
So, I got a chaetopelma olivaceum sling, and I'm trying to find more updated information about it.
I don't have much experience with tarantulas, but I have a lot of experience in other fields, which translates to me feeling that I'm aware of the risks and challenges with Ts.
I've started with five NW slings, which are all doing great - eating, molting, and rehoused from the dram vial into 8oz plastic jars.
Although I initially thought that having five slings was above and beyond what I needed or should have, I felt like having a few more. I live in VT and don't have a place to shop for slings, so instead of buying one at a time, I buy a few, and the shipping price is not too bad per spider.
So I made another online order, and besides four more NW slings, I also got one chaetopelma olivaceum.
I Could not find much information about it from keepers, but I have seen those Ts in the wild multiple times (not in the US, obviously
The one in the photo spent a night with me on a bikepacking trip. I woke up in the morning to find it under the bug screen I set as a shelter for the night.
When I did my research before getting the first slings, I was curious to see if the chaetopelma olivaceum exists in the hobby in the US. I was thrilled to see that they were available for sale.
I did not want it to be my first spider, but I've been thinking a lot about when and not about if.
Knowing that some hobbyists (Australia) don't have the option to start with docile NW species made me consider having one, although I lack experience with other spiders.
I also felt that starting with a sling would be easier. Ten years ago, I wouldn't overthink it because it was just a hairy spider that I see all the time, and I had never heard of anyone being bit by one unless they tried to hold it.
So here is the question: Is there anyone with experience keeping it?
I know that they are terrestrials and need an arid enclosure. My sling is doing great so far.
But if I were to consider other OW Ts, there is a lot of information and discussions. (e.g., OBT as a first T)
I know that posting here about my decision to get an OW spider with no significant prior experience exposes me to criticism, and I am ready for that
But I'm interested in first-hand tips regarding temper, husbandry, enclosure, etc.
