B. Smithi or B. Albipolosum more handleable?

[viper69]

Comparing fish and T handling is NOT a fair comparison at all. Shame on you Belle hah

I don't think handling is an epidemic as Poec said. It's only more noticeable due to the internet. I'm sure there were a lot of people handling Ts before the internet - my friend did, we are only more aware of it, and the exotic hobbies have increased in number.

 

[Poec54]

The last thing I need is a bunch of teenage boys proving their masculinity by buying and holding tarantulas.

Unfortunately we periodically get teenagers, and men older than that, trying to prove their masculinity with tarantulas, OBT's being the most common choice (as important as this is to their egos, they usually don't spend much money on the spider). They come here pounding their chests, flushed with testosterone, and expect us to be impressed and to encourage their endeavors. As a further example of their maturity they invariably take offense to our advice, & lose their tempers and call us names. It's become so predictable.

 

[parthicus]

If you insist on handling, my opinion would be the B. Smithi. I would be aware of the urticating hairs though. It really boils down to the personality of the individual tarantula. If you get a sling, you will be able to watch it grow and learn to predict its actions(ex. kicking hairs).

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Unfortunately we periodically get teenagers, and men older than that, trying to prove their masculinity with tarantulas, OBT's being the most common choice (as important as this is to their egos, they usually don't spend much money on the spider). They come here pounding their chests, flushed with testosterone, and expect us to be impressed and to encourage their endeavors. As a further example of their maturity they invariably take offense to our advice, & lose their tempers and call us names. It's become so predictable.

That's one of the few "PRO" there's here in Italy. No more than 200 enthusiasts, no handling maniacs, and some T's for free due to "Ban Fear" received as well... however here, even prior to 2003 Ban, hobby was always a somewhat niche one. Not like now, of course.

 

[parthicus]

That's one of the few "PRO" there's here in Italy. No more than 200 enthusiasts, no handling maniacs, and some T's for free due to "Ban Fear" received as well... however here, even prior to 2003 Ban, hobby was always a somewhat niche one. Not like now, of course.

I agree with this hobby being somewhat a niche. Before I got into the hobby, i only knew of Rose hair tarantulas. After doing research, i learned of how large the hobby actually is, and how many different tarantulas there are.

 

[Chris LXXIX]

I agree with this hobby being somewhat a niche. Before I got into the hobby, i only knew of Rose hair tarantulas. After doing research, i learned of how large the hobby actually is, and how many different tarantulas there are.

Seems that lately here things are changing a bit better, but the ban is still on. Prior to that i'd say no more than 500 enthusiasts? In a nation of 60 million people.
Here was niche at it's finest. And after the ban a lot of keepers decided to quit, go figure now..

 

[parthicus]

Seems that lately here things are changing a bit better, but the ban is still on. Prior to that i'd say no more than 500 enthusiasts? In a nation of 60 million people.
Here was niche at it's finest. And after the ban a lot of keepers decided to quit, go figure now..

Yea that sounds backwards, i wander why they all decided to quit.

 

[Tim Benzedrine]

Well, the only one of mine that I would handle if I absolutely had to -and I cannot imagine a scenario that would require that - would be my be my B. smithi, it is the only one that I will nudge with my finger if it gets in my way. but it is still a juvenile and may change when it gets bigger. But for now it has a very laid-back disposition.

The LAST one I currently would consider putting my fingers even near -get this - my juvenile E. campestratus, one of the more recommended in regard to handling. That thing is a psychopath in regard to feeding response. I almost think I'd rather take my chances with my LP who has a pretty good feeding response by her own rights.At least the LP attacks and seems to think Oops! Not food!" and backs off. The campestratus launches on to things and holds on. By way of example I was taking out the water cap (with tongs, which as we have discussed don't always maintain a grip) and the cap fell back onto the substrate. The EC, who was several inches away and facing the other direction, did an about-face and launched onto the cap and the hit was audible. I really feared for his fangs, but they appeared intact and he fed okay the next night.

Ran a bit off topic, but it serves to underline how tarantulas can differ from spider to spider and probably day to day, so none are great candidates for handling and so handling should just be avoided.

