Help Calming Brachypelma albopilosum

[cold blood]

tank prices aren't that bad in the US in general, but I should specify my area has seemingly pricier tanks at the stores around here than some other places (northern Illinois is where I'm at).

For example, that tank was 50 dollars full price, and that was the cheapest one I could find! I hope that clarifies what I meant by "here." It may just be my area has poor selection because it's a more rural area.

Geez...stupid Illinois...drive across the border, that stuff can be found cheaply in SE Wisconsin.

Like I said before I'm a little tight (read: really tight) on money for a little while, but I definitely plan to improve this enclosure as I can. I just needed the cheapest option

Sterilite is the cheapest option....90% of my juvies and adults reside in sterilite...love it.

Also I apologize again for lack of clarity,

No need to apologize, that's what a forum is for.

, I was more concerned about her wandering constantly as I've heard some tarantulas only do that when stressed but for others it's totally normal and I wasn't sure how to determine between normal and abnormal for this sort of thing.

In time you will learn, its really just something you need to experience yourself...most new keeper worries, are non-issues, just keep that in mind and don't over-react to things and keep things as simple as possible....and keep asking if you need clarification or even message someone.

 

[Ellenantula]

In time you will learn, its really just something you need to experience yourself...most new keeper worries, are non-issues, just keep that in mind and don't over-react to things and keep things as simple as possible....and keep asking if you need clarification or even message someone.

Gotta agree. I just enjoy mine. I give the best care I can and realize I cannot control everything. Worrying and micro-managing ruins all enjoyment of them. Learn proper care and do your best... then enjoy.

 

[Devin B]

Nice option...but if cost is paramount...the fact is that sterilite is still about 8-10 times cheaper....and a KK is 1/3 the cost with zero modifications.

I always forget that kritter keepers are an option because I dont like how they look and I like building things so my default is making these display case enclosures. Conpared to some of the enclosures at the store building your own out of a display case is like pocket change.

 

[Ellenantula]

I always forget that kritter keepers are an option because I dont like how they look and I like building things so my default is making these display case enclosures. Conpared to some of the enclosures at the store building your own out of a display case is like pocket change.

I found KK-type faunariums with black lids (from Josh's Frogs, I think) and they look more professional than those colourful ones.
In general, I don't like the KK look -- so the black lids won me over.
I like them because the walls are truly clear. I like to see my Ts. And the low cost is a bonus.

 

[Devin B]

I found KK-type faunariums with black lids (from Josh's Frogs, I think) and they look more professional than those colourful ones.
In general, I don't like the KK look -- so the black lids won me over.
I like them because the walls are truly clear. I like to see my Ts. And the low cost is a bonus.

I might habe to check those out. The lid is what I dont like about the keepers.

Ive added a picture of the smallest enclosure if made for my B. Hamorii to show what my home made enclosures look like. I think it was 5 bucks for the smaller display case like this.

 

[Ellenantula]

I might habe to check those out. The lid is what I dont like about the keepers.

Ive added a picture of the smallest enclosure if made for my B. Hamorii to show what my home made enclosures look like. I think it was 5 bucks for the smaller display case like this.

Looks very nice! Cool!

 

[Swoop]

You can always browse or post a 'wanted' ad on craigslist, facebook, etc for appropriate enclosures too. Might even get it for free.

 

[Tobii]

A bit of an update to this thread: She's settled in and hadn't been wandering as much since. Her abdomen is a little misshapen on one side which I'm going to keep an eye on but so far she hasn't shown any other signs of injury or illness. I know that can be a bad sign but her abdomen was a bit small and shriveled when I got her so hoping that's all it is and everything will clear up as she plumps. Keeping an eye out and doing my best to not worry. Thank all of you for your help and suggestions, Ivy and I both appreciate it.

 

[Tobii]

A bit of an update to this thread: She's settled in and hadn't been wandering as much since. Her abdomen is a little misshapen on one side which I'm going to keep an eye on but so far she hasn't shown any other signs of injury or illness. I know that can be a bad sign but her abdomen was a bit small and shriveled when I got her so hoping that's all it is and everything will clear up as she plumps. Keeping an eye out and doing my best to not worry. Thank all of you for your help and suggestions, Ivy and I both appreciate it.

