The above is exactly what I have seen when a clumsy pet store clerk attempted to grasp a Haplopelma sp. with a pair of 18 inch steel tweezers between legs 2 and 4 on the prosoma. The spider was able to get loose from the tweezers and had the agility to run upwards toward the fellow's hand. Granted the pet store clerk was experienced in herp husbandry so he had the calmness and speed to quickly turn the tweezers around so the spider was further from his hands and arms, but the spider nearly fell several feet to the floor and the guy nearly got bit. If this would have been a novice in venomous animals, the situation would have been worse. It would have been much easier and safer for all parties if a cup was just placed on top of the spider when it was in its defensive posture. Keep this in mind when you think that picking a live tarantula up with tweezers or tongs is a safe method. It should only be used when handling alcohol specimens.MindUtopia said:...and more than likely it will try to wriggle free possibly leading to injury from a fall.
Do you mean handling them for displaying purposes? Such as showing off the spider to friends and family? Cause then I would agree with the above posts. DON'T DO IT.Saldarya said:Can anyone speak to this. Is there a proper procedure so as to protect myself and the T's. Pics would be great!! Thanks in advance.
Robert
You WOULD recommend cupping an aggressive or defensive T, ShadowBlade?ShadowBlade said:I handle my T's I consider 'docile', like my B. albo, G. aerio, C. fasc, and A. avic etc.. but I would recommend cupping aggressive or defensive T's, unless you know what to expect!
Yes, I would, how big of a cup u talking about?Libertykeeper said:You WOULD recommend cupping an aggressive or defensive T, ShadowBlade?
My G. aureostriata is the ONLY T in my collection that would even fathom letting me use the cupping method, the others would gladly turn me into a pin cushion if I were to try. I rely heavily on forceps (not for handling, mind you) for maintaining my agressive T's, feeding, moving items, etc.
Yeah, sorry 'bout the miscommunication.OldHag said:I think Shadowblades idea of cupping and Libertykeepers idea are different.
Cupping to me is cupping your hand over the T. I think shadowblade is thinking of placing an actual cup over the T.
I was horrified when he said to "Cup" aggressive Ts lol Glad he/she? means a cup!!
"oh well, yeah, sometimes when I'm bored, I just grab my OBT, and hold on real tight... LOL" No, I definately don't (hand)cup T's like that. I usually either handle them or cup them. There's a definate line between 'em.Libertykeeper said:I see, ShadowBlade, LOL. You had me worried, I was thinkin' "This Guy is either NUTS, or has an incredible tolerance for pain" At first reading the post I had this visual [hand in tank] "C'mon OBT we're goin for a ride" ;P
Can you imagine, it'd take 0.2 seconds before she was latched securely to my face!!
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!Libertykeeper said:I see, ShadowBlade, LOL. You had me worried, I was thinkin' "This Guy is either NUTS, or has an incredible tolerance for pain" At first reading the post I had this visual [hand in tank] "C'mon OBT we're goin for a ride" ;P
Can you imagine, it'd take 0.2 seconds before she was latched securely to my face!!