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I got one that’s only 6”. The rest are larger top out at 7.5”.
need advice beginner friendly
- Thread starter Femtogenic
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I'm amazed at the lack of research people do before head-diving first into getting a tarantula or any animals for that fact, even dogs.
Besides tarantulas I have casually looked into other animals like a ball python, blue-tongue skink and yellow spotted climbing toads. I briefly read over what's required for care but have not dug deeper into exact precise care. If/when I decide to get any of these animals I will do more in-depth research, have everything required before buying any of these animals so I'm as prepared as best I can be.
Just because invertebrates might be simpler than a vertebrate in husbandry there exist many caveats that require deeper research that one is not going to get from reading something in 5 minutes.
Besides tarantulas I have casually looked into other animals like a ball python, blue-tongue skink and yellow spotted climbing toads. I briefly read over what's required for care but have not dug deeper into exact precise care. If/when I decide to get any of these animals I will do more in-depth research, have everything required before buying any of these animals so I'm as prepared as best I can be.
Just because invertebrates might be simpler than a vertebrate in husbandry there exist many caveats that require deeper research that one is not going to get from reading something in 5 minutes.
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Muffinforall
Arachnopeon
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I have to agree with just about everything said here.
Firstly, regarding care sheets. It does depend on where you get them from, however care for a T is going to be similar for its whole genus. And after you get the basic requirements for a terrestrial or arboreal T complete, the next sort of "type" to worry about is if the T is a "desert" or a "rainforest." Which is easy to tell if you know their native habitat. And even with that difference the main variable there is humidity, specifically soil moisture. Ts are pretty good about getting to what they like. And soil moisture is one way they do it. I personally don't recommend misting an enclosure unless the T absolutely needs it(those species are the exception that proves the rule)
As for picking out a species:
GBBs are GREAT, except for one thing, they can be flightly for a first time owner. My first T was a GBB and it's speed surprised me(and not in a good way). So something to keep in mind is that when you first get it and then at least for the first few rehouses you'll need to recognize you lack practice in moving Ts around. And GBBs will bolt on you.
I have a Brachy, and it's great. BUT as everyone has said, they're very very slow growing.
My LP is lovely but still young so is actually brown still. Also it loves to hide(again it's young). Also not quite sure how fast growing they are as I've had mine since September and it's only moulted once for me. I want to say it's somewhere between 2-3 dls?
Firstly, regarding care sheets. It does depend on where you get them from, however care for a T is going to be similar for its whole genus. And after you get the basic requirements for a terrestrial or arboreal T complete, the next sort of "type" to worry about is if the T is a "desert" or a "rainforest." Which is easy to tell if you know their native habitat. And even with that difference the main variable there is humidity, specifically soil moisture. Ts are pretty good about getting to what they like. And soil moisture is one way they do it. I personally don't recommend misting an enclosure unless the T absolutely needs it(those species are the exception that proves the rule)
As for picking out a species:
GBBs are GREAT, except for one thing, they can be flightly for a first time owner. My first T was a GBB and it's speed surprised me(and not in a good way). So something to keep in mind is that when you first get it and then at least for the first few rehouses you'll need to recognize you lack practice in moving Ts around. And GBBs will bolt on you.
I have a Brachy, and it's great. BUT as everyone has said, they're very very slow growing.
My LP is lovely but still young so is actually brown still. Also it loves to hide(again it's young). Also not quite sure how fast growing they are as I've had mine since September and it's only moulted once for me. I want to say it's somewhere between 2-3 dls?
HoneyOilers
Arachnopeon
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Maybe after the next moult it should start jumping up pretty significantly, my LP jumped from roughly 4.5”-maybe 6.5” in her last moult. And she still has lots of life ahead of her!
Well said on that last paragraph. I think it’s important to do a lot of general research prior to deciding on a tarantula, period. Once you get to the decision point ( following said general research, and some species deciding), then get into your species specific care and husbandry, and just keep reading, watching, learning. Truthfully I probably skipped some steps some people would deem crucial to successful species keeping, and I did that by buying an old world before keeping any spicy, fast new world species, but I did a lot of research and determined that I’m ready for it. Plus it’s an H. Pulchripes, and I’m setting it up with ample cover and places to hide, so it’s more prone to hiding than standing it’s ground.
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Brachypelma are ideal beginner T's for any would be keeper, do the necessary research using this site's search function + the resources others have provided well in advance of buying & you'll be fine. As mentioned starting with a well established individual is recommended due to the slow growth rate.
If I were recommending to someone who wants a T with more "beginner traits" (slower moving, somewhat docile, easy care) I'd probably go for a brachy over a GBB personally. Juvie brachys can be flicky & flighty but most of the individuals I've worked with at least slow down as they put on size (become more of a 'pet rock' when larger, often still flicky tho), whereas GBB's, IME, are usually just as flighty/flicky as adults as they are in the earlier stages of their lives. Of course, both can work fine as starters.
