Hapalopus sp. Columbia (Pumpkin Patch Tarantula)

[sp00dmama]

I pointed out husbandry. I never wrote you mentioned husbandry

It's good you do research! Most who are new here, do not, and the vast majority cite some stupidtubers as their source for everything virtually. You provided interesting research.




Well, experts in terms of scientists- no very very few of those, Some of them keep Ts.

Experienced people who have been breeding for 30+ years, yes they exist, I know a few. Those people are the ones I go to when I have questions, and at times here too.

What you have to be careful of are people parroting info but have no experience, or read from the internet that a certain species is semi-arboreal or that it's "communal", They accept said info as fact because they see "everyone" on the net saying such things as if they are FACT, when in fact they are FALSE or at the very least some things have not been observed in the wild. It's merely something a group of people speculated about based on their personal observations of Ts in CAPTIVITY, not studied or even observed in the wild.

Internet "fact" trends live for more than decades because no info is deleted. I remember BEFORE I owned a T decades ago, people said "yeah Avicularia can be kept communally"-- FALSE, unless you don't give a crap if some die to cannibalism!!!! Idiots.

In the end you will see as you keep more of them and research more over time that T keeping is a lot like cooking sadly, everyone has their own way, and some chefs serve up garbage. This partly because so little is known about them, and for others they don't care honestly, they do what is convenient for them, not what is best for the animal whose life depends on them!

Yeah, my biggest fear is misinformation which is why I try to do as much research as I can, and ask before I do. I appreciate your warning on the animal trenders over animal lovers. I am always rooting for what is best for the animal, not what is the easiest. (Like the people who don’t have water dishes because they get annoyed of them being buried)

 

[viper69]

Yeah, my biggest fear is misinformation which is why I try to do as much research as I can, and ask before I do. I appreciate your warning on the animal trenders over animal lovers. I am always rooting for what is best for the animal, not what is the easiest. (Like the people who don’t have water dishes because they get annoyed of them being buried)

No problem! There was a person not long ago that basically asked if a dish was needed because of that. I reply “give the animal to someone who will care for it”

Some Ts don’t drink from a dish and so adding drops of water drop-wise is necessary. I have many that won’t drink from a dish.
Yep trenders- Like the people who buy a bunch of slings sequentially cause they can’t control themselves and realize in a year or less these aren’t the right animals. Maybe if you bought one, and waited like we TOLD you this wouldn’t be so bad idiot.

 

[TheraMygale]

If @viper69 actualy went out and watched some of her videos to give you feedback, im flabbergasted. I would second his assessment.

i was going to suggest you bring up the substrate: youve done it, great.

i also dont think the plants are a good idea. But hey, you do you. Come back 6 months later and tell us how thats going.

good luck with your tarantula!

i only trust two people on youtube, Tom Moran and Daves little beasties. What Viper said about the parroting, is SPOT ON. These people have been doing so much work. Its easy to just repeat everything without the experience.

 

[sp00dmama]

No problem! There was a person not long ago that basically asked if a dish was needed because of that. I reply “give the animal to someone who will care for it”

Some Ts don’t drink from a dish and so adding drops of water drop-wise is necessary. I have many that won’t drink from a dish.
Yep trenders- Like the people who buy a bunch of slings sequentially cause they can’t control themselves and realize in a year or less these aren’t the right animals. Maybe if you bought one, and waited like we TOLD you this wouldn’t be so bad idiot.

It is actually disheartening how people have such a disregard for their Ts unlike their dogs or cats.

By logic, every living thing needs water. I’ve definitely have seen a handful of debates about this. It’s funny that someone actually mentioned Tom Moran because I watched this one video about how this guy quite refuses to use water dishes because “it ruins the aesthetic that he wants.” And he did a collaboration with Tom and TKat. Ironically, Tom said a water dish is absolutely necessary even if they don’t drink from it. TKat said, that she hates that they’re buried most of the time so she doesn’t use them.

I’ve heard the dangers of T hoarding and how many people end up killing their T’s due to lack of proper research for individual species. For me, I’ve now been getting into dwarf species as I have a couple of T slings that I know will need bigger enclosures in the future. AND I have been getting T’s with different growth rates so I know I won’t end up with all full grown T’s at the same time. It’s not that hard to plan ahead. People just forget to have a brain.

 

[sp00dmama]

If @viper69 actualy went out and watched some of her videos to give you feedback, im flabbergasted. I would second his assessment.

i was going to suggest you bring up the substrate: youve done it, great.

i also dont think the plants are a good idea. But hey, you do you. Come back 6 months later and tell us how thats going.

good luck with your tarantula!

i only trust two people on youtube, Tom Moran and Daves little beasties. What Viper said about the parroting, is SPOT ON. These people have been doing so much work. Its easy to just repeat everything without the experience.

