Handling tarantulas

[hestoncv]

I have an idea for a friendly discussion. Obviously the majority of people are against handling tarantulas. As for me I don't plan on handling my tarantula at all when I get it, just doesn't appeal to me. As for the people who actually want to, what is the harm in it as long as precautions are taken where it can't fall? I'm assuming the tarantula knows what its comfortable with more than the owner, if the tarantula didn't like it or if it hurt it in any way I assume it would flee/bite/kick hairs. I currently don't have an opinion on the subject, just want some feedback both ways and start a discussion about it. To me it seems like the situation with water bowls for slings, 10 years ago it was a big no no, now its recommended. Also, proof it harms them other than falls? Ive seen threads where people say they handle them and they look totally healthy. Thanks for the replies!

 

[basin79]

Sat down on the floor. Holding the tarantula about 6 inches off the floor with a cushion underneath.

Your breath, a draft or just something feels off and the tarantula:

1) Bolts up their arm onto their face. They panic and as they do the tarantula is flung to the floor. Splat.

2) Feels threatened and bites. They react to the pain of 2 rather thick needles being driven into their skin. Panic and the tarantula gets flung. Splat.

3) Nothing bad happens. But the tarantula was "happy" in their enclosure where they felt comfortable and knew the layout. So why not just not be selfish and leave them alone anyway.

 

[EnigmaNyx]

I have an idea for a friendly discussion. Obviously the majority of people are against handling tarantulas. As for me I don't plan on handling my tarantula at all when I get it, just doesn't appeal to me. As for the people who actually want to, what is the harm in it as long as precautions are taken where it can't fall? I'm assuming the tarantula knows what its comfortable with more than the owner, if the tarantula didn't like it or if it hurt it in any way I assume it would flee/bite/kick hairs. I currently don't have an opinion on the subject, just want some feedback both ways and start a discussion about it. To me it seems like the situation with water bowls for slings, 10 years ago it was a big no no, now its recommended. Also, proof it harms them other than falls? Ive seen threads where people say they handle them and they look totally healthy. Thanks for the replies!

One could theoretically take all proper precautions and still leave risk to harm themselves or the tarantula. T's don't have poker faces, and can change temperaments between molts. I don't think the question is what is the harm in doing so, I think the question is more along the lines of what good does it do the T for me to hold them?

The answer to that is nothing. There is no constructive reason to hold your T. Are people still going to do it? Sure. I'm always curious to read new bite reports, and I welcome them.

 

[Sterls]

Doesn't matter if the tarantula tolerates it. You're still subjecting it to an unnecessary risk. Breathing too hard or the central air kicking on could spook it and cause a fall, even under the most careful conditions.

Falls are the biggest risk of harm. It may not be "unhealthy" per se, just unwarranted, probably stressful, and risky.

 

[Tarantulafeets]

Imagine a giant that busted open you roof and started "handling" you. Even I would jump off or fight back.

 

[EnigmaNyx]

Imagine a giant that busted open you roof and started "handling" you. Even I would jump off or fight back.

If it was the Green Giant, I would probably be okay with it.

Also if it was Diane from 7 Deadly Sins, I would also be okay with it.

 

[hestoncv]

Imagine a giant that busted open you roof and started "handling" you. Even I would jump off or fight back.

That's my point though. Some people report them climbing on their hand

Sat down on the floor. Holding the tarantula about 6 inches off the floor with a cushion underneath.

Your breath, a draft or just something feels off and the tarantula:

1) Bolts up their arm onto their face. They panic and as they do the tarantula is flung to the floor. Splat.

2) Feels threatened and bites. They react to the pain of 2 rather thick needles being driven into their skin. Panic and the tarantula gets flung. Splat.

3) Nothing bad happens. But the tarantula was "happy" in their enclosure where they felt comfortable and knew the layout. So why not just not be selfish and leave them alone anyway.

Regardless of what people on the forum say everyone keeps tarantulas for their own enjoyment regardless. They were "happy" in the wild. Regardless though, the points about panicking are valid, they are unpredictable so things can happen. How often does this happen with tarantulas that are more "suited" for handling?

Doesn't matter if the tarantula tolerates it. You're still subjecting it to an unnecessary risk. Breathing too hard or the central air kicking on could spook it and cause a fall, even under the most careful conditions.

Falls are the biggest risk of harm. It may not be "unhealthy" per se, just unwarranted, probably stressful, and risky.

There are many people online, like the tarantula collective, who get their Ts out for things as simple as photos, but the unpredictability still applies. With him taking the correct precautions and having experience i doubt one has leaped to its death for him.

 

[Almadabes]

Im a clutz. Handling is a no cause i drop everything. You should see my phone.

I have been in a lot of situations where a sling doesnt cooperate during a transfer and may end up on my hand. But I immediety just shoo it into the enclosure cause again - i drop everything.

 

[Mikey t]

I’m not personally one to tell people how to treat their pets they spend their own money on. Having said that. I choose not to handle mine. There are occasions when rehousing or pairing that it’s a necessity and one should know how to do it safely. But beyond that there’s no reason to handle. Just my humble opinion.

 

[hestoncv]

One could theoretically take all proper precautions and still leave risk to harm themselves or the tarantula. T's don't have poker faces, and can change temperaments between molts. I don't think the question is what is the harm in doing so, I think the question is more along the lines of what good does it do the T for me to hold them?