Update again. I attempted to temporarily put her in a critter carrier so I could fix the substrate. I didn't have a paint brush, but I did use the eraser end of a pencil to lightly brush her back legs in an attempt to get her to move. Now, it seems like she mistook it for food or she was in a bad mood because she immediately attacked it, fangs and all, and actually ripped it out of my hand! Photo of the damage below. And after this she's been in her hide ever since. Lesson learned, attempt to feed her first or alert her of my presence before trying something like this again.

 

[BC1579]

Well isn't she just a pissy missy? I would worry she would hang a fang on that wood and hurt herself. @petkokc is one of my favorite YouTubers in the hobby. He's knowledgeable, funny, he's got a great collection and his videos have solid production value.

Mostly, though, I like how he manipulates his Ts. After watching one of his vids I went to the 7-11 and grabbed a fistful of the long Slurpee straws and use those for mechanical coaxing. They're light, they're free ( ), they can be cleaned easily and they're pretty safe for Ts.

Maybe just remove all of the items from her enclosure (hide, plants, water dish, etc.) and catch cup her. I know you said she's been handled before but if she's being difficult I wouldn't risk a bite or a bolt.

 

[Corine]

Wow! Love this thread! I'm also a brand new Curly owner, or does she, Nakita, now own me? ;-)
A lot of useful info here! I just came out of my little burrow to say, thanks!

 

[Tobii]

Well isn't she just a pissy missy? I would worry she would hang a fang on that wood and hurt herself. @petkokc is one of my favorite YouTubers in the hobby. He's knowledgeable, funny, he's got a great collection and his videos have solid production value.

Mostly, though, I like how he manipulates his Ts. After watching one of his vids I went to the 7-11 and grabbed a fistful of the long Slurpee straws and use those for mechanical coaxing. They're light, they're free ( ), they can be cleaned easily and they're pretty safe for Ts.

Maybe just remove all of the items from her enclosure (hide, plants, water dish, etc.) and catch cup her. I know you said she's been handled before but if she's being difficult I wouldn't risk a bite or a bolt.

I'll be trying again tonight if she comes out of her hide again. I'm going to try to feed her first, and one suggestion I got from a fellow curly hair lover on FB is that he lightly blows on his curly hairs to alert them he's there first, and they tend to be less prone to be startled by the instrument used to coax them. I'll try something softer and less dangerous because I was certainly not expecting that bite and while I've seen plenty of threads on how to feed a fangless T (usually hand feeding prureéd crickets), I'm hoping she's okay partly because I'm antsy about handling to feed after that ordeal!

I actually knew about Petko from YouTube before joining this forum! What a small world. I love how he manipulates his pets and the feeder animals. Very calculated and nice to watch.

Hoping Ivy doesn't freak out again tonight! Really that reaction definitely seemed like she thought it was prey because she took it from me, which it doesn't seem like a T would do to a percieved threat or something they wanted to leave them alone. Of course, she is pretty quirky as most Ts are so who knows! This is the same spider who spun around on top of her hide a few times before deciding to rip the peat moss out from behind it instead of using it like any normal animal would.

Gonna have a catch cup at any rate. I've seen some people just cup Ts while they're out in the open and skip the coaxing entirely, so if all else fails I can try that method even if it's not my first choice.

 

[BC1579]

An empty 1 liter soda or water bottle with the bottom removed is useful also. It provides you with enough length to keep your hand away, it’s clear so you can see what you’re doing, and it’s rigid enough to keep its shape.

Happy capturing!

 

[Tobii]

Wow! Love this thread! I'm also a brand new Curly owner, or does she, Nakita, now own me? ;-)
A lot of useful info here! I just came out of my little burrow to say, thanks!

Hi!! You've made a great choice in species in my humble opinion, they're typically total teddy bears compared to other T species. Of course, as you can see here there are some exceptions...

But I hope you have better luck than I'm having!! Thus far Ivy has shown her teddy bear side to quite literally everyone except me.

Wishing you and Nakita a happy companionship and may she be good to you for many years to come!

 

[Corine]

Thank you! I am thoroughly enjoying her! She's building a huge patio onto her burrow, which she has decided is inside a hollow piece of korkbark!