I actually feel honored. I see him “gently inform” people a lot for stupid questions I am always open to well informed opinions, research, and suggestions so I definitely appreciate their time and effort.

I will absolutely keep an eye on the plant, and update here as I go on. if it causes any issues, I’ll take it out immediately. I’ve never tried a live plant before, but I have a green thumb. So this is a small tester since I’ve heard this species likes to web up and it will stay small enough to not just crush the plant as it grows

also, love Tom Moran~

 

[viper69]

It is actually disheartening how people have such a disregard for their Ts unlike their dogs or cats.

By logic, every living thing needs water. I’ve definitely have seen a handful of debates about this. It’s funny that someone actually mentioned Tom Moran because I watched this one video about how this guy quite refuses to use water dishes because “it ruins the aesthetic that he wants.” And he did a collaboration with Tom and TKat. Ironically, Tom said a water dish is absolutely necessary even if they don’t drink from it. TKat said, that she hates that they’re buried most of the time so she doesn’t use them.

I’ve heard the dangers of T hoarding and how many people end up killing their T’s due to lack of proper research for individual species. For me, I’ve now been getting into dwarf species as I have a couple of T slings that I know will need bigger enclosures in the future. AND I have been getting T’s with different growth rates so I know I won’t end up with all full grown T’s at the same time. It’s not that hard to plan ahead. People just forget to have a brain.

oh ruin the looks?? Wow what an idiot! I’d didn’t know that.

I haven’t watched Moran videos that much, but I’ve seen him use forceps to hold the cricket so the T will eat. It’s not smart at all.. Drop it in- sure! Spoon feed them- no. No one holds food for them in the wild!!

Even my tiny slings from dwarf species go hunt!

I always keep dwarf species. There was a woman here she’s not active, she kept them exclusively. She had maybe 30 species. I love them!

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

oh ruin the looks?? Wow what an idiot! I’d didn’t know that.

I haven’t watched Moran videos that much, but I’ve seen him use forceps to hold the cricket so the T will eat. It’s not smart at all.. Drop it in- sure! Spoon feed them- no. No one holds food for them in the wild!!

Even my tiny slings from dwarf species go hunt!

I always keep dwarf species. There was a woman here she’s not active, she kept them exclusively. She had maybe 30 species. I love them!

it ruins the aesthetic?? How else do you water them, besides a dish ?

 

[sp00dmama]

oh ruin the looks?? Wow what an idiot! I’d didn’t know that.

I haven’t watched Moran videos that much, but I’ve seen him use forceps to hold the cricket so the T will eat. It’s not smart at all.. Drop it in- sure! Spoon feed them- no. No one holds food for them in the wild!!

Even my tiny slings from dwarf species go hunt!

I always keep dwarf species. There was a woman here she’s not active, she kept them exclusively. She had maybe 30 species. I love them!

Yeah… I’ve found that are some T keepers who are obsessive over the look of the actual enclosure rather than the proper set up. again, another place for misinformation for newer keepers.

Oh goodness. I’m always scared when watching these T videos where people are letting their T’s attack metal feeding tools. same ick I get from people biting down onto their metal utensils.

I didn’t know there were so many different dwarf species, that’s so awesome that she invested the time to love on them. if you have any suggestions for the best beginner dwarf species, I’d love to know~

 

[AphonopelmaTX]

How else do you water them, besides a dish ?

I don't know how anyone in particular does it, but there are a few ways:

- With spiderlings and dwarf species up to about 2 inches, saturate a portion of the soil used as substrate and the little tarantulas extract the water from it. This can be used for adults as well, but trickier to pull off because you have to use a soil that doesn't absorb water too fast. Adults need more water and soils typically used as substrates absorb and lock in water faster than adults can take it in.

- Tarantulas that burrow down to the bottom of the cage, where it is sitting on bare plastic or glass, pour water into the burrow and let it pool up at the bottom. The tarantulas drink from the pooled water.

- For arboreal tarantulas, use a hand-held pressure sprayer and hose down the inside of the cage using light water pressure. Don't blast the inside of a tarantula's cage with water like you're trying to pressure wash it. The tarantulas drink water that accumulates on the glass or plastic, or any furnishings or webbing. Only works when ventilation is restricted enough to keep the water from evaporating quickly.

Even with the above techniques, a water dish that is easily accessible to the tarantula is a good idea as a precaution.

 

[viper69]

Yeah… I’ve found that are some T keepers who are obsessive over the look of the actual enclosure rather than the proper set up. again, another place for misinformation for newer keepers.

Oh goodness. I’m always scared when watching these T videos where people are letting their T’s attack metal feeding tools. same ick I get from people biting down onto their metal utensils.

