chaetopelma olivaceum - anyone has experience with it?

TZTZ

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 19, 2022
Messages
0
IMG_20150515_053150.jpg

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 :) ), and at the time, I knew them as "black furries" and did not know that they are tarantulas.
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. IMG_20150515_053150.jpg
 

arthurliuyz

Arachnoknight
Joined
Dec 17, 2021
Messages
274
Use the search function!!!
 

TZTZ

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 19, 2022
Messages
0
Use the search function!!!
Thanks for your kind answer. I appreciate your effort in helping me find an answer.
I should have clarified this in my original post:
I did search this forum before posting and did read the post you linked to. I have also read postings from over ten years ago.
I have watched all the youtube videos in the languages I understand, and I have read all I could find.

The reason for my post is to ask if more keepers are willing to share more information and experiences.
On other species, there are so many discussions, but when it comes to the less popular Ts, there isn't much posted.
For my other nine slings, I can find a lot of information, videos, anecdotes, and arguments.
My goal is to know what to expect when it grows larger, and even if I was a well-seasoned keeper, I want to think the right thing to do is to seek first-hand information instead of guessing.

I have added a disclaimer that I'm ready to be butchered over getting an old-world T with no prior experience.
But I did not expect to get so irritated over the "Use the search function!!!" comment.
For next time, it could have been a "Have you seen this posting?". Less aggressive.
Maybe I have missed it? Maybe I have read it and am looking for more info?
Spread more kindness.
The forum should be our happy place.
How many people ask about chaetopelma olivaceum? and aren't we in a constant search after new ideas and data?
 

Arachnopets

Arachnoboards Team
Staff member
Joined
Jan 11, 2004
Messages
647
I think you read way more into that than you should have. You asked a general question and you got a general answer. If you are looking for specific answers, may I suggest asking specific questions? ;)
 

TZTZ

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 19, 2022
Messages
0
I think you read way more into that than you should have. You asked a general question and you got a general answer. If you are looking for specific answers, may I suggest asking specific questions? ;)
Sure :)
Some more focused questions I'm curious about and interested in updated information.

Husbandry - tips on enclosures for when it is past the sling stage? I think going with an arid terrestrial setup and using excavator clay to create a couple of tunnels. I also plan on building a mini stone wall as part of the decor and having a hide in it. They are not semi-arboreal per-say but climb a lot in their natural habitat.
Is it a heavy Webber? Does it web the sides of the enclosure or only the burrow area?

Feeding - What feeding schedule seems to work for them? preferred prey size? Will it fast for long periods?

Growth rate/ molting - How often do they molt? How much size do they gain between molts? How long is the pre-molt? How soon after a molt will it eat? At what age do they mature?

Temperament - Bolts? Defensive? Tips for a smooth rehousing? Is it out in the open often?

Color - How many keepers ended up with the black variation, and how many with the brown one? (this one is predominantly out of curiosity, but If mine ends up being brownish, I might try and get a black one)

Size - I have seen many numbers regarding their size. Any first-hand size report for captive-raised spiders?

Popularity - Does anyone knows how popular are they? Are all the slings imported, or are there breeders who produce them in the US?
 
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