Is a pokie a good starter arboreal?

[hankypanky56]

I have a few terrestrial tarantulas, and now I am interested in getting an arboreal one. I
have done my research on pokies, and I like them a lot. I know they are fast and their
venom is rather strong. But other than that could it be a good first arboreal T? I really like the P. metallica!

Thanks

 

[panterafreak21]

My first arboreal T was a pokie. Ive always said if your gonna go with something from the old world list, start with a sling. You will learn the T's habbits as it grows. If you feel confident enough buying an adult i would say go for it,but the thrill is watching the T morph colors as it grows. just my opinion.

 

[Michael Jacobi]

I am asked this question quite often. Conventional wisdom (whatever that means) is that Avics are the best "starter" arboreals because they are - as a genus - more docile and have a weak bite. However, I've never understood how temperament and effects of venom have anything to do with husbandry. I don't advocate unnecessary contact with any species of tarantula (i.e., handling) so speed, venom and defensiveness are only minor considerations. The truth is that Avics generally are inhabitants of "jungle" - wet tropical forests and they are more demanding with more significant husbandry factors such as elevated temperature and humidity balanced with sufficient airflow. Poecs generally inhabit drier forest that is seasonally wet due to monsoon influence, and they are much more forgiving when it comes to cooler temps and less moisture.

This long explanation leads to the fact that, yes, I consider Poecs to be fine first arboreal species for keepers with some degree of experience with other tarantulas. I do suggest the calmer species such as P. metallica, P. miranda, and P. subfusca - or the classic P. regalis, which is hardy and moderate as far as temperament/speed/nervousness/defensiveness goes among the genus. Perhaps avoid the more defensive species like P. ornata, P. rufilata, P. striata and P. fasciata at first. For the same reasons (i.e., irascibility) avoid the other Old World arboreals (Heteroscodra, Stromatopelma, etc.) and the New World Psalmopoeus unless you are comfortable with them.

The truth is that P. metallica may be one of the best choices for your first ornamental tarantula.

 

[famish]

How long have you been caring for your terrestrial T's? Are they OW or NW? There is a big difference between a terrestrial Brachypelma and a Chilobrachys species and you are going to be dealing with a fast tarantula. I'm sure there will be plenty of folks with mixed opinions/suggestions on this question but I think an Avicularia species would be better. Maybe a P. irminia too. P. irminia is a wonderful arboreal and perhaps a good choice between an Avic and Pokie (in my experience having raised all three from slings to mature adults). As with any tarantula, respect is key. My P. rufilata was the quickest, fastest creature on earth. Yes, the P. metallicas are beautiful. Obviously, you are going to make the step sooner or later and get it. Good luck with your decision!

 

[le-thomas]

Simple answer. If you're ready for the speed and venom, they're pretty easy in my limited experience. Avics die much more easily.

 

[poisoned]

However, I've never understood how temperament and effects of venom have anything to do with husbandry. I don't advocate unnecessary contact with any species of tarantula (i.e., handling) so speed, venom and defensiveness are only minor considerations.

Because sooner or later, you will have to rehouse it. Some tarantulas will also escape when enclosure is opened.

Perhaps avoid the more defensive species like P. ornata, P. rufilata, P. striata and P. fasciata at first. For the same reasons (i.e., irascibility) avoid the other Old World arboreals (Heteroscodra, Stromatopelma, etc.) and the New World Psalmopoeus unless you are comfortable with them.

Are you saying that Pokies are more suitable for newbs than Psalmos?

To the OP:
There are a lot of interesting NW arboreals, go buy some and then get a pokie.

 

[SamuraiSid]

I agree with Michael's post. As enthusiasts we are all far too concerned with skittishness, speed, venom potency of T's, when IMHO, confidence, respect and research are what we should be thinking about. Its an odd way to look at it, but seriously, how many people bring home a fast T for the first time and say, "Ok, I was totally prepared for that". Probably not many. When I got my first OW arboreal, I was not ready for the speed, and I didnt want to get tagged, but I did my research and was confident in what I had read, and I gave my girl a lot of respect.

Its about the person, not the spider.

 

[grayzone]

P. metallica may be one of the best choices for your first ornamental tarantula.

if we could ALL be so lucky lol

Because sooner or later, you will have to rehouse it. Some tarantulas will also escape when enclosure is opened.


Are you saying that Pokies are more suitable for newbs than Psalmos?

