOPS ON YOUR ENCLOSURES! For multiple reasons: 1.) Your tarantula can chew through it. Yes. Even though it's metal. They will bend it back & forth until it breaks. 2.) If it isn't clamped, they can push it open. 3.) If their legs get stuck in the mesh, they can loose a limb. 4.) Potentially fatal fall if you don't have an adequate amount of substrate or have dangerous decorations in the enclosure."
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: NEVER TRUST CARE SHEETS OR PET SHOPS WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR TARANTULA! They will often lead you astray. Most care sheets you find on google or even receive in the pet shop can have devastating information when it comes to the health and safety of your tarantula. Even most pet shops, local and chain, will seem confident on how to care for your T. Or even try and force you to buy things that are not necessary and can be dangerous, such as heat lamps, mats, gel water crystals, etc. DO NOT TRUST THEM! This goes back to my tip a few weeks ago, "RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH!!" Look at multiple sources that are CREDIBLE! Don't believe everything you hear. Listen to other people's experiences. Even some sites with care information may seem like they are knowledgeable or legitimate. Often times they are not. Read. Read. Read!! Ask for opinions and help from MULTIPLE people, even! Because you know what? Not a single one of us is an expert on tarantulas. "
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP:
RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH! Find credible resources. Read everything you can. Don't take every single thing you read to heart. Two good, easy places to start:
1.) The Tarantula Keepers Guide - by Stanley Schultz (get the most recent edition). Some of his information is a little extreme or I don't completely agree with for certain situations, but it's a wonderful book for every single person who keeps tarantulas.
2.) Arachnoboards.com - Love it or hate it, this site has tons of priceless information floating around. Learn to lurk and use the search function and you'll quickly be filled with tarantula knowledge."
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: Always provide fresh, clean water. Never offer a sponge, cotton, or gel water crystals. Well, unless you like lots of nasty, moldy bacteria and a dehydrated tarantula. "
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: if it's carapace can fit, it's body can fit. So watch how big you make air holes for slings in deli cups and vials. Also don't transfer into a kritter keeper too early. You'd be surprised what they can squeeze through. "
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: When using mealworms as prey, *smoosh their head first. That way they won't burrow, but will still wiggle around. If they burrow, there's a potential threat to your tarantula when it molts and later on you won't have to wonder why you have beetles running around your enclosure. Also, one time my MF Brachypelma vagans got chewed on her chelicerae by a mealworm WHILE she was eating it. It left damage. BE CAREFUL!!"
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIPS: NEVER feed wild caught prey!!!! Here's why :
1.) Pesticides
2.) Parasites
3.) Some insects have natural toxins inside them that are used as a defense mechanism that will poison your tarantula.
4.) You never REALLY know where that bug came from or where it has been."
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP:
Avicularia - Don't over think humidity. Pay attention to ventilation. Avics are NOT more delicate than other species. Where people go wrong is they aren't providing enough ventilation. VENTILATION IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Most of the time, people are unknowingly drowning their tarantula in stagnant, humid air. Lightly wet the substrate (I don't believe in misting), let dry out within a week or so, re wet. Provide water dish. Cross ventilation and plenty of air holes is key. There is no such thing as Sudden Avic Death Syndrome (SADS or w/e) Your tarantula drowned."
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP : **FOR TERRESTRIAL SPECIES** The top of the substrate to the top of the enclosure should not exceed the T's legspan (or 1.5 the legspan). THIS IS IMPORTANT as even a fall from a short distance WILL KILL your tarantula. Ruptured abdomens, unseen internal damage, falling on decorations in the enclosure, etc. Be careful if you handle your tarantula as well. Always hold it close to the ground. Do extensive enclosure maintenance on the ground. Don't risk your tarantulas life."
"*found photo of cricket on internet*
ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: When using crickets as prey, cut off the females #ovipositor. That is how she lays her eggs. Often times I see people panicked because suddenly their enclosure is overrun with tiny bugs. No need to fret! It could just be baby crickets! There is no need to clean or change out the enclosure. They will drown themselves in the water dish. Problem solved! To keep that from happening, snip off the females ovipositor; the long pokey bit coming out of her butt. It's how she lays her eggs.
