GBB vs Chilean Rose

[AmyLu1982]

I've always been interested in tarantulas, but have recently been looking into them in earnest. I have generally narrowed myself to these two species: Green Bottle Blue and Chilean Rose. I know the GBB can web a lot, I think that would be neat to watch. How does webbing affect handling... is the GBB going to get angry at me if I try to pick it up?

The most important characteristic I am looking for is a good temperament. I want a sweet, gentle creature. I also want my T to enjoy being handled. I handled a Chilean Rose that a friend of mine has, and she is the sweetest thing ever. When looking into what species are best for beginners, I was not surprised to find Rosies numbered among them. I also found stunning pictures of the Green Bottle Blue. Obviously this one is much more eye catching, but is still listed as a beginner species. I have searched the forums for GBB related info, but not seen much on handling them. Are they (generally, I understand individuals can vary) as sweet as the Chilean Rose?

:? And I keep hearing a lot about the really long lifespan of the Rose... what is its life expectancy? How long can I expect a GBB to live?

Once I have decided on a species: should I buy a sling, juvenile or adult? Need to keep it simple, as this is my first. When my new T is an adult, its home will be a 5 gal terrarium, unless I need something bigger.

 

[Fingolfin]

I think they aren't as easy to handle as roseas, and they are definitely more skittish and hair kickers. Having said that, I'd still go with one first...

 

[Snakeguybuffalo]

IMO, GBB's have much more personality. I don't mean to take anything away from a rose hair, but if I had the choice between the 2, the GBB would take the cake. Mine is absolutely awesome, he's got little web chambers filling his entire enclosure, and is the most fun spider to watch. They can be skittish and semi hair kickers, but generally do not bite at all. When they are bigger, they take to handling just fine. Keep in mind also that not all rosies are handleable, infact, they aren't as nice a people once believed. Generally tho, the GBB is more skittish.

Also, I would buy a large sling in the 1.5 inch range. Small slings can be tricky to take care of (ie finding small enough food) and if you buy an adult, you wont get to "grow" with the spider as a keeper. You'll also get to appreciate the insane color changes the GBB will go through.

On the other hand tho, if you get a Chilean Rose RCF, you will have an equally stunning spider, visually. And yes, Roses are among the longest lived species of spider out there. Infact, the genus grammostola as a whole are very long lived spiders (among others like brachypelma, aphonopelma, and more).

I hope some of this helped. Enjoy the new T, whichever one you decide on. And welcome to the addiction, you'll have both someday soon, whether you admit it now or not, lol.

 

[hairmetalspider]

If you want a sweet gentle creature who likes to be handled...I'd say that sounds more like a hamster?

Not trying to be rude, but if your criteria is to match your expectations of that, you might be drastically dissapointed in the overall mannerisms and behaviors of a T.

 

[Mushroom Spore]

I want a sweet, gentle creature.

Seconding the fact that this doesn't sound like you really want a tarantula. Tarantulas are tolerant at best. They are never sweet, and they are not gentle, and they will never enjoy being handled. They are not mammals. If you want something that will like you as a person, go get a mammal. A tarantula will maybe put up with you...but then, sometimes even the calmest one will be fed up with human contact for a while.

We must always remember that these are small animals that exist solely to kill animals smaller than themselves and reproduce occasionally. The only reason that "sweet, gentle creature" does not kill and consume you is because you're too big. They do not socialize among their own kind, much less wildly different species like humans. They gain no benefit from doing so, nor do they care what becomes of us.

I would never, ever describe a GBB as "sweet" in any case. Mine is the fastest thing I own, faster than my eyes can follow and certainly faster than my reflexes. The slightest disturbance will send her bolting as far as she can, as fast as she can, left right or straight up any given surface - and again, she's faster than any human will ever be, about ten trillion times faster than my rosea. There's no comparison.

She is a spazzy, nervous, hair-kicking, teleporting death machine and I love her, but I would never in a million years stick my hand in that tank or try to lift her out of it unless she was closed up in a box.

I've talked to a lot of GBB owners, and most GBBs seem to be closer to my girl's end of the personality spectrum (spazzy, nervous, lightning-fast) than the fairly rare specimen that can be handled by someone who isn't VERY experienced. You can try your luck or attempt to buy one that's "calm," but tarantulas have a way of abruptly changing their personalities one day just because they feel like it.

 

[jen650s]

If you want a sweet gentle creature that enjoys being handled you probably don't want a tarantula.

Tarantulas are tolerant of humans at best. Yes, many of them can be handled, but it is not the I want to be cuddled and love you affection of a more socially interactive animal.

As far as a sweet gentle personality, with rosies it can be hit or miss. Some of them make Ghengis Khan look like a pussy cat and others never show an aggressive side at all. In fact many closely resemble a furry pet rock that occasionally eats a cricket or roach .