To the OP:
There are a lot of interesting NW arboreals, go buy some and then get a pokie.

Actually, rehousing is a breeze if you are confident and SMART. Not to discredit anybodys methods of rehousing, but i find placing a smaller enclosure INSIDE a larger one, then prodding the t out to be QUITE EFFECTIVE. ive always rehoused "aggressive/defensive" ts this way with no problems.
Im a firm believer that, with proper research and confidence, NO genera/sp is more suitable than the next. I have seen WAY more attitude out of an irminia than ANY of my poeci (other than my PU ornata) ... Poeci seem to only act defensively when provoked. AT LEAST THEY give warning slaps 80% of the time.

My 2nd t (first arboreal, first OW, first sling) was a P. regalis. Throughout the duration of his life i only had to rehouse 2x. vial to a bigger rubbermaid enclosure, from that to a vertical 2.5gal .. My method above was a BREEZE.
I strongly feel NOBODY can tell you if a poeci is right for you. ONLY YOU can answer that. Only advise i can give is KNOW YOU ARE READY, ALWAYS BE AWARE (same holds true for ANY t.. rosie especially:sarcasm , and know what youre getting into. The only reason POECI have a bad rep is the venom. If you are a RESPONSIBLE owner, you will likely never have to worry about it. I am more scared of my OBT than any poeci, though thats not saying much!

 

[Storm76]

My opinion here with this is that as long as you have some expertise with some of the faster (and more skittish) species, then go for it.

If you don't, but still think you can deal with the T (thinking of rehousing / maintenance aso) - then go for it.

To anyone that hasn't really experienced a single T really - NOPE. Accidents can and do happen and if so, it's better to NOT pay by feeling like crap for x days.

That's just my opinion...and I'm pretty sure my P. cam is worse than any Poeci I could get currently.

 

[iaminside]

i just ordered my first arboreal yesterday. a 3" p. regalis, should arrive on Wednesday. i say go for it!

 

[poisoned]

I'm not sure if my pokie is really bad or I have a really calm P. irminia.

 

[James501]

My first two aboreal T's were both pokies; striata and an ornata about 5"/6" so far, both female. they arn't as demonic as some people make out you just need to treat them with respect and do plenty of research. :biggrin:

 

[grayzone]

I'm not sure if my pokie is really bad or I have a really calm P. irminia.

probably a bit of both lol.. every t has their own attitude. If left alone however, we never really have to deal with THEM being grumpy

 

[freedumbdclxvi]

Personally, I would go with an avic or, if you really want the speed and defensiveness, a p irminia.

 

[Storm76]

Personally, I would go with an avic or, if you really want the speed and defensiveness, a p irminia.

Speed: For sure! (don't let them fool you when they start walking calmly!)
Defensiveness: Not sure, temperaments differ - my AF is totally calm while my juvie is the usual irminia behavior

This ongoing "these are calm" should seriously be rewritten to "these are generally / usually calm" ...

 

[freedumbdclxvi]

Very true. I have an A metallica that is very defensive, perhaps even more so than my irminia.

 

[Storm76]

Very true. I have an A metallica that is very defensive, perhaps even more so than my irminia.

That's RIGHT what I meant with that comment, yes! It's one thing to suggest a species, but completely another to state that these are ALWAYS one or the other temperament.

Anyways, back 2 topic...

 

[SamuraiSid]

6 months ago when I became an active member of AB, I had never seen so many people spouting the same thing: Knowledge trumps T's potential attitude. Its nice to see the culture of AB making positive changes in the hobby

That's RIGHT what I meant with that comment, yes! It's one thing to suggest a species, but completely another to state that these are ALWAYS one or the other temperament.

Anyways, back 2 topic...

I have yet to hear about an A. avic that displays anything that could be considered defensivness.... Except for that time you got pooped on, Storm:roflmao:

 

[grayzone]

I have yet to hear about an A. avic that displays anything that could be considered defensivness.... [/QUOTE
It HAS been known to happen lol... http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?54498-Avicularia-avicularia Just not as common
either way.. interaction with ANY t (regardless of how much, or little interaction) can lead to a bite. Only way to 100% NEVER risk being bit is to not own/care for these animals. No risk, no reward. Im will always be firm believer/promoter of "get whatever you want, know what to expect"

 

[Lopez]

I completely agree with Michael, and I think my first proper arboreal was a P.regalis.