First T for a child: Sling vs Adult

[mjl]

First things first, let me say hello and thank you all for providing so much great knowledge about such amazing creatures

My son is almost 7, and as the result of his hard work at reading, has earned himself a pet. After discussing the various options out there, and doing some research, he has decided he would like a tarantula. I will admit, I may have influenced that a bit. I will be providing "pet support", and even if he abandons the idea completely, I am prepared to care for the T indefinately.

We have looked at the choices for T's, and an Avic seems to have won the voting. I think we are leaning toward an A. metallica, unless I've missed a reason it would be a poor candidate for a first T compared to an Avic avic.

What I would like some input on is starting with a sling vs an adult. I like the idea of building a bond with the T, but slings seem to be more delicate and require some more specialized care (food and housing). My goal is for this to be 100% his responsibility, so I don't want to get him in over his head...or myself. This is my first T as well

So that's enough babbling from me. I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts. Thanks!

 

[yannigarrido2]

probably it is best if you get an adult. slings are very delicate.

 

[curiousme]

An adult A. metallica sounds like a perfect T for the situation. Spiderlings are not hard to care for, but at 7, I would want my child to start with an adult. (and we did ) The A. metallica can be quite large for an Avicularia species, but they are exceptionally beautiful.

When you say building a bond with the tarantula, you must understand it will be a one-sided bonding experience. The T does not have that capacity. Its possible you already do understand, but thought I would throw it out there.

 

[mjl]

When you say building a bond with the tarantula, you must understand it will be a one-sided bonding experience. The T does not have that capacity. Its possible you already do understand, but thought I would throw it out there.

Absolutely. What I'm looking for is an emotional investment from him, to understand that he is dealing with a living, growing being I think if he raises a T from a sling, it is easier forthat to happen.

 

[malevolentrobot]

have you raised slings yet? Avics take a bit more vigilance as a keeper when tiny slings. perhaps a juvie at least?

 

[webbedone]

I'd err on side of caution and go with an adult as well, slings are quicker, smaller and more delicate.

 

[mjl]

I have not owned Ts of any size yet. This will be my first as well as his.

 

[webbedone]

This further renforces my previous statement, Get your self a B. smithi or any other brachy they are nice and docile, after a while you and your son will have the necessary knowledge base to take care of a sling.

 

[mjl]

Why a smithi over an Avic? Everything I've read says the Avics are great starter Ts...

 

[Mojo Jojo]

I think there could be an educational opportunity created by starting with a sling. Even though you are giving it to your kid, I think you should go with the mindset that you will be the primary caretaker of the tarantula and that your kid can help you with different aspects of the care. I'm sure you can find a way to make it seem to your kid that you are there helping him take care of it.

As far as the A. metallica goes, they are pretty. Being an arboreal, it will be hit or miss as to if the one you choose will stay out in the open or close itself off in its webbing.

As far as your kid developing a bond with his pet tarantula, you should understand that the bond can only be one sided. In fact, I would make sure your son has the mindset that the tarantula may be neat or exciting or interesting, but that it isn't lovable like a dog or a cat. I can specifically think of one thread created on these forums where someone had felt they had a bond with their tarantula and something happened that made that person question the bond to the point where I thought that person needed professional help to get past the issue.

If you are looking for something that he can interact with and develop a bond with, I'd really recommend a dog or a cat. If you want to stay small, I'd maybe recommend a teddy bear hamster or a couple of rats.

Whatever you choose, good luck.

 

[malevolentrobot]

Why a smithi over an Avic? Everything I've read says the Avics are great starter Ts...

eh, smithis are easier to take care of, but the whole lot of Brachypelma can be one flicky bunch, especially when young. most of mine are growing/grew out of it. i don't know how much your son fancies being itchy every time he opens the enclosure. if we're going the terrestrial route as a sling, get a G. pulchripes. cheaper, generally as docile and less kicky, etc.

your son might get bored waiting between feedings and moults though. i like the idea of an Avic, just get something 2" or bigger if you do.