If you truly want a tarantula as Snakeguy said, GBBs tend to consistently have more personality, but can be skittish. I have 4 and can and do handle all of them. However, even the smallest flicks hairs until they are out of familiar surroundings and will try to escape at the drop of a hat. Although they are not as fast as many OW Ts they can put on a surprising burst of speed if you are not ready for it (any T can)

I also have several rosies and they are among my favorites. Maybe even somewhat because of the unpredictability of their behavior. Also, if you are not a patient person a rosie will either teach you the value of patience or frustrate you totally. I suspect that some of the folks who complain about how dumb and common the rosies are just aren't patient enough to appreciate them .

If you get juveniles you could probably get one of each and experience the changes they go through as they grow. The GBB will be an adult long before the rosie and will most likely be out in the open more as a juvenile as well.

I suspect that as long as your expectations of what a tarantula is and isn't are at least somewhat realistic you will enjoy which ever you decide on, become addicted like the rest of us and have to get more.

Hope that helps, and welcome to the boards.:clap:

 

[Mushroom Spore]

Although they are not as fast as many OW Ts

This is why I will never go OW, though I do respect those brave enough to do so. The first day I had my GBB girl and I let her out of her shipping vial...she was a little disoriented for a few seconds, and that is the only reason she didn't manage to zoom halfway across my room before I could blink - I managed to get the lid of her tank closed first, and she hit that instead.

The reality of caring for and observing a creature with that kind of speed is more than enough for me, hehe. An OW? I know when I'm outmatched!

I have an L. parahybana and G. aureostriata that can scoot when they feel like it, but I've never seen anything like the GBB out of those two. My G. rosea's idea of lightning speed is to take a couple steps in slow-motion and then fall asleep.

 

[RottweilExpress]

The reality of caring for and observing a creature with that kind of speed is more than enough for me, hehe. An OW? I know when I'm outmatched!

I still have not met a T that's not very much handable maintenance wise, NW or OW. Speed or aggressivness. I don't understand people who say this. Sure, sometimes there will be clouds of hair, but if I'm quick I'll be in and out before the cloud hits. I even leave my boxes open for 15-20 minutes while getting their food and be back to feed them without anyone bailing on me. Some of my P. Chordatus can somtimes be found sitting on their lids when I return.

Seconding the fact that this doesn't sound like you really want a tarantula. Tarantulas are tolerant at best. They are never sweet, and they are not gentle, and they will never enjoy being handled. They are not mammals. If you want something that will like you as a person, go get a mammal. A tarantula will maybe put up with you...but then, sometimes even the calmest one will be fed up with human contact for a while.

We must always remember that these are small animals that exist solely to kill animals smaller than themselves and reproduce occasionally. The only reason that "sweet, gentle creature" does not kill and consume you is because you're too big. They do not socialize among their own kind, much less wildly different species like humans. They gain no benefit from doing so, nor do they care what becomes of us.

This was excellent writing, I might even refer to it if more newbies ask =) Although I have two T's that qualifies as gently in there behavior. They never run/pounce, they never bite in the first instance. They gently follow the prey around a while to be absolutely sure it's something they want. Then they sort of move up over the prey and feel it with legs and pedipals. The bite is a slow lowering of the teeth until impalement. Watching this Rosea/pet rock/brown slowmo actually gives the human impression of gentleness.

I voted GBB, but the poster might not want my adult GBB female as starter

 

[gbbgirl]

GBB for sure

My first T' was a GBB, about 1&1/2inch. I was amazed at the color change from juvenile to adult. My fist turned out to be male, and has never thrown hairs or given any threat display. I have handled him, just to try. He was pretty fast and a little on edge. I don't mind not handling them, as they have no need for social interaction. I am very fulfilled by simply caring for and observing him.
Rose hairs are hit and miss, most totally chill and others vicious. Any tarantula handled too much can be provoked.
I would not recomend getting a tarantula as a cuddly pet. Tarantulas should be keep as a pet that you appricate for its beauty and fascinating behaviors.

I agree with RottweilExpress, do not get an adult female GBB, I just got mine 6 days ago and she has gotten me with hairs 2 times already.

As for your care of the animal, both are very hardy and difficult to kill. I lost my male in a deli cup for 2 days while moving, he was found in a window sill (direct sunlight and rain covering the top, where the air holes were) totally fine.

The GBB coloring is what really puts them beyond rosea for me. I vote GBB.

 

[AmyLu1982]

So, I'm "new" but I am not a complete idiot...

I know that a Tarantula is not a "Tickle Me Elmo" doll. I will not be cuddling it, or anything of the kind. I do want a creature which will tolerate coming out and climbing around on me for a while; say, once a week. Thats about as often as I handle my geckos. (I've got 6, 5 of which were rescues from poor owners.) I enjoy it, and some of them do, some of them don't. I have 2 who would sit out with me and watch a movie with me if I let them, and I have one who is so fast I really have to have no distractions at all in order to handle him. I feel that I am respectful of my creatures individual emotions and tendencies and try to operate within the bounds of their comfort. This will of course translate in to how I handle and care for my new T. S/he will be treated with the utmost of caution, care, attentiveness and respect.

