M balfouri communal shipped in separate containers?

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Krycifer

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Hey all!
I'm buying a M balfouri communal (x4 slings around 1" DLS) and I'm super excited. But there's one thing I'm concerned about regarding conflicting information I've run into. The seller informed me they're planning on shipping the slings in separate vials, and based on a picture, it looks as though they're currently housed separately as well.
I reached out to another seller about getting one more M balfouri so I could have a communal of 5 (4 is all the original seller had left), but this seller informed me that it would be best to buy at least 2 so they could be shipped together so as to not lose communal instincts. Upon receiving this information is when I reached out to the original seller about whether they ship the slings together in one vial or not.
I'm worried that the original 4 I'm getting will cannibalize each other when I introduce them since they appear to not be currently housed together and will be shipped separately. But the original seller said that no one they've sold multiples to have had any issues.
I told the 2nd seller about what the original seller told me, and they said what the original seller is doing is risky. They also recommended reaching out to another seller about the situation, so I've also sent them an email.

I'm just curious what everyone's thoughts and experiences are. TIA!
 
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fcat

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Maybe the seller is trying to do you a favor... It is not natural for tarantulas in the wild and captive communals always lead to one thing...that thing being the lone fat survivor.

But if your research only consists of 2 people (and one of them uses phrases like communal instincts) then you'll have to make your own informed decision.

I would err on the side of the live arrival guarantee...

If I ever get a successful sac, it will be limit ONE for this reason. The sacs are small and most of the captive bred stock is all inbred for this very reason.
 
viper69

viper69

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No one has reported this species in the wild as communal.

They HAVE been reported doing cannibalism in captivity. I have a great picture of that!
 
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Krycifer

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Ultum4Spiderz said:
You want them separated so they don’t bounce around in shipping and get injured.🤕 doa..
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That DOES make sense, thank you.
I was going off of information and videos that a seller has posted since they appear to have a lot of experience with M balfouri, especially regarding communal keeping. I didn't realize just how conflicting the information and opinions would be. But I do appreciate the input and experiences of everyone.
 
cold blood

cold blood

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Krycifer said:
That DOES make sense, thank you.
I was going off of information and videos that a seller has posted since they appear to have a lot of experience with M balfouri, especially regarding communal keeping. I didn't realize just how conflicting the information and opinions would be. But I do appreciate the input and experiences of everyone.
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A good read on the topic

The great balfouri debate, a communal discussion

What research did you find that shows M balfouri live communally? I'd love to see it...
arachnoboards.com
 
TheraMygale

TheraMygale

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Communal and shipping are different things. If we are to metaphor it: no one would enjoy being trapped in a small box together. Safety comes first too.

if you get to reading the great Balfouri debate, you’ll understand that, many communals, started with people having eggsacs and letting them grow. The slings hatched, and it was in the ssme enclosure, that they learned to adapt.

everything else is an experience. Results are not guaranteed.
 
Charliemum

Charliemum

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Late to this but I have to ask why a communal? They never last past 2 years before they are split up if the t's last that long n you don't just get one fat t at the end.
If you research you will NOT find an old communal because these aren't communal. Mothers will tolerate their slings hanging about even a juvie or 2 but non live in community's together. It's a myth like pokie are communal.
I suggest you stop at 4 n get SEPARATE vivs before your floofers come fir their sake.
Your want for a communal isn't important t safe is.
 
viper69

viper69

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Charliemum said:
Late to this but I have to ask why a communal? They never last past 2 years before they are split up if the t's last that long n you don't just get one fat t at the end.
If you research you will NOT find an old communal because these aren't communal. Mothers will tolerate their slings hanging about even a juvie or 2 but non live in community's together. It's a myth like pokie are communal.
I suggest you stop at 4 n get SEPARATE vivs before your floofers come fir their sake.
Your want for a communal isn't important t safe is.
Click to expand...
SMART
 
Matt Man

Matt Man

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fcat said:
Maybe the seller is trying to do you a favor... It is not natural for tarantulas in the wild and captive communals always lead to one thing...that thing being the lone fat survivor.

But if your research only consists of 2 people (and one of them uses phrases like communal instincts) then you'll have to make your own informed decision.

I would err on the side of the live arrival guarantee...

If I ever get a successful sac, it will be limit ONE for this reason. The sacs are small and most of the captive bred stock is all inbred for this very reason.
Click to expand...
thanks for being an ethical sales person. Personally I think part of the trend is "I can sell 5-10 at a time".....
 
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