Good 2nd T

[oceanegg]

Hello! I've had my girl for a while, and I love her but I really want another. Beyond freaking out about her every little movment, i also learned the details of tarantula care and husbandry so I think I'm ready for my second T. Currently I have a brachypelma boehmei that ive had for a little over a year now and she's great. hasn't given me any actual issues beyond me freaking out over normal spider stuff. Some things that would be nice is if they have around the same lifespan as my b. boehmei, as I'm planning on giving the new girl any roaches that get turned down. I feel so bad wasting them. Another want would be if they were a heavy webbing species, as that's something my b. boehmei doesn't do at all. an old world tarantula would be nice too, but heard theyre fast and teleporty, so if there's any old world that isn't too interested in running away that'd be perfect, but I understand that some things just are a dream. Thank you in advance!

 

[viper69]

G pulchripes

 

[Gevo]

If you want a heavy webber, I suggest a Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens (GBB). Females can live up to 12-14 years. They can be a bit bolty, but their venom isn’t terribly significant, so they can be a good intermediate species to help you get used to something faster if you want to eventually get into old worlds. Bolting can usually be minimized by having a good setup where they feel secure and have good places to retreat to.

As for not wasting roaches, these guys are typically really good eaters with shorter fasting periods than Brachypelma species are known for, but with only two tarantulas, still expect to have times when no one’s wanting what you’re offering. I have four and I still have that problem sometimes!

 

[Requiem4aSpleen]

G pulchripes

Can't go wrong

 

[CarbonBasedLifeform]

I second the Ts already mentioned. My G pulchripes was the most docile spider I ever kept, while the C cyaneopubescens (GBB) blanketed the enclosure in white and was a lot more skittish so could be a good stepping stone to old worlds. The GBB grew a lot faster than my brachypelmas or grammostolas though, so you’ll have a decent sized spider before you know it.

I might add the T albopilosus to the wishlist. Might not web as much as you want but usually very docile and hardy. They grow at a decent rate too. You mention you’re still freaking out about every movement, so maybe a cute fluffy curly hair T will help those nerves

 

[oceanegg]

I second the Ts already mentioned. My G pulchripes was the most docile spider I ever kept, while the C cyaneopubescens (GBB) blanketed the enclosure in white and was a lot more skittish so could be a good stepping stone to old worlds. The GBB grew a lot faster than my brachypelmas or grammostolas though, so you’ll have a decent sized spider before you know it.

I might add the T albopilosus to the wishlist. Might not web as much as you want but usually very docile and hardy. They grow at a decent rate too. You mention you’re still freaking out about every movement, so maybe a cute fluffy curly hair T will help those nerves

oh I'm fine with the movement and the t itself, I just freak myself out with how fragile I think she is and I think she's gonna die from everything lol

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Tliltocatl albopilosus I’m down to 2 of 6 I owned.

 

[jennywallace]

Another vote for C. cyaneopubescens, beautiful T's.

 

[Mike41793]

Monocentropus balfouri are fairly relaxed for OW in my experience and they web a decent amount. They look cool too.

I've only kept one boehmei and it kicked a lot of hairs and was fairly spazzy. Compared to other Brachypelma I'd actually say that's a decent one to get you some experience with a T being ornery because ive seen others say theirs are similar attitudes. Maybe yours isnt that way tho.

I've kept OWs that basically just run into burrows or chill and never threat posed. Overall, outside of rehouses or a dumb mistake on my part, they're arguably easier to deal with than that boehmei was lol

 

[Wolfram1]

Ceratogyrus marshalli, or any Ceratogyrus sp. really would fit your requirements.

Its a Unicorn to boot.

 

[TechnoGeek]

Avoid OW Ts. Most of them are pet holes and they can be very defensive.

GBB would be a good idea. They look excellent, web a lot, and eat like pigs.

 

[HoneyOilers]

Can't go wrong

Call this a third vote for G. Pulchripes

 

[bonewax]

I like all the previous suggestions. If you are considering arboreals, avicularia would be a good choice.

 

[HoneyOilers]

I’m also going to throw a vote in for the Lasiodora Parahybana, they get huge, eat like pigs, generally don’t use their hide once they get larger and can come with some attitude, or be very laid back. There’s been days mine has been calm enough to handle briefly, and other days she’ll lunge across her enclosure to investigate (with vigour) my tongs when I’m doing some quick maintenance. She’s fun, keeps me on my toes! And beautiful.
Generally speaking these are a very readily available species and very inexpensive, also very hardy and forgiving of husbandry mistakes. You really can’t go wrong with this as a choice. Just watch out for those hairs!

 

[LucN]

Either Tliltocatl albopilosus or Grammostola pulchripes are great picks, as they're not too different than B. boehmei, behavior-wise. One is basically a miniature Wookie on 8 legs, another has gorgeous golden highlights and purple sheen in the right light. Can't go wrong with either IMO.