If you are looking for something that he can interact with and develop a bond with, I'd really recommend a dog or a cat. If you want to stay small, I'd maybe recommend a teddy bear hamster or a couple of rats.

also, slight offnote... after over five years with hand-taming hamsters at an LPS on a daily basis, i most certainly would not reccomend a hamster. they have some of the worst handling tempers of all rodents, and generally only accept being manhandled for certain periods of time. some are great, some are not, many you just never know when that is until you get bit.

rats are great though, like tiny wonderful puppies that never grow up

 

[mjl]

I agree with all of that. I'm prepared for this to be "My" pet, and all of his activities will be supervised until he is ... oh, say, 37 Also, he understands that it is a "look by don't touch" animal. The bond I'm looking for is strictly one sided. Bond might not be the best term. Perhaps appreciation and respect are better.

 

[NikiP]

Why a smithi over an Avic? Everything I've read says the Avics are great starter Ts...

I think he might be suggesting another species because Avics can be a bit flighty, which can sometimes surprise people completely new to tarantulas. Their movements make me thinking of a drunk running Very herky jerky.

Personally I still think they are a fine starter species, along with just an Avic. avic or Avic. versicolor. However, I also vote to go ahead & get a subadult or adult. Avic. metallica & Avic. avic adults can be had pretty cheaply.

Other good beginner species (as tarantulas are like chips & more will soon follow the first ) would be along the lines of a B. smithi, B. albopilosum, G. pulchra, & G. pulchripes (pulchripes being my #1 beginner suggestion )

 

[Mojo Jojo]

I agree with all of that. I'm prepared for this to be "My" pet, and all of his activities will be supervised until he is ... oh, say, 37 Also, he understands that it is a "look by don't touch" animal. The bond I'm looking for is strictly one sided. Bond might not be the best term. Perhaps appreciation and respect are better.

Sounds good!

 

[mjl]

See, I think the versis are beautiful, but from reading, I thought they are a bit more jumpy and a little more prone to health issues.

 

[baconmushroom]

avic would be great but get a juvie IMO to lessen the risk of sling fatality..
other than that enjoy!

 

[newspidermom]

I think starting with an Avic Metallica would be fine. I would get a juvie that's about 2" or so. It's a little bigger so it should be past that "delicate" stage but young enough for your son to watch it grow and learn to really appreciate T's in general. Another advantage of getting one that size is that younger Ts usually molt on a more frequent basis so you son can try and collect the molted skins to see the growth...and show his friends...how cool is that! I also like the idea of getting the Avic cause they make cool funnel webs which is a spider behavior we all know and love. Terrestrial (ground) spiders don't web all that much. As long as you teach him it's not a "snuggly" pet and he learns to respect it for the creature it is I'm sure you'll both love it! And by the time he''s thru school he'll have a whole roomfull...I guarantee it!

 

[gladmar]

I'll go for 2"-3" inches juvi sling, to see how the T's Molt!
There's NO Risk for a Sling T's... If I were you! ill give him 3 T's Sling! so that you're child will enjoy feeding his pets! Cheaper Maintenance T's for a Pet.
T's Adult is like Adoption, than T's sling is ur own when it grow it will have an sentimental value.:worship:

 

[Tym Hollerup]

This may not be the greatest idea but I'll throw it out there and see what everyone thinks. I believe an adult A. metalica would be a good choice. However, if you really want to "raise" a baby tarantula into adulthood... I would personally go with either Acanthoscurria brocklehursti or Acanthoscurria geniculata. As long as you both maintain the look but don't touch aspect. They don't do much webbing, however, they are very easy too raise from my experience. Also, they get upwards of 8" in size! Otherwise, (maybe a better juvie) if you want a TON of webbing... You really can't go wrong with a Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens! What a beauty!

 

[webbedone]

+1 Juvie GBB is an excellent choice as well