Anyway to start with an Ornamental??

[miss moxie]

Look at this very boring G. porteri. Everyone has ten. So cliché.

 

[Rowdy Hotel]

Nothing can be "in fact" cliché because it is an opinion-based concept. Literally. Look up the definition.

You got me! This is a fact, no doubt and I need not look up the definition. I used the word, fact more so because it was more of a consensus which obviously doesn't constitute it as fact.

Calling a Brachypelma hamorii cliché. Learn to spell. It's quintessential.

Was this comment directed at me? Was my post fraught with spelling errors? I would hesitate to say it is quintessential seeing how it suggests that any and all of those who don't do it all the time are lacking in class.

I did post it using a mobile device which is not the best platform for longer posts.

I see some consider calling a species cliché as an insult. I meant no harm in my post as I don't really see it as a negative so I apologize if I offended anyone. By cliché I simply meant a common idea lacking in original thought but I can see how it can have a negative connotation. I do not come to these forums looking to insult anyone. Just to chat and debate about T's which we are all passionate about.

I love B. harmorii and have 15 of them.

"Fact" is...I've seen far more people talk about how they wished they'd used the ladder system after tossing that concept to the abyss, than I've seen people who utilized the ladder system talk about how they wished they'd started with OWs.

It works. It exists for a reason. Seasoned keepers suggest it for a reason. Can someone start off with an OW? Yes. Yes it's been done before both successfully and unsuccessfully. But just because something is possible doesn't make it wise.

Perhaps some view the ladder concept as dogma and anecdotal evidence alone is not enough to justify it, as you seem to be aware. I believe it is sound advice, by and large, but there are too many variables in the species discussed and the keepers themselves. Enough variables where I wouldn't be so quick to suggest that everyone start off with docile species.

I frequent reptile shows and have seen many people buy a pokie as a first T on a whim, seemingly. The OP has done well to come here first and ask for opinions on the matter.

I offer some advice and suggest other species if they're not fixated on them but as we all know, people largely do what they want and I prefer to address how things are rather than how things should be. I think it may spark their interest in the tarantula hobby more so if they start off with a species they are keenly interested in so long as they know what they are getting themselves into. It is also highly likely that they may, eventually, expand their interest in other T's as has happened to so many of us.

I hope my posts don't come across as overly negative or combative, I just like some good debate which can result from subjective topics.

 

[basin79]

You got me! This is a fact, no doubt and I need not look up the definition. I used the word, fact more so because it was more of a consensus which obviously doesn't constitute it as fact.



Was this comment directed at me? Was my post fraught with spelling errors? I would hesitate to say it is quintessential seeing how it suggests that any and all of those who don't do it all the time are lacking in class.

I did post it using a mobile device which is not the best platform for longer posts.

I see some consider calling a species cliché as an insult. I meant no harm in my post as I don't really see it as a negative so I apologize if I offended anyone. By cliché I simply meant a common idea lacking in original thought but I can see how it can have a negative connotation.

I love B. harmorii and have 15 of them.



Perhaps some view the ladder concept as dogma and anecdotal evidence alone is not enough to justify it, as you seem to be aware. I believe it is sound advice, by and large, but there are too many variables in the species discussed and the keepers themselves. Enough variables where I wouldn't be so quick to suggest that everyone start off with docile species.

I frequent reptile shows and have seen many people buy a pokie as a first T on a whim, seemingly.

I offer some advice and suggest other species if they're not fixated on them but as we all know, people largely do what they want and I prefer to address how things are rather than how things should be. I think it may spark their interest in the tarantula hobby more so if they start off with a species they are keenly interested in so long as they know what they are getting themselves into. It is also highly likely that they may, eventually, expand their interest in other T's as has happened to so many of us.

I hope my posts don't come across as overly negative or combative, I just like some good debate which can result from subjective topics.

It was indeed directed at you and highlights the "problem" with the typed word. It doesn't allow for anything but the word. No tone etcetera that the spoken word receives.

The thing is I think classic is a word better suited than cliché with regards to tarantulas.

 

[Rowdy Hotel]

It was indeed directed at you and highlights the "problem" with the typed word. It doesn't allow for anything but the word. No tone etcetera that the spoken word receives.

The thing is I think classic is a word better suited than cliché with regards to tarantulas.

I still do not understand the learn to spell and quintessential comments which can only come across as gratuitous in my opinion.

I agree that with typed words it is hard to convey a tone at times.

Again, the main problem here is that to some cliché has a negative connotation to some and not to others (seemingly me).

 

[basin79]

T

I still do not understand the learn to spell and quintessential comments which can only come across as gratuitous in my opinion.

I agree that with typed words it is hard to convey a tone at times.

Again, the main problem here is that to some cliché has a negative connotation to some and not to others (seemingly me).

The learn to spell was a gentle ribbing suggesting you where wrong regarding your views.

Cliché has always been a negative as far as I've ever read.

 

[Rowdy Hotel]

If you are getting a spider just for the looks, well you have already failed. You get a spider because it is a experience, not just because its pretty. The pretter they are the harder they are to care for. You need to start with the normal "cliché" spiders to learn and see what its like to own one.

It is posts such as these that make me wonder why I come onto these forums to talk about T's. This is not very helpful to someone looking to get into the hobby.

1. Getting a tarantula based on their looks is a sound and acceptable reason for doing so. We are talking about tarantulas here, not dogs.

2. Many species who look unremarkable are hard to care for and many who look remarkable are easy to care for.

 

[Rowdy Hotel]

T

The learn to spell was a gentle ribbing suggesting you where wrong regarding your views.

Cliché has always been a negative as far as I've ever read.

