Best method for handling a tarantula?

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Tarantuloid

Arachnoknight
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May 30, 2012
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Keep in mind that I very rarely handle my tarantula, in fact, that's why I got one. I just wanted a low maintenance pet that isn't starving for attention but fascinating to watch, and my tarantula has fit that role pretty well.

Still, I'd like to know the best way to approach handling a tarantula. The last time I absolutely had to handle her, I used a straw and gently touched her front leg with it to let her know I was there and kinda escorted her into my hand. This works mostly, but there has been a time where she had mistaken the straw for prey and lunged at it. She didn't actually use her fangs, but made an attempt to strike without actually biting.

What would you say is the best method when it comes to handling a tarantula?
 
C

Cydaea

Arachnosquire
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Jan 4, 2013
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I did a search for specific threads on how to handle T's and came up with nothing. (I've been wanting some different opinions and instructions on how to handle them for a while). So I can understand the OP posting this thread. I'll be watching this thread, hoping for some (actual) answers.
 
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prairiepanda

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Sep 12, 2012
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If I touch my rosie's front legs, 90% of times she'll definitely lung at the paint brush. Touching her back legs has never caused this problem for me, but sometimes it makes her bolt(in that case I leave her alone)

I don't usually put my hands in her cage though. Normally I coax her into a cup and take her out to an open space over soft ground before getting her on my hands. She tends to be much more defensive while she is in her cage.
 
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Cydaea

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Jan 4, 2013
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I've been using that method, except I use a chop stick. Works on most of my T's, except my large female B. albo. She's a tank. A stubborn tank. She. Will. Not. Move. She'll pull her legs up when I touch them to show she's annoyed, but she's staying put. Usually I just wait for her to move if I have to be in that exact spot she's sitting for maintenance, but this can take hours. I guess I could just cup her if absolutely necessary but if it's not an emergency I just leave her be.

Does anyone know a instructional video for pinch grabbing? I've never gotten the hang of it, plus I'm afraid I'll injure the spider when I have long nails.
 
F

Formerphobe

Arachnoking
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In The Tarantula Keeper's Guide (Schultz and Schultz) there are several pages dedicated to 'How to Handle'. This book has a wealth of info in it.
 
SuzukiSwift

SuzukiSwift

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A simple rule that many go by is this.

Touch the Ts back leg or abdomen with a paint brush (something not hard or sharp anyway obviously)...

1. The T will walk forwards a little, if it does this it's ok to hold and you can put your hand in the path its walking and let it walk on
2. It will sit there and not move, if this is the case it could go either way (be ok or not) so it's probably best to leave it alone at this point
3. It will turn around, this means you shouldn't hold it at the moment
4. It will attack the brush, throw a threat posture or bolt away, this means it's either too ticked off or too scared and you should leave it also

As to the actual holding part if you get that far, terrestrials should be held close to the ground so they can't fall off and be injured. Arboreals are ok at most heights but don't be stupid. I never hold an arboreal unless there's someone else there with me, otherwise if it walks on my body out of my reach I'll have someone to get it. Pay attention to their behaviour as you're holding them, if they start to get a little nervous or agitated put them back.
 
Meezerkoko

Meezerkoko

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Dec 18, 2012
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I personally used the pinch method to pick up my B. emilia when I had him. His cage wasn't too big plus he never wanted to move if I touched a back leg, just kicked hairs. So instead I'd use the picnic method: very gently place one finger between the 3rd and 4th legs and put your thumb on the other side in the same position, use enough pressure to lift it surely without the chance of it falling and pick it up. This is a good method isn't you are trying to vent sex or check for injuries. Just be careful. Then you can generally just put it down in your hand. But like other people said, be close to the ground or on a bed.
 
grayzone

grayzone

Arachnoking
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unless its a smaller, and non defensive sling, i NEVER attempt to handle while they are still in their enclosure.
I will either catch cup it and bring it out, or shoo it up the side of the tank and onto my hand.

Ts, both calm sp. or defensive sp., are much more likely to bite INSIDE their enclosure.
 
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prairiepanda

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To be honest, the pinch method freaks me out. Seems like an invitation to get bitten. I know I would bite if I was subjected to that! But it seems like nobody's ever had trouble with it...
 
poisoned

poisoned

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prairiepanda said:
To be honest, the pinch method freaks me out. Seems like an invitation to get bitten. I know I would bite if I was subjected to that! But it seems like nobody's ever had trouble with it...
Click to expand...
They can't move much when they are pinched.
 
SuzukiSwift

SuzukiSwift

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prairiepanda said:
To be honest, the pinch method freaks me out. Seems like an invitation to get bitten. I know I would bite if I was subjected to that! But it seems like nobody's ever had trouble with it...
Click to expand...
I've never tried it mainly because I'm afraid I might accidentally hurt the T by applying too much pressure
 
Es0ter1c

Es0ter1c

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I always thought the palm method was considered the best, as described in TKG3.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
 
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ucsteve667

Arachnopeon
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Feb 16, 2013
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ive been using the pinch method for over 20 years, if I need to pick them up for any reason. ya just have to to do it quick and confidently ro you give them time and room to move around. But as I often say, i really never handle them anymore unless Im moving them to a new enclosure.
 
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prairiepanda

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poisoned said:
They can't move much when they are pinched.
Click to expand...
My concern is just prior to the pinch. For people who are confident with this method, it can usually be done quick enough that there's not much chance for the spider to bite. However, for people like me who are nervous, the approach would be much slower and therefore more of a risk.

But yeah, it does seem like the pinch method works very well for anyone confident enough to try it.
 
poisoned

poisoned

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prairiepanda said:
My concern is just prior to the pinch. For people who are confident with this method, it can usually be done quick enough that there's not much chance for the spider to bite. However, for people like me who are nervous, the approach would be much slower and therefore more of a risk.

But yeah, it does seem like the pinch method works very well for anyone confident enough to try it.
Click to expand...
Well, you have to do it fast, as you have to with palming method.
 
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