 

[Angel Minkov]

If I handle to show, it's my B. smithi. And please, don't tell me it doesn't help at all, because I've had people touch molts and such, but they're scared shitless of the T itself and would never hold it (though I've only used the handling method with my girlfriend, never in public and it did wonders). If you ever want to handle, just don't handle adults, whatever the species. If a sling falls from a short distance - whatever, it'll "dust" it off, but an adult can easily have a rupture or bite you, and even though it may not have potent venom, most adults have 1/2''-1'' fangs which wouldn't feel pleasant sinking in your hand. Never handle overfed slings as well. I always tell people (well, lie actually about envenomation results) that they can't kill you, but they can make you experience spasms, extreme pain, breathing issues, swelling, nausea and such and tell them to get a B. smithi with the "never handle" tip. I've gotten rid of quite a few people's fears from Ts now, and some friends even wanted to buy some. Handling isn't completely useless, but I agree it shouldn't be used with 5th graders, but rather only mature people who understand the phrase "handling isn't recommended''

 

[Beary Strange]

Comparing fish and T handling is NOT a fair comparison at all. Shame on you Belle hah

You know, you're right about that. Fish are under no threat of a ban because of stupid owners feeling the need to handle their fish. Tarantulas, on the other hand, are; bans have taken place in much more reasonable places than here because of irresponsible owners.

 

[Angel Minkov]

I'm "lucky" to live in a country which doesn't give a crap. People around here are posting handling photos all day, people bitten by Pokies and OBTs recommending P. murinus as a first OW, saying it's fine... I try to handle the situation, but they don't even stop to read what I have to say :sarcasm:

 

[Chris LXXIX]

You know, you're right about that. Fish are under no threat of a ban because of stupid owners feeling the need to handle their fish. Tarantulas, on the other hand, are; bans have taken place in much more reasonable places than here because of irresponsible owners.

Ah ah ah ah i completely agree with you Belle Fury (sorry, i laugh only because you said "reasonable" and i think to Italy, the land where everything can happen)

Check here this vid (made from a tourist) that's a normal day on Roma. Please note the local police (not the police.. local police are those supposed here to regulate car incidents, traffic laws etc) white car at the beginning. It's normality.
Italy, the land of "DIY".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sFk5kgY_V8

Btw, here the ban happened this way.

Airport of Roma, 2003. They discovered a container (i doubt, but here media used that word) full of scorpions and T's.

Politicians: "Scorpions, whaat ? "
Officers: "Yeah, scorpions. For people who collect those as pets, probably."
Politicians : "Pets.. whaat? They collect... seriously.. whaat ? "
Officers: "Scorpions, big spiders as well."
Politicians : "Whaaat, impossible, unacceptable! Ban"

For the record, Legge 213 (arachnid ban) was one of the "fast to made by them, laws" of Italy.

Facts are, on a total, personal view of mine, they were only lucky.. they spotted that shipment, otherwise no ban would had happened.
Prior? They weren't even aware of the hobby, too much busy filling their unfinished pockets with people money. Oh, like today, just posing a bit as austerity folks

 

[Poec54]

I'm "lucky" to live in a country which doesn't give a crap. People around here are posting handling photos all day, people bitten by Pokies and OBTs recommending P. murinus as a first OW, saying it's fine... I try to handle the situation, but they don't even stop to read what I have to say :sarcasm:

It's very different in the US, hence all the advice to not handle.

 

[BobGrill]

If I handle to show, it's my B. smithi. And please, don't tell me it doesn't help at all, because I've had people touch molts and such, but they're scared shitless of the T itself and would never hold it (though I've only used the handling method with my girlfriend, never in public and it did wonders). If you ever want to handle, just don't handle adults, whatever the species. If a sling falls from a short distance - whatever, it'll "dust" it off, but an adult can easily have a rupture or bite you, and even though it may not have potent venom, most adults have 1/2''-1'' fangs which wouldn't feel pleasant sinking in your hand. Never handle overfed slings as well. I always tell people (well, lie actually about envenomation results) that they can't kill you, but they can make you experience spasms, extreme pain, breathing issues, swelling, nausea and such and tell them to get a B. smithi with the "never handle" tip. I've gotten rid of quite a few people's fears from Ts now, and some friends even wanted to buy some. Handling isn't completely useless, but I agree it shouldn't be used with 5th graders, but rather only mature people who understand the phrase "handling isn't recommended''

It doesn't help.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

 

[Beary Strange]

Ah ah ah ah i completely agree with you Belle Fury (sorry, i laugh only because you said "reasonable" and i think to Italy, the land where everything can happen)

Oh I don't mean Italy. No offense but I'm well aware your homeland is no more reasonable than mine. Well, maybe a tiny bit more reasonable. Yours were at least banned in a common fear; here our politicians are such crazed, religious nuts that if tarantula keeping ever pops up on their radar they'll probably claim they're of the devil and push for a ban with that "logic".