The answer to that is nothing. There is no constructive reason to hold your T. Are people still going to do it? Sure. I'm always curious to read new bite reports, and I welcome them.

As I said in another reply they were fine in the wild. Everything we do for our ts is for our enjoyment. As for the temperament thing I agree with. Like I said in my post I wasn't necessarily for or against it, as I don't plan on holding mine. Just seemed like "elitist" behavior that is seen in all hobbies. As in " you're wrong if you do it this way!!"

 

[basin79]

Regardless of what people on the forum say everyone keeps tarantulas for their own enjoyment regardless. They were "happy" in the wild. Regardless though, the points about panicking are valid, they are unpredictable so things can happen. How often does this happen with tarantulas that are more "suited" for handling?

"Happy" in the wild? Well that would only go for WC tarantulas and even then being given a home they can make their own and not have predators or food to "worry" about its a better life.

1 tarantula dying from handling is 1 too many. And you only have to look through the "Help my tarantulas dying" type posts to realise quite a few come to an end due to the selfish act.

Whilst it's true that a pet is a pet in the first place is because the human enjoys them it's also true that being a pet owner makes you responsible for THEIR wellbeing.

And in choosing to handle I don't believe they are.

 

[Frogdaddy]

There are many people online, like the tarantula collective, who get their Ts out for things as simple as photos, but the unpredictability still applies. With him taking the correct precautions and having experience i doubt one has leaped to its death for him.

We would probably never know if one has.

 

[HeartBum]

T's don't like being handled, simple. Imagine if you had a cat who didn't like being picked up for cuddles, and it scratched ya. Would you blame the cat? Maybe. But you knew what you were getting yourself in to. Therefore, if someone does decide to handle, ultimately, it's up to them, but they should definitely be aware of the risks involved beforehand and not just do it for the 'gram. Like others have said, these aren't animals to get to handle. It's a status thing sadly, but keepers who DON'T handle are the more respected ones.

 

[hestoncv]

"Happy" in the wild? Well that would only go for WC tarantulas and even then being given a home they can make their own and not have predators or food to "worry" about its a better life.

1 tarantula dying from handling is 1 too many. And you only have to look through the "Help my tarantulas dying" type posts to realise quite a few come to an end due to the selfish act.

Whilst it's true that a pet is a pet in the first place is because the human enjoys them it's also true that being a pet owner makes you responsible for THEIR wellbeing.

And in choosing to handle I don't believe they are.

My personal opinion is that they didn't mind being in the wild. Its what they were designed for. Regardless. I agree you should take care of the animal, I just don't think its a sin to hold it if its the right species and you take the right precautions. It's your property, do with it what you will. As for the ethics of it, from my understanding they don't even have a traditional brain and are basically stimulus response. So it would be like dropping my laptop

T's don't like being handled, simple. Imagine if you had a cat who didn't like being picked up for cuddles, and it scratched ya. Would you blame the cat? Maybe. But you knew what you were getting yourself in to. Therefore, if someone does decide to handle, ultimately, it's up to them, but they should definitely be aware of the risks involved beforehand and not just do it for the 'gram. Like others have said, these aren't animals to get to handle. It's a status thing sadly, but keepers who DON'T handle are the more respected ones.

I don't see a problem with handling the slow "pet rock" terrestrials who don't seem to mind.

 

[basin79]

There are many people online, like the tarantula collective, who get their Ts out for things as simple as photos, but the unpredictability still applies. With him taking the correct precautions and having experience i doubt one has leaped to its death for him.

And there are many who like me, @Arachnid Addicted ,@The Grym Reaper , @cold blood etcetera etcetera that choose to take pics of their tarantulas within their enclosures. So yes you don't always get the "perfect" shot due to the limitions but you put the tarantula first above likes.

My personal opinion is that they didn't mind being in the wild. Its what they were designed for. Regardless. I agree you should take care of the animal, I just don't think its a sin to hold it if its the right species and you take the right precautions. It's your property, do with it what you will. As for the ethics of it, from my understanding they don't even have a traditional brain and are basically stimulus response. So it would be like dropping my laptop

"It'd be like dropping my laptop".

What!!!!!!! Piss off.

 

[hestoncv]

"It'd be like dropping my laptop".

What!!!!!!! Piss off.

What makes them any different from the roaches you feed them? All I'm saying is creatures at this level are basically robots, so ethically I don't think its much different. Although I obviously care greatly for my soon to be tarantula, with all the research and time I've taken with the enclosure, but I don't look down upon people who take risk with a bug. Just my opinion. you think they are different from a roach? The only difference is you think they are cooler.

 

[HeartBum]

I don't see a problem with handling the slow "pet rock" terrestrials who don't seem to mind.

But they do mind. Is why I said, none of them like being handled

 

[hestoncv]

But they do mind. Is why I said, none of them like being handled

How do you know that? If they didn't like it they would give a response. Which many do of course, but some don't.

 

[Poonjab]

Spotted the tarantula handler. A true wolf in sheep’s clothing.

 

[HeartBum]

What makes them any different from the roaches you feed them? All I'm saying is creatures at this level are basically robots, so ethically I don't think its much different. Although I obviously care greatly for my soon to be tarantula, with all the research and time I've taken with the enclosure, but I don't look down upon people who take risk with a bug. Just my opinion. you think they are different from a roach? The only difference is you think they are cooler.

My feeders still have a good quality of life before they're eaten... It doesn't sound like a T is right for you tbh if this is the mindset you're already in.