First contact....

[0siris]

This was my first contact with an adult (more likely a sub-adult tarantula)

I have dealt with slings before but this was my first time dealing with a T bigger than 2"

I have never dreamed of actually holding a spider this big....this is a big milestone for me :laugh: ::



I know that pinch grabbing is not the recommended way to handle tarantulas...but from experience I can say that it was the best way I could "control" the T in case it decided to do something abruptly...

In case you are wondering...I had a very ginger grasp on the tarantula in the photo above. From what I have read, I should have held on tighter but I did not want tot hurt the spider. I was literally forced to let it go as soon as I snapped the picture because it started to wriggle away...

 

[captmarga]

Some T's are fine with being pinch grabbed... and by that I mean the individual T. Next time, just gently set it down on your other hand. Most likely it will just crawl quietly on your hand/arm/Lap, or sit there. Remember to hold them down low and close so they don't have fall-height.

Much more fun to have them ON your hand instead of in your fingers, though!

Have fun, just don't overstress your T!

congrats on handling...carefully!

Marga

 

[Rob1985]

I assume that's your Aphonopelma sp. Guatemala? Since getting bit by my old adult OBT years ago, I don't handle anything anymore. I prefer to let them to their "T" things... like eating and not moving for long periods of time.

 

[0siris]

Yeah that's the one...

To be honest I kind of broke my own rule when I picked her up. I did it just to say I've done it, but I'm probably not going to handle another. They seem to appreciate the space.