When I handled my friend's Rose, and commented on its "sweet gentle nature" what I mean is that it never struck, threw hairs, or did really anything to indicate irritation or discomfort. Not to mention she was the most beautiful spider I had ever laid eyes on. (Some of you consider them plain, but I think that pink "halo" effect is quite stunning.) In any case, if I adopt a GBB and it grows up to be a hair flinging viscous monster, I can be content to let her hang out alone in her home, pissed at the world and happily eating all the crickets she wants. This if nothing else will send me on to another species to find one a little more tolerant.

You guys are probably right, I'll end up with both, eventually, anyway...

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Oh, and some of your answers left me with more questions. :? Am I correct in my impression that a GBB juvie will be more difficult to handle than the adult? Can anyone tell me if latex/vinyl gloves would be sufficient protection against an angry cloud of hairs? Why do people keep the young ones in mason jars or other small enclosures? It looks rather cramped to me.

 

[radicaldementia]

If you want a T you can regularly handle, you do not want a GBB. You would end up with itchy arms and an escaped T. They are awesome Ts, one of my favorite NW species, but they are not a hands on species.

G. Rosea is definitely hit or miss. My adult Rosea is very moody, often she will not hesitate to bite, but other times she is much more friendly.

If you really want a handleable T, I would recommend Avicularia avicularia, or any avic species. I have 2, both are docile but one in particular is very sweet and gentle. I think they are a much better beginner T than G. Rosea.

Gloves might help against hairs, but probably not completely. Slings are kept in small containers because they don't need the space. T's don't need lots of walking space, just enough room to build a burrow/web. You don't want to put a little 1/2" sling in a large tank or KK because it will have trouble finding its food and will probably escape through the vent holes.

 

[Venom]

I have a GBB, and I'd have to say, handling her is dicey. She is difficult to get out of her enclosure, because she is just so nervous and averse to being picked up. If startled, these are rockets. They don't hesitate on the hairs, either. Basically, the GBB is a display tarantula that can *sortof* be handled, but not easily or for very long. They generally won't bite, but they will run around and throw hairs to avoid being held.

I'd recommend a Pink Zebra Beauty ( Eupalastrus campestratus). They are more attractive in appearance than the rosehair, but are just as docile, if not even more so ( most would agree they are MORE docile ). They are easy to care for, very hardy and long lived, and just don't flick hairs unless you REALLY harass them. This is a fantastic handling tarantula, their tolerance of human handling is legendary.

You might also check out the curlyhair ( Brachypelma albopilosum ). These may flick somewhat, but are very patient and can be handled. Greenbottles are best when you've been conditioned to tarantula behaviour before getting them, as they are quick and nervous.

 

[arrowhd]

I know that a Tarantula is not a "Tickle Me Elmo" doll. I will not be cuddling it, or anything of the kind.

Some of the responses did sound a little condecending, but I don't think they were meant to. So now that we understand more clearly what your after here is my opinion.

I have a C. cyaneopubescens that I bought as a sling around 1/2 inch. This T is about 4 inches now. I've never had it show any threat displays but it does flick hairs regularly if disturbed much. It tends to move in very quick bursts inside its enclosure. I do not handle it for fear of it being harmed. Several people on the boards have posted photos of handling this species so yes they can be handled. Most own this T due to the unbelievable colors of this species. Buy a sling and everytime it molts you get a different looking T.

I also have a G. rosea. She is about 5 inches in size and I purchased her as an adult. This T moves very slowly and deliberately. She will move quickly around her enclosure when first disturbed. Nothing even close to the speed of my C. cyaneopubescens. I have handled her 2-3 times since I bought her. Very calm when handled unless spooked by something. I believe this species has beautiful colors also.

What you need to decide is what do you want in a pet. Something I can hold on occassion or something pretty to look at. Or just buy both now because you WILL end up with more than one. Good luck.

 

[Taylor]

I know what your saying. Last night my king baboon was out, she looks so soft and cuddly i just wanted to hug her. But i am pretty sure thats not a bright idea. ha ha.
Go with a juvie rosea. Even though they can pull a 180 and switch tempermants.
Tay

 

[ajwilki]

Rosey - definitely

I have had several rosies and each one has had a different personality. They are very beautiful but very moody at times. Handling them is no problem if you are not afraid, but even then, if you get them on a bad day.......:evil: It has been a long time since I have had one flick hair on me, even when I handled several at the pet shop to choose my latest acquisition. If you get one, I recommend not letting fraidy cats handle her just to get over their fear.