And as always, remove any and all uneaten prey within 24 hours. Crickets can pose a threat to your tarantula. Or you can smoosh their heads. But I prefer my crickets alive."
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: HAPLOPELMA - Always provide a MINIMUM of 7" of substrate for an adult. Always provide more if possible. This could explain why you have an extra defensive H. lividum or one that runs around its enclosure and threat poses all the time. It's stressed out due to wrong / not enough substrate. If it's settled in and comfortable, it should just run into its burrow. Also, when first housing your tarantula, provide a good starter burrow anywhere you'd like a couple of inches in width and depth. Your tarantula should take to it within a couple of days. How do you keep the humidity up for this species? I pour water straight into the substrate and let it completely dry out in the next week or so. Don't drown out your tarantula or make it too swampy, though. You'd like to see your pet hole more frequently? There are different methods you can use for DIY enclosures to help you view your tarantula. Search around and see what's right for you. How do you know if it's molting? You generally don't. However, frequently, they will Web up their burrows to notify they'd like to be left alone. Don't try feeding again until it opens back up and/or you see its toesies sticking out. That should about cover it."
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP:
NEVER use wood chips, gravel, sand, or vermiculite as substrate. Here's why: Wood Chips - can harm or kill your tarantula. It is abrasive with sharp edges. Puncture wound possible if your tarantula falls. Your T can not burrow in it, etc. Cedar is also toxic to tarantulas. Sand - Sure there are desert dwelling tarantulas. That DOES NOT MEAN the sand you buy at the store is the same they live on in their natural habitat. It will (potentially) enter the joints of your tarantula. It is also abrasive. It does not hold a stable structure for burrowing. Gravel - Not stable, can't burrow, potentially fatal if tarantula climbs and falls. Vermiculite - Does not hold water, unstable, potentially entering venerable areas of your tarantula. I recommend the use of coco fibre, peat moss, and organic soil. Or a mixture of the three."
Side Note: Often when I say NEVER in the picture, it's to grab attention. I have been known to use vermiculite and sand in my enclosures. Substrates can be played with. But this is for the extremely basic, safety setup for novice keepers.
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: HOLDING YOUR TARANTULA! There is a large debate in the community regarding whether or not you should hold your tarantula. I believe it is the up to each hobbyists own discretion whether or not they decide to hold their own T. However, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Every single tarantula has its own, individual personality.
Every single tarantula is unpredictable. Just because it has always been chill and docile, doesn't mean today it won't decide to run off or bite you. Which means you always need to...
hold your tarantula as close to the ground as possible. EVEN A FALL FROM A SHORT DISTANCE WILL KILL YOUR TARANTULA!
when trying to pick up your tarantula, never FORCE it to do anything. Gently coax it. If it doesn't want to go, leave it and try again later. Don't poke and prod it.
if you or your tarantula gets harmed, it is always 100% YOUR fault. No excuses.
don't breathe on your tarantula or blow air at her.
move slow and steady, but confidently.
have a catch cup ready in case of escape
Please don't "pinch grab method" your tarantula unless it is completely necessary. More reason to drop it and stress it out.
Make sure no one is going to accidentally surprise or scare you or your T. Be in a safe, quiet area.
Turn off your phone.
Don't be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
My personal feelings:
I have been keeping tarantulas for 7 years. I have not held a tarantula in at least five of those years (not on purpose, at least. Lol) I believe it stresses them out. Neither tarantula nor hobbyists benefit from handling. There is too much danger and room for error involved. I do not believe your tarantula "enjoys" being handled. They are delicate, beautiful creatures that deserve our respect and prefer to have their own, personal space. It is your decision to hold your pet or not, just remember, if you're going to take that risk, make sure you are willing to accept all possible consequences."