Oh I see!

Well, in that case learn the difference between misspelling words and misusing words. It's quintessential.

Just some gentle ribbing...

 

[basin79]

Oh I see!

Well, in that case learn the difference between misspelling words and misusing words. It's quintessential.

Just some gentle ribbing...

I bet you're fun at parties.

 

[Venom1080]

Brachypelma are fine. But there are much MUCH better genera out there.

OP, start with a fast growing terrestrial, raise it for a few months, then a Psalmopoeus sling, raise it for a while. Then get a Poecilotheria. You do not want to be bitten by these guys. This ladder is all about gaining experience with basic spider care , learning premolt, feeding tricks, watering, and basic maintenance. All that will make for a safer time with the pokie.

 

[basin79]

Brachypelma are fine. But there are much MUCH better genera out there.

OP, start with a fast growing terrestrial, raise it for a few months, then a Psalmopoeus sling, raise it for a while. Then get a Poecilotheria. You do not want to be bitten by these guys. This ladder is all about gaining experience with basic spider care , learning premolt, feeding tricks, watering, and basic maintenance. All that will make for a safer time with the pokie.

Hmmmmmmmmm. Better how?

 

[Venom1080]

Hmmmmmmmmm. Better how?

Growth mainly. Size is cool too. 6.5" is cool. But bigger is better.

And yeah, lots of people have them. I do like to buy species that aren't hugely popular

 

[basin79]

Growth mainly. Size is cool too. 6.5" is cool. But bigger is better.

And yeah, lots of people have them. I do like to buy species that aren't hugely popular

My Cyriocosmus ritae disagrees with bigger is better.

You buy species that aren't popular now. In 5 years those will be popular. Will they then become not as good because of that fact?

Keeping tarantulas as pets seems to bring out odd qualities.

I mean do dog keepers say I don't want a collie because they're popular?

 

[Venom1080]

My Cyriocosmus ritae disagrees with bigger is better.

You buy species that aren't popular now. In 5 years those will be popular. Will they then become not as good because of that fact?

Keeping tarantulas as pets seems to bring out odd qualities.

I mean do dog keepers say I don't want a collie because they're popular?

Too small.

No, probably not. But maybe. Not many people want OBTs, but they are absolutely stunning in person. On par with P metallicas. I mean, bright orange? Come on?

Probably had something to do with tarantulas never learning to love their owners.

 

[Venom1080]

My Cyriocosmus ritae disagrees with bigger is better.

You buy species that aren't popular now. In 5 years those will be popular. Will they then become not as good because of that fact?

Keeping tarantulas as pets seems to bring out odd qualities.

I mean do dog keepers say I don't want a collie because they're popular?

Too small.

No, probably not. But maybe. Not many people want OBTs, but they are absolutely stunning person. On par with P metallicas. I mean, bright orange? Come on?

Probably had something to do with tarantulas never learning to love their owners.

 

[miss moxie]

Brachypelma are fine. But there are much MUCH better genera out there.

OP, start with a fast growing terrestrial, raise it for a few months, then a Psalmopoeus sling, raise it for a while. Then get a Poecilotheria. You do not want to be bitten by these guys. This ladder is all about gaining experience with basic spider care , learning premolt, feeding tricks, watering, and basic maintenance. All that will make for a safer time with the pokie.

That was my original suggestion. Something from Pamphobeteus, a P. cancerides, A. geniculata then a psalmo. OP didn't seem impressed.

I think a big, fussy P. cancerides would be a good sobering first experience for someone so set on going against the grain.

 

[Venom1080]

That was my original suggestion. Something from Pamphobeteus, a P. cancerides, A. geniculata then a psalmo. OP didn't seem impressed.

I think a big, fussy P. cancerides would be a good sobering first experience for someone so set on going against the grain.

I think thatd be perfect. This hobby is for the long term , no need to rush.

 

[basin79]

I think thatd be perfect. This hobby is for the long term , no need to rush.

Very true.

But personally I hate the "stepping stone" idea too.

 

[miss moxie]

I think thatd be perfect. This hobby is for the long term , no need to rush.

Right? This hobby requires patience too. Tarantulas don't molt every week. When adults go into pre-molt it can take a long time. Waiting for a spiderling to become an adult is pointless. You just gotta enjoy the ride, one step at a time. Every stage of a tarantula's life has it's merits. Besides it is so rewarding watching a sling you bought at .5" hit 1"...then 2"...then 3", etc. etc. They're growing and thriving because you're taking care of them properly, that's something to take pride in-- not wish it was over faster so you'd have an adult T within six month's time.

I think that's part of being young though, wanting instant gratification and rushing through things as if you're running out of time. Ironic really. Young people can't get where they're going fast enough when their whole lives are ahead of them, and old people move so slowly even though their time is running out. I'm going through this with my nephew I sort of raise right now. He's 17 and wants to be grown up and do everything now, now, now, now. Ugh it's exhausting just thinking about it.

 

[Rowdy Hotel]

I bet you're fun at parties.

Really? I get sarcasm rather than an apology?

What bothers me more is the inability for other adults to see it as a weasely way to get out of something after they've been proven wrong. I see that phrase upvoted and liked far too often.

It's like ending a debate with "I know you are but what am I?"

Rude thing to say in any situation but I digress.

Or rather, I think I'll move onto another topic.

 

[Venom1080]

Very true.

But personally I hate the "stepping stone" idea too.

Any ideas then?

@miss moxie that's true. I find that I'm "closer" to the spiders I've personally raised. Rather then the larger specimens I've purchased. As for instant gratification with young people, it really varies from person to person.