 

[Dapink]

I am a big fan of B. boehmei! I honestly think they are a tad more advanced than some of their relatives, as they don't need much convincing to start kicking.
You have quite a few options for another spider. Genus Grammostola, Aphonopelma, Brachypelma, and Tliltocatl contain numerous prospects.

If you are a very hands-off keeper and are good about your enclosures, husbandry, and respecting the animal, more options can be considered. One of my absolute favorites is Acanthoscurria geniculata. My female went from a 1/2" sling to a 5" subadult within a few years. They are quite visible even when given several inches of substrate to burrow. They don't typically web too much outside of burrow construction and placing some around the enclosure to detect prey. They will act similar to a boehmei with the potential to kick some hairs and bolt if disturbed. Just give them room and adequate hides to have options for safe retreat.

As for an arboreal route, Avicularia make silk hammocks and tubes to live from. Definitely do a bit of research especially if you are thinking about a sling. Ventilation will play a large role in rearing success.

In terms of old worlds, none of mine have ever really given me any issues in the past decade or so. My Harpactira pulchripes sling might throw up a tiny threat posture if I sneeze too loud near the enclosure, but they all would MUCH rather hunker down or go hide. That being said, I like to advocate for some faster new world experience before jumping right in, but to each their own. If you can't help but get an old world, Ceratogyrus, Harpactira, and Monocentropus have a reputation for being a bit easier to work around.

Make a list of some options you like and search around on the boards for some keeping experience with them to see if it's something you'd like to try. I also like to point people to Tom's Big Spiders as a reputable source of information.
Feel free to message me if you have any questions.

 

[Arachnophobphile]

Hello! I've had my girl for a while, and I love her but I really want another. Beyond freaking out about her every little movment, i also learned the details of tarantula care and husbandry so I think I'm ready for my second T. Currently I have a brachypelma boehmei that ive had for a little over a year now and she's great. hasn't given me any actual issues beyond me freaking out over normal spider stuff. Some things that would be nice is if they have around the same lifespan as my b. boehmei, as I'm planning on giving the new girl any roaches that get turned down. I feel so bad wasting them. Another want would be if they were a heavy webbing species, as that's something my b. boehmei doesn't do at all. an old world tarantula would be nice too, but heard theyre fast and teleporty, so if there's any old world that isn't too interested in running away that'd be perfect, but I understand that some things just are a dream. Thank you in advance!

G. pulchripes, N. incei and gbb

All abundantly available and very reasonably priced.

Also Avicularia but do your research first before buying an enclosure and know the required husbandry.

 

[oceanegg]

Monocentropus balfouri are fairly relaxed for OW in my experience and they web a decent amount. They look cool too.

I've only kept one boehmei and it kicked a lot of hairs and was fairly spazzy. Compared to other Brachypelma I'd actually say that's a decent one to get you some experience with a T being ornery because ive seen others say theirs are similar attitudes. Maybe yours isnt that way tho.

I've kept OWs that basically just run into burrows or chill and never threat posed. Overall, outside of rehouses or a dumb mistake on my part, they're arguably easier to deal with than that boehmei was lol

my boehmei considers kicking hairs an art form more than a form of defense i think. she will kick hairs if i even look at her wrong. shes not that bolty though, only really darting to the other side of her enclosure or up the wall a little. shes really fast, but it doesn't look like she has any will to escape fully. thats why im so hesitant to get an old world, i doubt they would escape, but you never know. especially because i have small dogs and the info out there on what an old world bite can do to small dogs isnt promising.

 

[HoneyOilers]

my boehmei considers kicking hairs an art form more than a form of defense i think. she will kick hairs if i even look at her wrong. shes not that bolty though, only really darting to the other side of her enclosure or up the wall a little. shes really fast, but it doesn't look like she has any will to escape fully. thats why im so hesitant to get an old world, i doubt they would escape, but you never know. especially because i have small dogs and the info out there on what an old world bite can do to small dogs isnt promising.

I’ve got cats, and I have Psalmos and a Harpactira, it’s all about responsible ownership. If you have to do major maintenance or you’re unsure, go into a sealed room with little options for a bolting spider to go hide in. Catch cup on hand, precautions in place, and keep everything secure and you should have no issues.

 

[WolfieKate]

I have a Boehmei and I find her prone to getting annoyed, running around flicking hairs and throws her water dish. I didn’t get her till later after I had about 20 other Tarantulas so if you can handle her. GBB was my first Tarantulas. Just gorgeous. I have 3 OWs now and the species I got have not been difficult to manage. Harpactira Pulchripes is lovely. I rehoused her yesterday, she stayed on her piece of bark and didn’t move. I have cats but I keep the cats 100% away from my spiders in a room they aren’t allowed in. My worry would be for the Spiders.