notanarachnophobe
Arachnosquire
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2017
- Messages
- 78
So, I want a T for my birthday. The problem is, I'm scared of spiders. How can I convince my parents, and who can suggest a breed?
Well, tell them that you perfectly remember that once, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, delivered a speech to an audience made of Papua New Guinea aboriginal about the pleasure of NW Theraphosidae urticating setae on human skin. Since that old man loved to do worst, it's perfectly credible :-sHow can I convince my parents
@chanda offers some very good advice; I have nothing to add to that.How can I convince my parents
Unlike domestic dogs and cats, tarantulas are different species, not different breeds of the same species (although there are some species with different color variations).who can suggest a breed?
Yes, but you two have roughly the same advice and info in it, which is good and makes getting good info from reliable sources possible and easier
oh hey! I just subscribed to your channel two days ago, i didnt know you had an arachnoboards account lol.
I researched and read a lot before making my choice.Speaking as a parent, the first step toward convincing your parents to let you get any sort of pet is to demonstrate to them that you are responsible enough to take care of it by yourself. Whether they like spiders or not, they may not be enamored of the idea of taking care of one for you - especially if you become bored with it after a few months, as some kids do. Start by doing whatever chores you are expected to do, whether it's feeding the dog or making your bed or cleaning the litter box, without having to be reminded. If they see that you are willing and able to fulfill the responsibilities that you already have, they will be more inclined to believe you when you tell them that you are ready to assume new responsibilities.
Second, do your homework. Select a few species that you are interested in, and really learn about them. Learn where they are from, how big they get, how fast they grow, how to take care of them, including what size/type of enclosure to set up, what substrate to use, what to feed them and how often, how toxic their venom is, how bad the urticating hairs are (if you opt for a New World species) - and how to prevent getting "haired", what kind of behavior you can expect from them, what kind of maintenance they will require, where (local to you) you can get the necessary food and supplies and how much it will cost, etc. Check out a few books from your local library if possible. If your parents see you taking the time and effort to really educate yourself - beyond reading a quickie internet care sheet or two - it will go a long ways toward convincing them that you are serious about this and it is not just a passing whim. It will also give you the opportunity to educate them about your desired spider. If they are afraid of spiders, a little education can go a long ways toward helping them overcome that! (As well as helping you to overcome your own fear of spiders.)
As far as which species to get, there are a number of good "starter" tarantulas. Personally, I would go with a New World terrestrial species like a Brachypelma, Aphonopelma, or Grammostola species. They tend to be pretty sturdy tarantulas and are more forgiving of newbie mistakes, plus - at least in my experience - they are all relatively docile and slow-moving. The more aggressive/defensive species, those with more potent venom, or the arboreal speed demons that practically teleport are better to wait for until after you've got a little more experience under your belt.
I used to be a terrible arachnophobe, but once I started keeping spiders as pets, observing them and learning about them, I very quickly became addicted. I now have an entire room filled with assorted inverts - mostly spiders - and am always looking for more!
Good luck!
Hope you have fun with your tarantula! I guess it was easy to convince ur parents. Quick reminder that LPs grow like monsters, so he/she could be a few inches long in a year.I just ordered my first T the other day! Was a tough choice because there were so many choices that I wanted.
I have on the way an L.P sling. I requested a female although I was told will not know for sure the sex until its 1.5 inches by the breeder so for now unsexed.
Excited can't wait till it gets here. Hoping week of the 20th when in vacation so I can properly get it settled in and make sure everything is kosher.
every true tarantula keeper should have ab accoh hey! I just subscribed to your channel two days ago, i didnt know you had an arachnoboards account lol.
<-- Eek! But you're just one year older than me, we aren't old at all, life starts at 40I'm pretty old
hey life in my 30s has been fabulous. I'm excited for it, plus turning 40 is a great excuse for celebration!<-- Eek! But you're just one year older than me, we aren't old at all, life starts at 40