 

[AmyLu1982]

Venom- Thank you for the recomendation on the Eupalastrus campestratus I think that may just fit my "needs" perfectly. I think I may also get a juvie GBB to look at, and get the best of both worlds.

 

[hairmetalspider]

Some of the responses did sound a little condecending, but I don't think they were meant to. So now that we understand more clearly what your after here is my opinion.

I have a C. cyaneopubescens that I bought as a sling around 1/2 inch. This T is about 4 inches now. I've never had it show any threat displays but it does flick hairs regularly if disturbed much. It tends to move in very quick bursts inside its enclosure. I do not handle it for fear of it being harmed. Several people on the boards have posted photos of handling this species so yes they can be handled. Most own this T due to the unbelievable colors of this species. Buy a sling and everytime it molts you get a different looking T.

I also have a G. rosea. She is about 5 inches in size and I purchased her as an adult. This T moves very slowly and deliberately. She will move quickly around her enclosure when first disturbed. Nothing even close to the speed of my C. cyaneopubescens. I have handled her 2-3 times since I bought her. Very calm when handled unless spooked by something. I believe this species has beautiful colors also.

What you need to decide is what do you want in a pet. Something I can hold on occassion or something pretty to look at. Or just buy both now because you WILL end up with more than one. Good luck.

I don't think any of them sounded any such way. This is a forum where you're going to get brutal honesty whether you like it or not.

And to be completely honest, and I mean no offense by this, but a lot of what she was wanting as a criteria was NOT matching a tarantula. Period. So as part of the tarantula community and hobby, and not wanting to see a neglected or mistreated pet, it was pointed out in such a manner.

The response posted by said user was also not exactly what it came across as in the first post. We read what we can, and that's it.

That said, I would REALLY make sure you would be ok with a tarantula that purely for viewability, because in all reality, ANY species you get might not want to be handled at all, whether it be a Rosie or GBB or ANY T.

 

[AmyLu1982]

You know, I thought this was a community to share experiences, not to trash those who are new, and looking into this. I think that joining this forum BEFORE I bring home a T shows my unwillingness to mistreat any creature.

For the record, my whole family is one of animal lovers. Just as my sister has a horse that can not be ridden, and keeps her anyway; so am I willing to have a T that if temperamental can just chill out with minimal interaction. My preference, though, is to have one who can come out occasionally.

I UNDERSTAND THAT EVERY CREATURE IS DIFFERENT, HAS DIFFERENT MOODS, ETC. I WAS INQUIRING FOR WHICH SPECIES WOULD BEST SUIT ME, and here some of you are telling me to get a friggin Hamster.

I rescue mistreated geckos. I would never mistreat any pet. EVER. That is the purpose behind my questions, and this post. Please, stop calling my ability to properly care for a T into question. I have seen enough mistreatment of pets over the years to make me sick to think of it. I would never allow one of my "family" to come to any harm. I am here to arm myself with knowledge so as to find the best fit.

Actually, preventing an act of cruelty is what sparked my renewed interest in owning a T. I won't go into details but I persuaded a guy I work with to do right by his pet - the Rose I mentioned in my original post - and am giving him free crickets for it as well. Crickets are in no short supply here, I order about a thousand every 6 to 8 weeks for my other creatures.

 

[916]

G.rosea are great

amylu1882 im new here too and i get that feeling sometimes when i read the posts. but i figure folks are just trying too help. use the information that helps, the rest is just a thing.

 

[lewisskinner]

I never get why people talk about "starter species". Give the T the right sized and type (flat/arboreal) of enclosure and feed them, and they're fine. So what if some are quick?

I did A LOT of reading before buying a T. As in I have 4 books and spent 4-6 months lurking on this forum and BTS/ATS. Then I got my first two Ts, a Cyriopagopus schioedtei juvie (2-3") and a Brachypelma smithi sling (<1"). C. schioedtei are supposed to be quick and bitey, but I'm sensible. She lives in a glass tank, 8" x 8" x 16"h (maybe a little big for her) and has a nice burrow in the corner. If I open the sliding door she usually retreats into her burrow, allowing feeding and maintenance. If she doesn't, I leave her alone - simple as!

I once saw her run. It was late, and I was giving her a feed. A quick glance around her cage but I couldn't see her, so I opened the door, and dropped in 3 crickets. I didn't realise that she was out of her usual burrow and was making a hollow somewhere else in the substrate. I putting in the third cricket, I touched her back leg with my tweezers, and she ran up the cork bark and back down again in less than a second (this is remember a 3" T running 32 inches in <1sec!) I was s*** scared, but, because I'm sensible with her, I didn't let her escape - no bother!

In conclusion, pick the prettiest T you can find, and leave any moronic thoughts you may have at the door before you feed/maintain him/her.

I've since bought a Cyriopagopus sp. "blue" who is moulting as we speak!