- Joined
- Apr 20, 2012
- Messages
- 109
It's a subject that seems to divide a lot of people: Some strongly advise AGAINST handling tarantulas, whereas others ENCOURAGE frequent handling
By handling a tarantula, you're putting both yourself and the spider at risk. Most accidental T deaths are a result of people dropping them while handling. And the tarantula doesn't get anything out of the handling, it would probably much rather be left alone then be forced to crawl over your hands and arms. Some also argue that it puts Ts under unnecessary stress.
However, on the other hand, I am pretty sure I remember reading a section in 'The Tarantula Keeper's Guide' on how to and how not to handle a T, and encouraging frequent handling/manipulating so the T can become accustomed to it. Some people claim that Ts do get used to handling if done often enough. And there are definitely times when we need to 'handle' our tarantulas, even if it isn't direct contact with them. Moving a sling or juvenile into a larger enclosure as they get bigger is just one example.
Personally I don't handle any of my spiders, mainly because I just don't see the point. Plus, I really don't think a tarantula can get used to being handled. They aren't mammals that exhibit learning behaviour, nor do they have complex emotions.
I'm just wondering what other people's opinions are on this matter.
Can a tarantula really get used to be being handled or are they unable to adapt to unnatural situations and simply go by primitive instinct?
By handling a tarantula, you're putting both yourself and the spider at risk. Most accidental T deaths are a result of people dropping them while handling. And the tarantula doesn't get anything out of the handling, it would probably much rather be left alone then be forced to crawl over your hands and arms. Some also argue that it puts Ts under unnecessary stress.
However, on the other hand, I am pretty sure I remember reading a section in 'The Tarantula Keeper's Guide' on how to and how not to handle a T, and encouraging frequent handling/manipulating so the T can become accustomed to it. Some people claim that Ts do get used to handling if done often enough. And there are definitely times when we need to 'handle' our tarantulas, even if it isn't direct contact with them. Moving a sling or juvenile into a larger enclosure as they get bigger is just one example.
Personally I don't handle any of my spiders, mainly because I just don't see the point. Plus, I really don't think a tarantula can get used to being handled. They aren't mammals that exhibit learning behaviour, nor do they have complex emotions.
I'm just wondering what other people's opinions are on this matter.
Can a tarantula really get used to be being handled or are they unable to adapt to unnatural situations and simply go by primitive instinct?