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: NEVER USE MESH TOPS ON YOUR ENCLOSURES! For multiple reasons: 1.) Your tarantula can chew through it. Yes. Even though it's metal. They will bend it back & forth until it breaks. 2.) If it isn't clamped, they can push it open. 3.) If their legs get stuck in the mesh, they can loose a limb. 4.) Potentially fatal fall if you don't have an adequate amount of substrate or have dangerous decorations in the enclosure."
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: NEVER TRUST CARE SHEETS OR PET SHOPS WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR TARANTULA! They will often lead you astray. Most care sheets you find on google or even receive in the pet shop can have devastating information when it comes to the health and safety of your tarantula. Even most pet shops, local and chain, will seem confident on how to care for your T. Or even try and force you to buy things that are not necessary and can be dangerous, such as heat lamps, mats, gel water crystals, etc. DO NOT TRUST THEM! This goes back to my tip a few weeks ago, "RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH!!" Look at multiple sources that are CREDIBLE! Don't believe everything you hear. Listen to other people's experiences. Even some sites with care information may seem like they are knowledgeable or legitimate. Often times they are not. Read. Read. Read!! Ask for opinions and help from MULTIPLE people, even! Because you know what? Not a single one of us is an expert on tarantulas. "
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP:
RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH! Find credible resources. Read everything you can. Don't take every single thing you read to heart. Two good, easy places to start:
1.) The Tarantula Keepers Guide - by Stanley Schultz (get the most recent edition). Some of his information is a little extreme or I don't completely agree with for certain situations, but it's a wonderful book for every single person who keeps tarantulas.
2.) Arachnoboards.com - Love it or hate it, this site has tons of priceless information floating around. Learn to lurk and use the search function and you'll quickly be filled with tarantula knowledge."
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: Always provide fresh, clean water. Never offer a sponge, cotton, or gel water crystals. Well, unless you like lots of nasty, moldy bacteria and a dehydrated tarantula. "
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: if it's carapace can fit, it's body can fit. So watch how big you make air holes for slings in deli cups and vials. Also don't transfer into a kritter keeper too early. You'd be surprised what they can squeeze through. "
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: When using mealworms as prey, *smoosh their head first. That way they won't burrow, but will still wiggle around. If they burrow, there's a potential threat to your tarantula when it molts and later on you won't have to wonder why you have beetles running around your enclosure. Also, one time my MF Brachypelma vagans got chewed on her chelicerae by a mealworm WHILE she was eating it. It left damage. BE CAREFUL!!"
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIPS: NEVER feed wild caught prey!!!! Here's why :
1.) Pesticides
2.) Parasites
3.) Some insects have natural toxins inside them that are used as a defense mechanism that will poison your tarantula.
4.) You never REALLY know where that bug came from or where it has been."
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP:
Avicularia - Don't over think humidity. Pay attention to ventilation. Avics are NOT more delicate than other species. Where people go wrong is they aren't providing enough ventilation. VENTILATION IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Most of the time, people are unknowingly drowning their tarantula in stagnant, humid air. Lightly wet the substrate (I don't believe in misting), let dry out within a week or so, re wet. Provide water dish. Cross ventilation and plenty of air holes is key. There is no such thing as Sudden Avic Death Syndrome (SADS or w/e) Your tarantula drowned."
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP : **FOR TERRESTRIAL SPECIES** The top of the substrate to the top of the enclosure should not exceed the T's legspan (or 1.5 the legspan). THIS IS IMPORTANT as even a fall from a short distance WILL KILL your tarantula. Ruptured abdomens, unseen internal damage, falling on decorations in the enclosure, etc. Be careful if you handle your tarantula as well. Always hold it close to the ground. Do extensive enclosure maintenance on the ground. Don't risk your tarantulas life."
"*found photo of cricket on internet*
ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: When using crickets as prey, cut off the females #ovipositor. That is how she lays her eggs. Often times I see people panicked because suddenly their enclosure is overrun with tiny bugs. No need to fret! It could just be baby crickets! There is no need to clean or change out the enclosure. They will drown themselves in the water dish. Problem solved! To keep that from happening, snip off the females ovipositor; the long pokey bit coming out of her butt. It's how she lays her eggs.
