Handling time??

[Johnthibert1989]

Is there a particular time when it's safest for handling?? Like, after a meal etc. ??

 

[Paul1126]

Yeah, don't handle at all.

 

[Johnthibert1989]

Yeah, don't handle at all.

Why not?? I handle most of my species np

 

[Paul1126]

Why not?? I handle most of my species np

Then there's no need for you to ask when the safest time is.
I don't handle because, Tarantulas are unpredictable, it stresses them, they gain nothing from it and you could risk a splat or an escapee.

 

[Dennis Nedry]

Why not?? I handle most of my species np

Because tarantulas aren't exactly the smartest things in the world. They may bite or flick hairs unexpectedly which is bad for you or jump and bolt, either hurting itself or escaping which is bad for both of you. It's often not worth the risk. Even a docile species can and will bite if it wants, they may mistake a finger for an insect or perceive you as a threat. It totally depends on the individual T and its current mood which can change drastically in an instant

 

[BoyFromLA]

I know this is not the answer you would want / expect, but...

This post / blog is by @Effexion, and I would like to remmend it for you.

http://arachnoboards.com/threads/my...ulas-shouldnt-be-handled.304699/#post-2759816

 

[Scarabyte]

If you do handle:

• Don't handle it right after or right before a molt. During Post/Premolt T's are especially fragile.
• Hold the T very close to the ground, preferably over a pillow/other soft object in case of fall.
• Don't handle if the T is obviously stressed, stress curling/running/attempting to hide ect.
• Don't handle old worlds or any sp who can bolt very fast.
• Preferably don't handle arboreals, since they are especially known for jumping.
• Only handle a T who can easily fit in your hand.
• Always test the temperament of a T before handling, gauge how they react to you opening/closing the enclosure, how they react when you use tongs to remove a water dish/bolus'. You can also test this during a rehouse when you brush their legs with a paintbrush to move them, if they act defensive/skittish, chances are they wouldn't want to be handled.
• Restrict the amount of time handled, preferably not more then a few minutes at a time.

I don't handle or advocate handling but, those things should make it marginally safer.

 

[mconnachan]

Why not?? I handle most of my species np

Handling tarantulas isn't the smartest thing to do, you have asked when is the best time to handle them, I would say never.
I cannot stop you, but you are risking your spiders lives, taking a risk that is unnecessary - they get nothing from it except stress, and a risk of falling and/or biting you.
Your reaction may be to (accidentally) splat the spider, just don't do it.

 

[Dennis Nedry]

If you do handle the tarantula, do exactly what @Scarabyte says. If you get a new tarantula I'd test its temperament by gently brushing it with a paintbrush, you never know if that innocent looking Brachy wants to kill you in as many ways as possible

 

[sasker]

Don't do it right after or right before a molt.

Are you sure? I always have the feeling that tarantulas are quite vulnerable before a molt (see the 'help, my tarantula is leaking fluid whilst in heavy premolt'). You don't want to cause damage to the new skin even before your T molted. Right after a molt is even worse. Just leave a T that still needs to harden alone. It will be even more fragile then than normally.

Edit: I saw too late that you recommend DON'T handle before or after a molt. My bad!

 

[Scarabyte]

Are you sure? I always have the feeling that tarantulas are quite vulnerable before a molt (see the 'help, my tarantula is leaking fluid whilst in heavy premolt'). You don't want to cause damage to the new skin even before your T molted. Right after a molt is even worse. Just leave a T that still needs to harden alone. It will be even more fragile then than normally.

Yeah! That's what i meant, i said "Don't handle right before, or right after" Sorry if it came off wrong though The only "safe" time to handle would be when the T is not in premolt, and not in postmolt.
I cleared it up a bit more, hopefully sounds more clear now

ALSO EDIT: Just now saw your edit

 

[Ant]

Is there a particular time when it's safest for handling?? Like, after a meal etc. ??

I don't have the facepalm emote available to me yet, but know that I am.

 

[Shaithisferenczy]

if you're going to handle, make sure you don't breathe on the T, that seriously spooks them

 

[sasker]

Is there a particular time when it's safest for handling?? Like, after a meal etc. ??

If you had done a quick search on 'handling tarantulas' you would have found out that this is not really the best place to ask this question. It is a seriously controversial topic.

 

[TownesVanZandt]

Is there a particular time when it's safest for handling??

Yes, the early hours of the morning when you´re coming home heavily intoxicated after a long night on the town

 

[mconnachan]

It is a seriously controversial topic.

It is frowned upon, for many reasons. Use the "Search" for the forum, then you will see why handling is discouraged.

 

[KezyGLA]

If you insist on handling -

Never while in premoult or just after a moult when still soft.

Always low and slow.



There is no benefit to you or your T when handling, only risk of injury to you or your T.
Can I say I have never done it. No
Is it really worth it? No.

We can't tell you what to do, but I just hope we don't see a 'help, my T fell' or bite report posted by you in future. We see this all too often.

 

[EulersK]

If you had done a quick search on 'handling tarantulas' you would have found out that this is not really the best place to ask this question. It is a seriously controversial topic.

Just felt that this needed repeating.

So let's keep it cordial, eh?

 

[Ungoliant]

Why not?? I handle most of my species np

Unlike other pets, tarantulas do not enjoy being handled. At best, they may tolerate being handled. However, their temperament can change over time, and being wild animals, their behavior can be unpredictable.

Most of us recommend not handling due to the potential for injury to your tarantula. A tarantula -- especially a bulky terrestrial species -- can die from a ruptured abdomen if it falls even a short distance, particularly onto a hard surface. Moreover, if your tarantula bit you, you might reflexively fling it to its death.

If you decide to handle anyway, it is best to limit the frequency of handling and never to do so more than a few inches above a soft surface.

Whats the point of having a tarantulas if you can't hold them?

Tarantulas are generally considered to be more of an ornamental pet (like fish) than a pet that you play with or cuddle. If you want a small hairy animal you can handle regularly, get a pair of rats.

 

[Rob1985]

Here we go with the "handle vs don't handle". I've always gone with the line of "if you wanted a pet to handle, you should have got a hamster".

I don't handle any of mine, but mostly because I respect the animal and it stresses them out, but also because I react more than the average to the urticating hairs.