Handling

[DnKslr]

I was wondering if tarantulas can sence when a person is nervous? I haven't been able to hold a T since I was bit by my rosey. I did get the nerve to hold my tiny chaco the other day for a close up picture but that's it! I don't want to "play" with them or handle them often, actually, I rather not have to handle them. But I'd really like to get over my fear of holding them. This is mainly why I have many of the "docile" species but knowing my luck, they'll all have a bad temper!
I was told by someone to "pretend to be a branch, or the dirt. You never see a tarantula bite the branch do you?" Is this a good way to start? Some one else said "just herd them towards your hand and let them do the walking."
I just want to feel comfortable around them and not so nervous.

 

[MizM]

When Draken handled my h. gigas, p. murinus and h. lividium, I had pumped him full of caffiene all day and he was shaking like a leaf. I theorize that once they are walking on you, they think YOU are substrate (in other words, they treat you like dirt! ) so why would they bite you? I am going to be WAY nervous when I try his little trick, we'll see if they can sense that!

 

[DnKslr]

(in other words, they treat you like dirt! )

LOL!!=D I can deal with that!

 

[Navaros]

That is exactly how I handle mine when I have to move them, etc. I use something to prob them out of the container they are in and put my hand level with the rim and let them walk onto it.

 

[metzgerzoo]

Up until this very moment, I never thought I'd actually like being thought of as "dirt" but hey, I'd rather be dirt than dinner!!! I'm still pretty leery about holding mine, I try to make sure they have nice full bellies and, in Crikey's case, make sure she's not in a bad mood that day. I go for the idea of letting them walk onto the "substrate" hand, but with my rosie, Crikey, I'll "scoop" her up sometimes as well. Don't know why, but she seems to like laying on her back in my hand, she'll stay like that forever, or until I put her back. I agree with the "be a branch" theory. It makes sence and I'm one of those constant shakers...not because of nervousness, just something my hands always do. I would think that a T wouldn't get too nervous in a hand, even if it's shaking. They tend to be very sensitive to motion and vibration but they feel those things all the time, even in their tanks so IMO, I don't think it would bother them...until you sneezed!

 

[Navaros]

Definately. My Ts are all calm until they get accidentally blown on or something, or if there is a loud noise, they book!

 

[MizM]

Good idea metz: I'd rather be called "substrate" than "dirt!"

 

[metzgerzoo]

Originally posted by MizM
Good idea metz: I'd rather be called "substrate" than "dirt!"

So would that make you the "Arachno-substrate-princess"? I think that would sound a lot better than "The dirty arachnoprincess" LOL

 

[Phillip]

While they don't sense how nervous you may or may not be it does seem as if the more calm you are causes them to move slower and be less likely to bolt. What it boils down to is the more slowly and deliberately you move when handling them the less afraid and prone to bolt they feel. It is all about getting over the fear.

Phil

 

[MizM]

Originally posted by metzgerzoo
So would that make you the "Arachno-substrate-princess"? I think that would sound a lot better than "The dirty arachnoprincess" LOL

LOL!! But my hubby would rather think of me as the latter!! (Evil laughter in the background!)

 

[metzgerzoo]

LMAO =D =D =D Keep an eye on your title...

 

[DnKslr]

Good idea metz: I'd rather be called "substrate" than "dirt!"

LOL!!=D What ever works! Just call me "Dirty Diana"

 

[metzgerzoo]

Well, I guess I could go by "Dirt ball Denise"

 

[DnKslr]

How about "Dirty D" for short?=D
That can go for both of us

 

[metzgerzoo]

Originally posted by Diane S
How about "Dirty D" for short?=D
That can go for both of us

LOL That could cause some havoc...especially if we changed our id's to that....wonder if we'd get banned for having "duplicate" accounts?=D

 

[belewfripp]

I think the vibrations of a nervous person's hand may be alarming to some Ts, depending on the circumstances. In some cases it may even be as simple as the reaction of any creature to shaky, uncertain ground. I also think much of the time Ts are well aware we aren't substrate. If they are on our clothing then I can see it, but considering how chemoreceptive they are, I would think prolonged contact with the skin of smelly, hairy mammals would cue them into the fact that they aren't walking on the forest floor.

Adrian

 

[Malhavoc's]

*First of all it wasnt from the vodka that I was shaking.. and I dont think I had any coffie.. not sure.. lol... I told ya it's from years of writting and drawing with extreme percision.. its fucked my wrists so I get bad shakes if I try and do anything with very perciceness.. Buttt!!! They still liked me.. maybe I'm jsut a t vibrator.. "oooooo yeeeaaaaaahhhh IIIIIII lllliiikkikiiie thiiiiisss handdd.... meeeee....sssssiiiiit.. .reealllll stiillll aaaaa nnndd enjoyyyyy!" lmao. But I'd have to agree with most here on the subject of shakng, The t's seem a bit more nervous then usual in when my hands were shaking, but as soon as I got my nerves the calmed down.. my lil babes! . to anyopne that is doubtful about handling, Close your eyes breath deep and prod the t in the but till it walks on your hand, Open your eyes and don't even lift your hand up just look for a minute and realize, Hey its not a kilelr after all.. once comfterble to with this Slowly lift your hand away from substrate until it is out of its cage, Make sure you have somone nearby that is experienced that can help you incase you think "thats enough" If you start to get worried or dislike it gently replace th t to is home, Don't be stupid and freak. It only harms the t. Always have a friend to help you incase it tries to help and be sure of yourself and respect the tarantula, Everyone has different limits It's owner should know best what they are.. And terri don't put up with any of your t's threat positions Just take yoru finger and push those legs down outa threat!*mutters about grounding them for trying that shyte with him ;P * Don't put up with it there blow hards! *giggles remembering her watch him push the legs down on her h gigas while it threated and hissed at him before he picked it up.*

 

[PapaSmurf]

malhavoc,
you forgot your crazy also, dont forget the main point;P ever had a T run off your hand and away?( was kidding about the crazy thing)

Josh

 

[MizM]

Originally posted by Jguy001
malhavoc,
you forgot your crazy also, dont forget the main point;P ever had a T run off your hand and away?( was kidding about the crazy thing)

Josh

The p. murinus was the only one to take off for a stroll. The rest fell madly in love with him!!!

 

[Malhavoc's]

I'm not insane you are, I'm the only sane one around ;P Sure Every Head shrink I see recomends I take this pill and that and that I shouldn't jsut ignore them and so on and so forth.. but If I wanted to be in the zombie ashma trance from tacking those things I'd still be in canada