Karl Parker
Arachnopeon
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2018
- Messages
- 17
So as the title says I'm considering getting my first tarantula however there is more to the story before I ask the usual questions.
I'm suffer from arachnophobia...yup I know how that sounds but I've finally come to the conclusions after many discussions with my friend who also suffered from it (only a fair bit worse then I do) was telling me about how he got over it by coming to terms with the fact it was a learned fear and he could overcome it although his story of buying his first tarantula made me laugh. Apparently his mum had to come pick him up from the store since he couldn't move due to having to carry a spider. He laughed, I laughed, his mum cracked up and almost fell on the floor when she remembered.
Anyways he has decided to support me in my steps to do the same and rid myself of the phobia through exposure and this is where I am now. Come January I'll be going to pick up my new friend BUT I've been recommended five different tarantulas. Mexican Red Knee, Mexican Beauty, Brazilian Black, Curly Haired & Red Rump. I'm leaning towards Mexican Red Knee or Beauty since they for some weird reason appeal to me...I don't know why but after also doing some research they seem to be the more docile of the five and I think part of my phobia lays in the sharp, erratic movements most spider display.
So here lays the question: What would you all consider a good starter tarantula? Should I get a juvenile or should I go with a early adult? What size terrarium would you recommend and what kind of substrate should I be looking to set up?
Really appreciate any answers and look forward to talking to everyone
I'm suffer from arachnophobia...yup I know how that sounds but I've finally come to the conclusions after many discussions with my friend who also suffered from it (only a fair bit worse then I do) was telling me about how he got over it by coming to terms with the fact it was a learned fear and he could overcome it although his story of buying his first tarantula made me laugh. Apparently his mum had to come pick him up from the store since he couldn't move due to having to carry a spider. He laughed, I laughed, his mum cracked up and almost fell on the floor when she remembered.
Anyways he has decided to support me in my steps to do the same and rid myself of the phobia through exposure and this is where I am now. Come January I'll be going to pick up my new friend BUT I've been recommended five different tarantulas. Mexican Red Knee, Mexican Beauty, Brazilian Black, Curly Haired & Red Rump. I'm leaning towards Mexican Red Knee or Beauty since they for some weird reason appeal to me...I don't know why but after also doing some research they seem to be the more docile of the five and I think part of my phobia lays in the sharp, erratic movements most spider display.
So here lays the question: What would you all consider a good starter tarantula? Should I get a juvenile or should I go with a early adult? What size terrarium would you recommend and what kind of substrate should I be looking to set up?
Really appreciate any answers and look forward to talking to everyone