I didn’t know there were so many different dwarf species, that’s so awesome that she invested the time to love on them. if you have any suggestions for the best beginner dwarf species, I’d love to know~

If you google dwarf tarantula then hit images any of the species you’ll see are excellent. I’ve owned most of those.

Anything out of Cyriocosmus is great, I’ve owned a few of these - distinctive markings too

For many you’ll need smaller prey than normal. Most of the ones I’ve kept do not have a strong feeding response like a Ppatch or a C versi, so they get scared easily/ refuse food quite often if prey isn’t the “right” size.

There are also some great semi-dwarf that average about 3” DLS.

Top small I’ve owned
H. chilense
A. minatrix
N. incei- most underrated and wildly fun to own
D. diamantinensis - mini-GBB, NO urticating setae
I. mira - one of the best OW beginner species, trap-door too!
I’ve owned 3 members of Hapalopus
Pseudhapalopus - I’ve owned one of the two commonly available. A long time experienced breeder told me they have one of the slowest growth rates. Slower than many commonly kept NWs. Mine was no exception. Picky eaters too

 

[sp00dmama]

If you google dwarf tarantula then hit images any of the species you’ll see are excellent. I’ve owned most of those.

Anything out of Cyriocosmus is great, I’ve owned a few of these - distinctive markings too

For many you’ll need smaller prey than normal. Most of the ones I’ve kept do not have a strong feeding response like a Ppatch or a C versi, so they get scared easily/ refuse food quite often if prey isn’t the “right” size.

There are also some great semi-dwarf that average about 3” DLS.

Top small I’ve owned
H. chilense
A. minatrix
N. incei- most underrated and wildly fun to own
D. diamantinensis - mini-GBB, NO urticating setae
I. mira - one of the best OW beginner species, trap-door too!
I’ve owned 3 members of Hapalopus
Pseudhapalopus - I’ve owned one of the two commonly available. A long time experienced breeder told me they have one of the slowest growth rates. Slower than many commonly kept NWs. Mine was no exception. Picky eaters too

Time to do some research before the next expo so I can get some more little babies. thank you so much for the beautiful and detailed suggestions. I actually have an itty bitty C. elegans right now. Never thought I’d be able to own a T so tiny. Eating great too, just been putting in some prekilled pinhead crickets. I absolutely want to get into OW Ts soon, dwarf species seems to be a good place to start.

Here’s a picture of the micro baby:


Thank you for the heads up about the feeding. Thankfully, I’ve started getting mine solely at expos which has allowed me to create some good connections. (If people want another reason to switch to feeder breeders rather than getting feeders at pet stores, I have absolutely noticed the bred ones live longer and tend to be a lot healthier. Plus breeders are cheaper and gives you deals.)

 

[viper69]

Time to do some research before the next expo so I can get some more little babies. thank you so much for the beautiful and detailed suggestions. I actually have an itty bitty C. elegans right now. Never thought I’d be able to own a T so tiny. Eating great too, just been putting in some prekilled pinhead crickets. I absolutely want to get into OW Ts soon, dwarf species seems to be a good place to start.

Here’s a picture of the micro baby:
View attachment 483554

Thank you for the heads up about the feeding. Thankfully, I’ve started getting mine solely at expos which has allowed me to create some good connections. (If people want another reason to switch to feeder breeders rather than getting feeders at pet stores, I have absolutely noticed the bred ones live longer and tend to be a lot healthier. Plus breeders are cheaper and gives you deals.)

NP- I’ve done a combo of killed and live. Depends on how brave/hungry they are on a given day, and size of prey

Expos are where all my knowledge came from re husbandry. Meet experienced peeps and talk!

I’ve noticed that too about feeders living!

 

[TheraMygale]

I’ve seen him use forceps to hold the cricket so the T will eat. It’s not smart at all

Yes. He has done it and others as well. At one point he does recommend not doing that because tarantulas can hurt their fangs on the tongs. Ive watched so many videos i would need to watch them all over again to see when he says it.

He does also, at one point, start having a more “bioactive” approach with his enclosures. With leaf litter on the substrate. I thought the enclosures looked great: but i tried it. And nope. Its not going to work for me. Tarantulas also redecor everything.

That being said: the keeper has a responsability.

I like Tom Moran because of how long he has been doing it and from everything I cross check, his info was pretty accurate. I also like the fact that he didnt spend a big budget on props and decor. It is very DIY. No fancy schmancy bling to attract attention. Its straight to the point down to the facts.

After that, as a keeper, one needs to cross check: this is where arachnoboard is key. And where i come after watching anything.

I use the search bar, and if i dont find an answer, which is rarely, i will ask.

I saw people tong feeding, but read and heard it can be a risk for the fangs. Never did it.

So all that being said, its important for keepers to do more research then necessary. And definitely not base all their “education” on a youtube channel.

