Bird Eater Tarantulas

Tcollector

Arachnobaron
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Sep 3, 2007
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495
I have been trying to build up my T colletion and I am in search of a bird eater.

Is their some other bird eaters that is popular rather than the T. blondi and the L. parahybana?
 

wsimms

Arachnodaddy
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Jun 6, 2003
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The designation "bird eater" has been applied to many, if not most, of the large South American terrestrials.
 

Moltar

ArachnoGod
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Apr 11, 2007
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Some asian and african tarantulas have also been referred to as birdeaters at one time or another. It really is a meaningless name. In fact, while the large, ground dwelling terrestrials like T blondi and L parahybana are called birdeaters, it is very likely that they never eat birds due to where they live (on the ground). Avicularia however, HAVE been observed to eat hummingbirds. If you want a real birdeater get yourself an A metallica.
 

Tcollector

Arachnobaron
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Some asian and african tarantulas have also been referred to as birdeaters at one time or another. It really is a meaningless name. In fact, while the large, ground dwelling terrestrials like T blondi and L parahybana are called birdeaters, it is very likely that they never eat birds due to where they live (on the ground). Avicularia however, HAVE been observed to eat hummingbirds. If you want a real birdeater get yourself an A metallica.
Yeah I know that. I did kind of figure it was just a "misleading" name. I am intersted in T. blondis but I got to do more research on them.

Thanks allot.
 

Moltar

ArachnoGod
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I don't know where you are experience-wise but I think T blondi's are overrated. Sure they get huge but so do about 2 dozen other spp and they're not as finicky and fragile. My favorite jungle giant so far has been P cancerides. They're quite fearless and inquisitive. Any odd vibrations or noises will have my lil girl coming out to investigate. Their prey aggression and defensive temperament make them quite a handful even if they only get 8-9" instead of the legendary 10+" that T blondi's are capable of.


Edit: I've also been very pleased with my two Pamphobeteus sp "platyomma" which also seem to be sold as either 'Ecuador Pink" or "Ecuador #2". They get pretty big and grow very fast. the color changes they undergo as they mature is pretty cool to watch.
 
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Londoner

Arachnoangel
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Mar 21, 2008
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I have been trying to build up my T colletion and I am in search of a bird eater.

Is their some other bird eaters that is popular rather than the T. blondi and the L. parahybana?
You're gonna have a hard time choosing cos I've lost count of the amount of species I've seen in petshops over the years that were labeled "bird eaters". Stores use the name to generate interest from customers. I've even seen G. roseas marked up as "bird eaters"! {D

I agree with etown. If you want something that is definitely called a "bird eater", get any of the avics. Avicularia is Latin for "bird eating" Avi means bird and cularia means eating. (Yeah yeah, I know it's a technicality! lol) :D
 
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cjm1991

Arachnoprince
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Apr 25, 2008
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Get a salmon birdeater. Really easy to keep, docile, get as big as a T.blondi but alot cheaper. They eat really good too, and besides all this I think mmy para looks better anyways.
 

DreadLobster

Arachnobaron
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Jan 9, 2008
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L. Parahybana all the way. They're very close in size to the T. Blondi... probably the next biggest that I can think of, at least as far as south americans go. They eat ridiculous amounts, so they're great to display/show off to your friends, plus for the most part they seem docile. They also do fine at room temperature/humidity. So they're big, fun, and easy to care for. Pretty much my favorite.
 

wsimms

Arachnodaddy
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Jun 6, 2003
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A.geniculata is a good choice too. Although not as large as a T. blondi or L. parahybana, they're a lot prettier.
 

tabor

Arachnoprince
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Jun 26, 2003
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If you're new to the hobby L. parahybana will give you what you want. If you're a little more experience T. blondi.

I still miss my my 10" L. parahybana i sent off for breeding last year :8o
 

aquaArachnid

Arachnoknight
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Feb 12, 2008
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you could look into the Lasiodora Striatipes (Bahia Grey Birdeater)

fascinating specimens
 

blazetown

Arachnodemon
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I'm pretty sure there are a few Aussie species called birdeaters aswell
 

Kris-wIth-a-K

Arachnoprince
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hmm

if you go in a pet store EVERYTHING is called a bird eater. Why not something bas A$$ like a Brazilian Monkey Eater..
 

ian robbins

Arachnosquire
Old Timer
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Sep 25, 2006
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aohhh..

:( I want a monkey eater!!

I say N chromatus for your bird eater.

I think they are prettier than both the blondi and the parahybana and they get big enough you will never mis an extra inch.
 
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