OBT, Honduran Curly Hairs, and a Salmon Pink Bird Eater!

[buddah4207]

Man..yours has special growing genes hahah...

Lol it just may....

How big is yours?

 

[viper69]

Lol it just may....

How big is yours?

It didn't grow that fast in a year that's for sure. Your's is larger than mine. Can't measure mine at the moment.

 

[reunsch]

there are quite a few guides that say OBT are decent beginner since they are so hardy
probably a good first OW species

I remember a guy with a blog or something who listed OBTs as a good beginner species. I thought he was joking, but it turns out he wasn't. He said something about them being very difficult to kill and visually appealing, as if that's going to make up for their speed and defensiveness.

 

[Poec54]

I agree with the others, They dont make a good beginner OW for new T owners, not just because they are fast and very hardy, but also can be a hand full when it comes to maintenance/rehousing etc, they will not hesitate to bite or run up your arm, they dont like being moved or loud noises, they are quite secretive but will come out if disturbed (not happy) when they do, other than that they are pretty T's.

+1. Species selection is about more than the pretty colors.

 

[Keith B]

My starters were B.smithi juvie, G.pulchra and A.geniculata slings, and an impulse buy A.versicolor sling. I've done my fair share of reading beforehand though. I don't think Avics are as fragile or tricky as people tend to believe. I am quite convinced that the source of most Avic deaths is keeping them in enclosures too small. I received mine at 2cm DLS in a 10x8 cm plastic, cylindric jar, where it apparently lived since separation. It had just a few ventilation holes (which I later fixed) yet thrived in it. Tight space = air getting stale much faster. From what I've seen, a lot of Avic slings are being kept in small vials, even ventilation that might seem excessive won't help with that. Cue the dead avic threads. As for mature Avics being commonly sold, they are often kept in terrestrial conditions, or conditions inappropriate for any tarantula and often die being too weak to go through rehousing. They are arboreals, suited and adapted for vertical life and drops, there is no need to fear housing them in a tall enclosure since early age.

Thinking of it, I actually do believe a number of Avic deaths do stem from people believing the "fragile Avic" myth too religiously, freaking out and killing the Avic by overcaring.

I hadn't even *thought* of getting a species like a pokie or psalmo until I was approaching a year of keeping Ts, so I'd suggest waiting a year before dabbling into OWs, or OW-like Psalmos.

I believe there's some merit to this with Avics as well, and I'm currently testing the same theory with success.. but I didn't express it here, cause the OP keeps wanting to get intermediate to advanced T's. Every time we get her pointed in the right starter direction, posts like these make her go "hmm..maybe I WILL get an Avic, OBT, etc..." So while I agree with what you say, SHHH!!!! lol... She's a beginner, and should be trying beginner species first

 

[CitizenNumber9]

I believe there's some merit to this with Avics as well, and I'm currently testing the same theory with success.. but I didn't express it here, cause the OP keeps wanting to get intermediate to advanced T's. Every time we get her pointed in the right starter direction, posts like these make her go "hmm..maybe I WILL get an Avic, OBT, etc..." So while I agree with what you say, SHHH!!!! lol... She's a beginner, and should be trying beginner species first

Don't tempt me! I do have an eye for those sun tigers

 

[cantthinkofone]

lol that speed is common to me. unless you're on your second year (well a couple months left ) of centipede keeping, you would be surprised the amazing ability of a centipede. not only can the lift lids to escape (that ones personal) they can go from one end of the bath tub to the other before you can blink. as to the OP: please slow down. it may seem like its only a couple, but once numerous enough feeding can be a pain. especially with an OBT. ive helped a breeder out with getting some slings into their delis, and thats the last time i will EVER do it again. one almost got me THROUGH a deli container. OBTs are very aggressive and feeding one must be a 10 minute hassle i bet!

 

[MarkmD]

I will defend OBT's (a little) , although most can be a son of a B**+H on a few levels, they are rewarding to keep as T's, in the sense of being hardy and maintenance easy (sometimes), but as OW go they always have an attitude (not always easygoing), defending more is, they eat well and molt quite successfuly in many circumstances, guess thats one point on the hardy side. one thing for sure is never underestimate an OBT as they can change ASAP,

 

[Keith B]

Don't tempt me! I do have an eye for those sun tigers

lol I had a feeling you were shopping kind of quickly and didn't know all there is to get. When one of your early responders said Psalmopoeus I was like "uh oh..". I have two male suntigers. They do have stunning colors, but the males mature kinda on the fast side, and they change colors drastically when mature. If you were to get a suntiger, odds are the first wouldn't be female and stay that color. You definitely DON'T want to start out with 10 suntigers to get a female. They're mostly reclusive, so unless you are lucky or experienced in cage setup, you'll rarely see them. It's quite a treat when you do though. However, they are fast, and they don't have urticating hairs, so they're more inclined to bite than a beginner NW. Get your feet wet with the Curlys and LP, THEN try your hand at a suntiger. Basically, (YES I know I'm really drilling it in here.. lol) don't get a more complicated species until you finish the book. It will have you so much better prepared.

 

[cantthinkofone]

you cannot swim if you do not first wet your feet. dont jump in the deep end with bricks in your pocket

 

[CitizenNumber9]

lol I had a feeling you were shopping kind of quickly and didn't know all there is to get. When one of your early responders said Psalmopoeus I was like "uh oh..". I have two male suntigers. They do have stunning colors, but the males mature kinda on the fast side, and they change colors drastically when mature. If you were to get a suntiger, odds are the first wouldn't be female and stay that color. You definitely DON'T want to start out with 10 suntigers to get a female. They're mostly reclusive, so unless you are lucky or experienced in cage setup, you'll rarely see them. It's quite a treat when you do though. However, they are fast, and they don't have urticating hairs, so they're more inclined to bite than a beginner NW. Get your feet wet with the Curlys and LP, THEN try your hand at a suntiger. Basically, (YES I know I'm really drilling it in here.. lol) don't get a more complicated species until you finish the book. It will have you so much better prepared.