If I were recommending to someone who wants a T with more "beginner traits" (slower moving, somewhat docile, easy care) I'd probably go for a brachy over a GBB personally. Juvie brachys can be flicky & flighty but most of the individuals I've worked with at least slow down as they put on size (become more of a 'pet rock' when larger, often still flicky tho), whereas GBB's, IME, are usually just as flighty/flicky as adults as they are in the earlier stages of their lives. Of course, both can work fine as starters.
G. pulchripes. Usually docile (never ever had one kick hair), get really quite large, gorgeous with the shiny gold knees, a little bit faster growing than some other aphonopelma/brachypelma/grammostola and often readily available & fairly cheap to buy. Best beginner T's IMHO.
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Life yes, but that won't equate to the growth you may be expecting
HoneyOilers
Arachnopeon
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Oh I know there’s many a factor that play into that, and honestly I over fed my LP last time going into pre moult so she got quite big, and I also kept her pretty warm that whole time. I’m not expecting the same jump on my next one.
Nitroxide
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I'd agree with everyone saying the LP for sure, I've had two over the years and great to start with, not too fast or angry and generally a cool species. I'd also say b.albopilosus and g.rosea, currently have two of each that I've had for everrrr and they were always easy to rehouse and no crazy feeding behaviors. I also like the h.colombia, very calm species and doesn't get big at all.
I would definitely say look into any species you are interested in, get as much info on them as possible on the forum to be sure it's a right fit. There's often species specific threads to get a good grasp on the different behaviors, set-up's, etc.
I also remember the smithi (hope they are still called that? I'm not up to date!) that I had a few years back and he was a little flicker, pretty sure my allergies started because of him but maybe that was just mine.
I would definitely say look into any species you are interested in, get as much info on them as possible on the forum to be sure it's a right fit. There's often species specific threads to get a good grasp on the different behaviors, set-up's, etc.
I also remember the smithi (hope they are still called that? I'm not up to date!) that I had a few years back and he was a little flicker, pretty sure my allergies started because of him but maybe that was just mine.
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Ok, I will buck the trend....get anything but an LP....literally every other choice is more aesthetically pleasing. 
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People may disagree and I'm not sure about your comfort level. But I would recommend A geniculata. Raise from a sling and grow your experience. They have great appetites, very fast growth rates, and are impressive T's that get large. You're less likely to get bored with a fast growing T imo.
It's funny, but i got a friend into the hobby by this same recommendation. On one of my orders, he asked if I could get him a sling. They are very cheap so I gifted him one and set up the enclosure. Both he and his wife were nervous but excited. Their raising that thing with no issues.
Food for thought
It's funny, but i got a friend into the hobby by this same recommendation. On one of my orders, he asked if I could get him a sling. They are very cheap so I gifted him one and set up the enclosure. Both he and his wife were nervous but excited. Their raising that thing with no issues.
Food for thought
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I had a MM get to 8" had legs for days
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If price is a factor for you, i would need to know your budget, and in which local you will be buying.
there is nothing wrong with your initial choice, unless you get a very small sling and have great expectations. If you are ok with a mini version of the adult, for a long time, and dealing with potential hairkicking and skittishness, its a great pick.
if you can afford to go higher on the tarantula, and housing it in a cheap plastic bin type enclosure, get an adult B hamorii. You’ll atleast be able to enjoy it right away. Looking at it doing absolutely nothing.
beginners starting with small slings, that are slow growers, can get bored quickly.
so i recommend a gentle giant.
B hamorii
G pulchripes (or two inches)
K brunnipes (fun mini tarantula that litteray takes no space anywhere) Mine does not even kick UrS. It rather flee in its hole.
D pentaloris, AMAZING colors right away. Great eaters, considered a small tarantula. Will stick abdomen in the air before kicking. Skittish, but predictable. Cheap. Small, gorgeous, webbers… its an excellent choice.
there is nothing wrong with your initial choice, unless you get a very small sling and have great expectations. If you are ok with a mini version of the adult, for a long time, and dealing with potential hairkicking and skittishness, its a great pick.
if you can afford to go higher on the tarantula, and housing it in a cheap plastic bin type enclosure, get an adult B hamorii. You’ll atleast be able to enjoy it right away. Looking at it doing absolutely nothing.
beginners starting with small slings, that are slow growers, can get bored quickly.
so i recommend a gentle giant.
B hamorii
G pulchripes (or two inches)
K brunnipes (fun mini tarantula that litteray takes no space anywhere) Mine does not even kick UrS. It rather flee in its hole.
D pentaloris, AMAZING colors right away. Great eaters, considered a small tarantula. Will stick abdomen in the air before kicking. Skittish, but predictable. Cheap. Small, gorgeous, webbers… its an excellent choice.