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Oh I don't mean Italy. No offense but I'm well aware your homeland is no more reasonable than mine. Well, maybe a tiny bit more reasonable. Yours were at least banned in a common fear; here our politicians are such crazed, religious nuts that if tarantula keeping ever pops up on their radar they'll probably claim they're of the devil and push for a ban with that "logic".

Ah ah ah I love USA province, you know. Really. I mean, damn! Here there's the Pope, the Catholic church etc as you know, but no one of them bothered me for my Slayer T shirt, long hairs (well, still have those) ripped jeans back then, in the '90. Only those nasty leftists radical chic politically correct teachers.
I wanted to live sooo much in those "Children of the corn" USA little towns, where there's Baptists screaming against innocent sex, heavy metal and plenty of other stuff, pool bar brawls, weapons everywhere.. people who "Hey, buddy! Is there an Indian with you or what?"

For the laughs, oh for the laughs only. Just when years ago loved to Troll posing as a Westboro Baptist Church follower on metal heads YT channels.
No one spotted me as Italian (Amazing! My English is pure garbage)

"REPEEEENT!" FTW

lol

Long live hidden USA city, Long live Italy, where the T's ban is like that Roma video.

 

[Angel Minkov]

It doesn't help.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

Yes, it does. For you - maybe it doesn't, because you don't know how to use it. But for people who know how to phrase themselves and tell people what they want to hear - it works wonders. I've gotten rid of the fear of arachnids from dozens of people. Its like a daily job for me, so there's no need to tell me what works and doesn't work when I already know. I don't use the handling method at all, but if I have to, in private, I would. That's how I got rid of my girlfriend's fear of Ts and I don't see her wanting to handle Ts all the time, and I don't let her anymore as well, as I don't have NW slings. My B. smithi is a juvie now and I can't risk it biting her. Its just a matter of who you show it to and how you do it. Don't show it to idiots or do it with big Ts and you will be fine

 

[BobGrill]

Yes, it does. For you - maybe it doesn't, because you don't know how to use it. But for people who know how to phrase themselves and tell people what they want to hear - it works wonders. I've gotten rid of the fear of arachnids from dozens of people. Its like a daily job for me, so there's no need to tell me what works and doesn't work when I already know. I don't use the handling method at all, but if I have to, in private, I would. That's how I got rid of my girlfriend's fear of Ts and I don't see her wanting to handle Ts all the time, and I don't let her anymore as well, as I don't have NW slings. My B. smithi is a juvie now and I can't risk it biting her. Its just a matter of who you show it to and how you do it. Don't show it to idiots or do it with big Ts and you will be fine

You're right, I don't know how to use it. I'm such a bad man Angel. Help me become more like you!

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Yes, it does. For you - maybe it doesn't, because you don't know how to use it. But for people who know how to phrase themselves and tell people what they want to hear - it works wonders. I've gotten rid of the fear of arachnids from dozens of people. Its like a daily job for me, so there's no need to tell me what works and doesn't work when I already know. I don't use the handling method at all, but if I have to, in private, I would. That's how I got rid of my girlfriend's fear of Ts and I don't see her wanting to handle Ts all the time, and I don't let her anymore as well, as I don't have NW slings. My B. smithi is a juvie now and I can't risk it biting her. Its just a matter of who you show it to and how you do it. Don't show it to idiots or do it with big Ts and you will be fine

There's differences, let's say, even inside the arachnophobic people. The die hard ones here would prefer to face a bunch of angry hornets rather than watch (watch, not handle) a Grammostola rosea.

 

[Angel Minkov]

It's not bad. I've found people are scared of jumpy animals. If you have a rock, literally, like my B. smithi - perfect tool for some education. My B. smithi wouldn't move even if a nuke landed next to her. She's a juvie now so I wouldn't let anyone handle her, including myself, but she used to be perfect.

http://prntscr.com/8iu64r - after a bit of convincing from my side. It's just a matter of how you present it and to who you present it. Endorsing handling in front of immature people is obviously very bad