Especialy those that parrot, are focused on selling products, and put more importance on image then facts and relevant information.

Monkey see monkey do eh?

 

[viper69]

Lots of monkeys doing unfortunately

 

[Stu Macher]

I've gotten quite a few slings from Fangztv. Tom's good at what he does. His packaging is great, and all of my slings have been solid and well started. Not many breeders sell 2i slings for crazy deals. Not many sell 2i in general. I just picked up 3 H sp Colombia Klein for $10 a pop, and they were well over 2i. The smallest sling I raised also came from him and is doing great. So there's that.

Tarantula Kat... She honestly seems like a likable girl. But, I agree with Viper. People need to stop watching these dumb influencers.

TC, "Richard".... Yeah, he's the hipster/latte tarantula keeper who only uses biodude and premium TCribs enclosures. Also just stupidly came across a video where he talked down on people who use sterilites and cheaper enclosures. He basically trashed idk 90% of people in the hobby with that comment. People who watch these videos are intrigued by them. Which I think is a good thing. It's about time that people can see a tarantula and not piddle themselves.

But people like Richard, who's from the east coast but talks like he's from Cali.... they profit off of views and endorsements. And they get a ton of free crap. What do we get? Your just making a fat cat fatter.

So I'm done watching Meow Girl and Hipster man

 

[Stu Macher]

I've gotten quite a few slings from Fangztv. Tom's good at what he does. His packaging is great, and all of my slings have been solid and well started. Not many breeders sell 2i slings for crazy deals. Not many sell 2i in general. I just picked up 3 H sp Colombia Klein for $10 a pop, and they were well over 2i. The smallest sling I raised also came from him and is doing great. So there's that.

Tarantula Kat... She honestly seems like a likable girl. But, I agree with Viper. People need to stop watching these dumb influencers.

TC, "Richard".... Yeah, he's the hipster/latte tarantula keeper who only uses biodude and premium TCribs enclosures. Also just stupidly came across a video where he talked down on people who use sterilites and cheaper enclosures. He basically trashed idk 90% of people in the hobby with that comment. People who watch these videos are intrigued by them. Which I think is a good thing. It's about time that people can see a tarantula and not piddle themselves.

But people like Richard, who's from the east coast but talks like he's from Cali.... they profit off of views and endorsements. And they get a ton of free crap. What do we get? Your just making a fat cat fatter.

So I'm done watching Meow Girl and Hipster man

I know you mentioned nothing about "The Collective" but I felt compelled to share that. He's one of the leading talents...if you want to even call that talent.

 

[sp00dmama]

I've gotten quite a few slings from Fangztv. Tom's good at what he does. His packaging is great, and all of my slings have been solid and well started. Not many breeders sell 2i slings for crazy deals. Not many sell 2i in general. I just picked up 3 H sp Colombia Klein for $10 a pop, and they were well over 2i. The smallest sling I raised also came from him and is doing great. So there's that.

Tarantula Kat... She honestly seems like a likable girl. But, I agree with Viper. People need to stop watching these dumb influencers.

TC, "Richard".... Yeah, he's the hipster/latte tarantula keeper who only uses biodude and premium TCribs enclosures. Also just stupidly came across a video where he talked down on people who use sterilites and cheaper enclosures. He basically trashed idk 90% of people in the hobby with that comment. People who watch these videos are intrigued by them. Which I think is a good thing. It's about time that people can see a tarantula and not piddle themselves.

But people like Richard, who's from the east coast but talks like he's from Cali.... they profit off of views and endorsements. And they get a ton of free crap. What do we get? Your just making a fat cat fatter.

So I'm done watching Meow Girl and Hipster man

Yeah, Tom is such a kind guy. I absolutely trust his word. He’s definitely not a trend keeper. I met him at the expo just over the weekend; he had the biggest range and quantity of Ts, at the cheapest prices.

Yeah, I enjoy watching TKat and Richard, but more so for entertainment. If they say anything interesting that I’ve never heard of before, I search it 10x to check the accuracy of it. I didn’t specify their name in my last post, but Dark Den is also one of those people who seem to do a lot for views. He often says “don’t copy me because I’m not doing it correctly.” Or “don’t try this yourself because I don’t know if it’s going to work out.” He’s funny and I love his personality, but I’d never take actual keeping advice from him. And Exotics Lair is another huge one. I watch a lot of tarantula videos (more so to see what different species looks like), but again, no one should EVERRRRR use these trend chasers as a main source. I really think people should emphasize more that YT is a great place to get starter topics for you to research more into outside of YT.

 

[TheraMygale]

When you watch these videos, youre voting. You might just be one person, but it counts. You’re also here, talking about them.

Some who are entertainers, actualy really mistreat animals.

Im not into naming or shaming anyone. But i think some “entertainers” really don’t need more attention.