And as always, remove any and all uneaten prey within 24 hours. Crickets can pose a threat to your tarantula. Or you can smoosh their heads. But I prefer my crickets alive."
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: HAPLOPELMA - Always provide a MINIMUM of 7" of substrate for an adult. Always provide more if possible. This could explain why you have an extra defensive H. lividum or one that runs around its enclosure and threat poses all the time. It's stressed out due to wrong / not enough substrate. If it's settled in and comfortable, it should just run into its burrow. Also, when first housing your tarantula, provide a good starter burrow anywhere you'd like a couple of inches in width and depth. Your tarantula should take to it within a couple of days. How do you keep the humidity up for this species? I pour water straight into the substrate and let it completely dry out in the next week or so. Don't drown out your tarantula or make it too swampy, though. You'd like to see your pet hole more frequently? There are different methods you can use for DIY enclosures to help you view your tarantula. Search around and see what's right for you. How do you know if it's molting? You generally don't. However, frequently, they will Web up their burrows to notify they'd like to be left alone. Don't try feeding again until it opens back up and/or you see its toesies sticking out. That should about cover it."
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP:
NEVER use wood chips, gravel, sand, or vermiculite as substrate. Here's why: Wood Chips - can harm or kill your tarantula. It is abrasive with sharp edges. Puncture wound possible if your tarantula falls. Your T can not burrow in it, etc. Cedar is also toxic to tarantulas. Sand - Sure there are desert dwelling tarantulas. That DOES NOT MEAN the sand you buy at the store is the same they live on in their natural habitat. It will (potentially) enter the joints of your tarantula. It is also abrasive. It does not hold a stable structure for burrowing. Gravel - Not stable, can't burrow, potentially fatal if tarantula climbs and falls. Vermiculite - Does not hold water, unstable, potentially entering venerable areas of your tarantula. I recommend the use of coco fibre, peat moss, and organic soil. Or a mixture of the three."
Side Note: Often when I say NEVER in the picture, it's to grab attention. I have been known to use vermiculite and sand in my enclosures. Substrates can be played with. But this is for the extremely basic, safety setup for novice keepers.
"ANDREA'S TARANTULA TIP: HOLDING YOUR TARANTULA! There is a large debate in the community regarding whether or not you should hold your tarantula. I believe it is the up to each hobbyists own discretion whether or not they decide to hold their own T. However, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Every single tarantula has its own, individual personality.
Every single tarantula is unpredictable. Just because it has always been chill and docile, doesn't mean today it won't decide to run off or bite you. Which means you always need to...
hold your tarantula as close to the ground as possible. EVEN A FALL FROM A SHORT DISTANCE WILL KILL YOUR TARANTULA!
when trying to pick up your tarantula, never FORCE it to do anything. Gently coax it. If it doesn't want to go, leave it and try again later. Don't poke and prod it.
if you or your tarantula gets harmed, it is always 100% YOUR fault. No excuses.
don't breathe on your tarantula or blow air at her.
move slow and steady, but confidently.
have a catch cup ready in case of escape
Please don't "pinch grab method" your tarantula unless it is completely necessary. More reason to drop it and stress it out.
Make sure no one is going to accidentally surprise or scare you or your T. Be in a safe, quiet area.
Turn off your phone.
Don't be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
My personal feelings:
I have been keeping tarantulas for 7 years. I have not held a tarantula in at least five of those years (not on purpose, at least. Lol) I believe it stresses them out. Neither tarantula nor hobbyists benefit from handling. There is too much danger and room for error involved. I do not believe your tarantula "enjoys" being handled. They are delicate, beautiful creatures that deserve our respect and prefer to have their own, personal space. It is your decision to hold your pet or not, just remember, if you're going to take that risk, make sure you are willing to accept all possible consequences."