New A. Hentzi

[Chantel Mckenzie]

My point initially is that the product is not labeled as BEING organic, just that it contains "organic matter". Zoom in, read the label, it seems fairly clear to me that this soil is amended in some fashion, whether that's manure or some other fertilizer, I still wouldn't use it. Perhaps that's an overly cautious position to take with a local, wild caught, probably mature male specimen, and ultimately it's up to OP to decide I suppose.

As for the pine, I would argue that an enclosed space in which to concentrate the problematic aromatics (with known antibiotic properties) is quite different from conditions in the wild and would again err on the side of caution.

I appreciate all the advice on this. I decided to not use the soil purchased and just dug some organic, untreated soil from the yard for now. We are going to take this guy back to the woods and release him next weekend and purchase a T bread in captivity instead. My concern is this is a male in search of a female and I dont want to interrupt the circle of life so the speak. All the advice has been wonderful.

 

[Chantel Mckenzie]

I know handling any T isnt advised however, which breed would be considered the most handleable? Our criteria for finding the "perfect" T to add to our family: one that is docile and can be handled for a short period of time maybe once a month or so?, active (fun to watch), and preferably doesnt kick hair. Bonus if it has some sort of pretty color to it but mostly care about it being docile for handleability.

 

[atraxrobustus]

I know handling any T isnt advised however, which breed would be considered the most handleable? Our criteria for finding the "perfect" T to add to our family: one that is docile and can be handled for a short period of time maybe once a month or so?, active (fun to watch), and preferably doesnt kick hair. Bonus if it has some sort of pretty color to it but mostly care about it being docile for handleability.

Unfortunately, the thing to all this is that most of the species that are approachable have (and use) hairs. Those that don't have hairs typically have stronger venom and are quite aggressive. (think old world species and a minority of about 10 percent or so of New World species.). In terms of being able to handle, as a rule Aphonopelma Sp. and Brachypelma Sp. tend to be as easy going as they really get. Gramastola Rosea is another species that tends to be quite docile- though G. Rosea can be a bit bi-polar. Particularly, Brachypelma smithi and Aphonopelma atomicus have a reputation for being amicable to being handled, as these are often used for hollywood film productions for that reason. Aphonopelma hentzi is another species that tends to be rather docile as well. While I can handle my Therophosa Blondie- due to the mechanical damage their fangs can do, it is quite a bit of a risk to handle these. They also have some of the most irritating hairs out there.

 

[Chantel Mckenzie]

Unfortunately, the thing to all this is that most of the species that are approachable have (and use) hairs. Those that don't have hairs typically have stronger venom and are quite aggressive. (think old world species and a minority of about 10 percent or so of New World species.). In terms of being able to handle, as a rule Aphonopelma Sp. and Brachypelma Sp. tend to be as easy going as they really get. Gramastola Rosea is another species that tends to be quite docile- though G. Rosea can be a bit bi-polar. Particularly, Brachypelma smithi and Aphonopelma atomicus have a reputation for being amicable to being handled, as these are often used for hollywood film productions for that reason. Aphonopelma hentzi is another species that tends to be rather docile as well. While I can handle my Therophosa Blondie- due to the mechanical damage their fangs can do, it is quite a bit of a risk to handle these. They also have some of the most irritating hairs out there.

Thank you for this detailed information!!

 

[Vanessa]

I appreciate all the advice on this. I decided to not use the soil purchased and just dug some organic, untreated soil from the yard for now. We are going to take this guy back to the woods and release him next weekend and purchase a T bread in captivity instead. My concern is this is a male in search of a female and I dont want to interrupt the circle of life so the speak. All the advice has been wonderful.

Good decision. Mature males don't make for good captives anyway - they are at the end of their lives, they often never settle down, and many have already stopped eating and drinking. It's best that he is sent on his way to help keep his kind going.