Lol well if you're drilling it that hard how can I refuse to listen? I misunderstood a price though, so instead of 10 curlies I'm getting one. Also the LP and one Gold knee Hopefully I won't be overwhelmed with three x) Its better for me to have more than one I think, just because then I can keep a cricket habitat rather than running to the store every week. I used to keep one when I had a Chinese Water Dragon, so I'm already accustomed to keeping the little hoppers

Edit** though I probably shouldn't have gone out and bought 18 containers for habitats ;P oh well, they'll come in handy eventually! (plus they were only a dollar each)

 

[cantthinkofone]

I understand the container thing from my centipedes. Reptile room: 90% containers 10% animals in containers lol

 

[Keith B]

Lol well if you're drilling it that hard how can I refuse to listen? I misunderstood a price though, so instead of 10 curlies I'm getting one. Also the LP and one Gold knee Hopefully I won't be overwhelmed with three x) Its better for me to have more than one I think, just because then I can keep a cricket habitat rather than running to the store every week. I used to keep one when I had a Chinese Water Dragon, so I'm already accustomed to keeping the little hoppers

Edit** though I probably shouldn't have gone out and bought 18 containers for habitats ;P oh well, they'll come in handy eventually! (plus they were only a dollar each)

LOL with the excitement level you show, you probably will 3 is a good starting number, plus you have a little variety there. You're going to be so caught up observing them that you'll be satisfied for a while. You might want to consider getting another Water Dragon though, cause they don't eat all that crazy lol. I have 12 T's and I still run to the store. There's occasions where a decent amount of them aren't eating, especially the slings. You stuff the slings, then they tend to fast for a bit until molt. Once the slings reach a couple inches you'll want to change to a weekly regimen or so, so they don't grow too fast. If any turn out to be male, you'll at least get them to grow a little larger before they mature on you. But either way, they're not like water dragons, bearded dragons, monitors or any of the like.. They're not going to gobble down droves of crickets.

EDIT: The LP will, once it's bigger. You'll still want to feed it weekly, just feed it a little extra.

 

[CitizenNumber9]

LOL with the excitement level you show, you probably will 3 is a good starting number, plus you have a little variety there. You're going to be so caught up observing them that you'll be satisfied for a while. You might want to consider getting another Water Dragon though, cause they don't eat all that crazy lol. I have 12 T's and I still run to the store. There's occasions where a decent amount of them aren't eating, especially the slings. You stuff the slings, then they tend to fast for a bit until molt. Once the slings reach a couple inches you'll want to change to a weekly regimen or so, so they don't grow too fast. If any turn out to be male, you'll at least get them to grow a little larger before they mature on you. But either way, they're not like water dragons, bearded dragons, monitors or any of the like.. They're not going to gobble down droves of crickets.

EDIT: The LP will, once it's bigger. You'll still want to feed it weekly, just feed it a little extra.

Well I'm always up for more pets! Although maybe something different next time around, like a crocodile skink (saw one at repticon

 

[Keith B]

Well I'm always up for more pets! Although maybe something different next time around, like a crocodile skink (saw one at repticon

I was at an expo out my way and saw a Tokay Gecko that was positively gorgeous.. kinda looked like this one

http://photos.divydovy.com/Travel/I...ndonesia2002Wildlife-232/44807137_RafhZ-L.jpg

then it tried to take the vendors hand off and I changed my mind lol.. The Geico gecko sells insurance because of his relatives it seems..

 

[cantthinkofone]

Tokays are the worst. But that's a story for another day...

 

[CitizenNumber9]

I was at an expo out my way and saw a Tokay Gecko that was positively gorgeous.. kinda looked like this one

http://photos.divydovy.com/Travel/I...ndonesia2002Wildlife-232/44807137_RafhZ-L.jpg

then it tried to take the vendors hand off and I changed my mind lol.. The Geico gecko sells insurance because of his relatives it seems..

Wow that is pretty *.* crocodile skinks are really nice and cute though

http://animalitique.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/crocodile-skink-in-hand.jpg

---------- Post added 11-29-2013 at 08:31 PM ----------

Tokays are the worst. But that's a story for another day...

Now you HAVE to tell us what happened

 

[viper69]

I was at an expo out my way and saw a Tokay Gecko that was positively gorgeous.. kinda looked like this one

http://photos.divydovy.com/Travel/I...ndonesia2002Wildlife-232/44807137_RafhZ-L.jpg

then it tried to take the vendors hand off and I changed my mind lol.. The Geico gecko sells insurance because of his relatives it seems..

They are notorious for their behavior with strong jaws for their size if I recall. However, there was/is one breeder I met who had PERFECTLY tame Tokays. I know that reads like I must be insane or running for President, but it's true, I saw it with my own eyes over the course of a year. He told me the secret was hand raising them continually. I don't recall any specific methods. However he guaranteed all this Tokays were safe to handle. Sure enough I handled various adults and juvis throughout the year, and they were all as docile as leopard geckos! He always had one of his adult males on his shoulder, it never took a flying leap or anything. It was amazing! I never bought one, but in retrospect, I should have.

 

[CitizenNumber9]

I just finished ordering my T's and they're sending me a free N. Chromatus sling with my order they'll be here Tuesday. I'm so excited!

 

[buddah4207]

Very nice those four T's will make a great starting group. Congrats and welcome to the addiction lol oops I meant hobby