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

[Roblicious]

http://tarantulakeeper.blogspot.com/2008/12/top-10-beginners-tarantulas.html

This is my source for the OBT. Take it with a grain of salt. My 2nd T was either a Cobalt Blue or a OBT, I honestly don't remember, but my first T was a Avic versi.

Some common sense goes a long ways when dealing with any type of T.

 

[klawfran3]

No responsible authority on tarantulas would recommend OBT's for a beginner. It's an accident waiting to happen. From a hardiness factor, they're some of the toughest spiders, BUT they're also extremely fast and short-tempered, with a hot venom. They could easily become a nightmare for a beginner, especially if it bolted out of the cage and got loose. Think of the other people in the house, and the cats and dogs. Terrible advice.

Same with Avics as a first T, it's a death sentence for many of them. Just because they're not as fast or defensive as other arboreals doesn't mean a beginner is likely to get their care right. They have a narrow range for acceptable conditions and this forum is full of 'Another Dead Avic' threads.

At the LA bug fair this year a vendor told me to get this OBT because they're hardy and a great beginner species. As I was new to the hobby I bought it not knowing it was this bad. Sadly, he developed DKS-like symptoms and passed a few months ago. Lets just say never again. He was a nightmare and I regretted being talked into getting him. But this goes to show. A lot of vendors are in it for the money and are willing to dish out bad information for a sale.

 

[Poec54]

At the LA bug fair this year a vendor told me to get this OBT because they're hardy and a great beginner species. As I was new to the hobby I bought it not knowing it was this bad. Sadly, he developed DKS-like symptoms and passed a few months ago. Lets just say never again. He was a nightmare and I regretted being talked into getting him. But this goes to show. A lot of vendors are in it for the money and are willing to dish out bad information for a sale.

Thanks for your insight. There's few spiders hardier than OBT's, but their speed and temper can be more than a handful for a beginner. My first T was an adult B. smith 40 years ago, when they were a pet shop staple ($10). Had I started with an OBT, it would have soon been a nightmare. I took it in stages and am so glad I did.

As you've learned, you have to be careful with dealers at shows; some really want to move their inventory so they don't have to take it back with them. Some are reptile people and don't know much about the spider they're selling. You develop an appreciation for the ones with knowledge and integrity.

 

[CitizenNumber9]

Okay guys so tell me what you think of my shoebox enclosures. I made the ventilation holes by heating the tip of a wire hanger with a lighter then just punching it through. Should I add Vent holes to the lid? Is there anything else I can do to improve the setups? (Not improve as in make them prettier, improvement for the health of the spider)

 

[Poec54]

Okay guys so tell me what you think of my shoebox enclosures. I made the ventilation holes by heating the tip of a wire hanger with a lighter then just punching it through. Should I add Vent holes to the lid? Is there anything else I can do to improve the setups? (Not improve as in make them prettier, improvement for the health of the spider)
View attachment 122471

I put vent holes in the lid too. I like plastic disposable water bowls, without rocks. Those rocks have to be kept clean so they don't start to grow mold.

 

[CitizenNumber9]

I put vent holes in the lid too. I like plastic disposable water bowls, without rocks. Those rocks have to be kept clean so they don't start to grow mold.

The rocks are easy to clean though since they're smooth, I use them in my fish bowl too I'll think about getting some disposable ones but since I only have 4 T's coming I'll be able to keep up with the cleaning for now I'll add some holes to the lids too, tomorrow I'm going to finish the other two enclosures then my babies will be here on Wednesday! How long should I wait before I try to feed them?

 

[klawfran3]

I might have missed this, but aren't you getting slings? that is WAY too big for a sling if you're getting one.

 

[CitizenNumber9]

I might have missed this, but aren't you getting slings? that is WAY too big for a sling if you're getting one.

They're all about an inch in size, if I got anything smaller would they not grow out of it in no time anyway? Besides, If the enclosures DO turn out to be too big, I'll just leave them in their little cups until they grow a little.

 

[CitizenNumber9]

I might have missed this, but aren't you getting slings? that is WAY too big for a sling if you're getting one.

They're all about an inch in size, if I got anything smaller would they not grow out of it in no time anyway? Besides, If the enclosures DO turn out to be too big, I'll just leave them in their little cups until they grow a little.

 

[BobGrill]

You'd still have to take them out of the little vials they're shipped in. You can't house a sling in those, they're far too tiny. I'd suggest using a plastic container or jar of some kind. Also correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you getting an Aphonopelma or a Bracy? Both of these are extremely slow growers, so whatever you put them in, they will be in for a long time.

 

[CitizenNumber9]

You'd still have to take them out of the little vials they're shipped in. You can't house a sling in those, they're far too tiny. I'd suggest using a plastic container or jar of some kind. Also correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you getting an Aphonopelma or a Bracy? Both of these are extremely slow growers, so whatever you put them in, they will be in for a long time.

I have mason jars, but I cant make cross ventilation in those. I should have some smaller containers I can use, if not I can buy some. What will happen if the enclosure is too big? They'll grow into it within a month or two wont they?

Also I'm getting a B. albopilsoum, G. Pulchripes, N. Chromatus, and an L. Parahybana

Edit** BTW keep in mind this shoebox setup is smaller than most other ones, it's probably only like 12" at the most and 4-5" deep. It's a 6 quart container

 

[BobGrill]

I have mason jars, but I cant make cross ventilation in those. I should have some smaller containers I can use, if not I can buy some. What will happen if the enclosure is too big? They'll grow into it within a month or two wont they?

Also I'm getting a B. albopilsoum, G. Pulchripes, N. Chromatus, and an L. Parahybana

If the enclosure is too big, then they will have trouble finding their food and may not settle in. Ts like smaller tanks because it feels secure to them. They don't like having wide open space.

Also you're getting a brachy and a grammy, both of which are VERY slow growers.

 

[cantthinkofone]

Tell me about slow! I've had my G pulchripes for maybe 8 months it's only molted once or twice (that I know of) and is barely even an inch

 

[CitizenNumber9]

If the enclosure is too big, then they will have trouble finding their food and may not settle in. Ts like smaller tanks because it feels secure to them. They don't like having wide open space.

Also you're getting a brachy and a grammy, both of which are VERY slow growers.

Oh, well the containers aren't THAT big. They're only about a foot long or less, smaller than your average shoebox. They shouldn't have any problem finding food in them. The Brachy is about an 1 1/2" and the Pulchripes about an inch

Edit** If you want I can post some pictures of then in the enclosures once they arrive and you guys can tell me what you think

 

[cantthinkofone]

I'm guessing date of arrival is tomorrow?

 

[CitizenNumber9]

I'm guessing date of arrival is tomorrow?

No they'll be here on Wednesday :L they were too overbooked to ship them on Monday so they're shipping them Tuesday

 

[cantthinkofone]

Sounds logical. Have fun!

 

[CitizenNumber9]

Sounds logical. Have fun!

But I'm so impatient! D: lol