Hey Brian is that first one a P. Irminia? I got bit by one of those a month ago and the experienced wasn't that great...The itching on the arm would come and go untill last week when it completely stopped

I have a male that I'm about to breed with 2 females, hope he makes it

O yeah, nice collection

Thanks,
The first one is a C fasciatum (Tiger Rump)

Darn how could I have misidentified those 2 species when I own both...It's the bite I tell ya, the bite...

lol!! I think we all get bit once in awhile

Hi Brian-

Fascinating collection. Thanks for sharing.

I just held my first T EVER in my life back in May of this year. Until then I was simply terrified of them, sure that they would bite me instantly. I must say the experience was nothing like my active imagination imagined. In fact, it was Roark Ferguson from AP fame that help me conquer the fear. And now I am enthralled by them.

In your experience, what would you recommend as a "first T", one that is impressive to look at, docile to handle and will tolerate handling? Do they have any sort of personality? Or is it strickly, you're not a bug, so I won't bite you? LOL

Eper and Rachel- Of course I would like to hear your opinion too. I'm not ready to run right out and buy one, but if I see one at the many shows I attend, I'd like to know what I'm looking for.

Thanks in advance for any advise.

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Regards,
Dominick
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"Do you watch too much television? Did you do so as a toddler? Evidence tonight that it could be the cause of learning disorders, like attention deficit and hyperact-Ooooh, a kitty!" - Keith Olbermann

Well for a first t I would recommend somethng from the avicularia species because most of them are docile and they look great. Avicularia avicularia are the cheapest priced in the genus but they're one of the more plain ones. If possible get your hands on the Avicularia Versicolor-absolutely beautiful and I'm sure all the t people here will agree with that. I've also been bitten by the versicolor and it was nothing really so even (the versi got stuck on her own web, dont ask, and I had to free her) Avicularias for the most part do not bite but they will sometimes shoot poo.

A lot of people tend to get Rose Hairs as their first species because theyre mostly docile and cheap, but something thats common in most rose hairs is the tendency to fast and that may scare some owners. My rose hair litterally hasnt eaten in over 4 months.

Avics are also aboreal and like to web quite a bit. There are other beginner t's out there but I would recommend the avics.

Note: All tarantulas differ in temperment so just because rosehairs and aivics are labeled as docile does not mean they will not bite.

Yeah if you want a colorful spider to handle I would say an Avicularia versicolor or A purpurea. I don't recall ever seeing one with a bad attitude. You can handle any of them if you know what your doing. I have seen people handle Cobalt Blues and the "Pokies" as well which I won't do. In fact I seldom ever handle any of mine. My A avicularia is docile and I have handled it more than my others but of course some of my others are real "bitey" lol. Remember though that each spider has it's own personality.
Are you wanting to get a spiderling or an adult?

Yeah I'm with the guys, but I would also recommend chile roses.. Our first Ts were a cobalt blue and an indian ornamental - not beginner Ts at all! But we don't handle any of them, apart from the chile occassionally. The more potent, aggressive species tend to be more visually stunning, with vibrant colours and patterns, although the more docile species are just as beautiful IMO but in a different way.

As mentioned though, unfortunately it's not a case of "you're not a bug so I won't bite".. they can have "off" days just like any animal. Each species is different in venom though, and some can cause worse symptoms than others, such as temporary paralysis or just an itch like a bee sting would cause. It also depends on how you react.

With a slower, more docile T, it is easier to tell if it is going to bite - they may lift up their abdomens, lift up their front legs, or (in the case of this last one there's not much you can do to stop getting bitten) they will open their fangs and sink 'em right into you! -don't want to put you off or anything Apparently with the other signs you can attempt to prevent the bite by staying completely still (if you are holding the T) or ofcourse move out of the way if it is not on your hand!

You should definately add a T to your collection Dom.. I was a complete arachnophobe, and I am still scared of house spiders but Ts fascinate me!

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"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

Hi all, Dom's wife here. First of all, I rarely say no to my husband on any kind of pet. That's how Rex came to live with us and started our lives with reptiles. But I AM saying no to a spider in my house! I don't even like the little ones that show up every now and again. So a big, hairy, scary spider that has fangs and can kill the cat is not allowed in my house. Of course, if Dom wants to get rid of me, that would be the quickest way. LOL

After reading all that you guys and gals have post on T's I have been considering them along with scropians. What would you think about a beginner with a Mexican Flameknee, Metallic Pinktoe, Mexican Flameleg, or well there are just to many to choose from. But those are the ones I had in mind. Any books you recommend on the subject??? Thanks
Matt

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