Ornamental tarantulas

[Misty Day]

i did research its just ornamental baboon is commonly used name for them even in the store ... i should of also said im not planning on buying one for a while i would never attempt on handling the obt its one of the nastiest things ive come across i wouldn't like to stick with docile tarantulas forever you have to start somewhere i research the crap out of tarantulas when i can obviously my knowledge will not be as good as someone who has been in the hobby for years but some people arrogance is sort of amusing.. but i thank the people who gave useful information in all the confusion or made an attempt to sort out the confusion..

The common name of a h.mac isn't ornamental baboon, it's Togo starburst baboon.

 

[elliotulysses]

There is a big difference between 'knowledge' and 'experience.' I cannot stress this enough as I made this mistake myself not too long ago. I have only been seriously into the hobby for a about 18 months, about 3 months in I thought I was prepared for my OBT....HOLY CRAP WAS I WRONG WHEN IT CAME TIME TO REHOUSE HER! Based on the amount of research I put in at the time I probably had the knowledge of a 5+ year hobbyist, but please trust me when say experience is a VERY different thing.

+1000000000
My orange beautiful tarantula gave me a few scares initially. Even with seeing escape videos and testimonials, it's different when your heart drops and you are on your hands and knees with a mirror trying to fish out your pet from inside of a card table
Luckily he isn't very confrontational and would rather run away. But watch, with this species' unpredictable nature he'll be waiting for me to come home from work with some ninja throwing stars haha

---------- Post added 05-20-2014 at 12:31 PM ----------

Well you have to start somewhere? i know the OBTs are very fast and unpredictable but i respect that i dont understand the problem with me going for one so early ? i have seen a guy but multiple ornamental s without having any form of experience with Ts and even he didn't flare up this reaction "poor choice for a second T" my OBT is fine and im sure she will live out the rest of her life that way

---------- Post added 05-20-2014 at 04:08 PM ----------



Well when i got mine i had her tank set up i just had to move her into there and it went pretty smooth even though i was pretty worried about how it would pan out she is now happily webbing her tank which im sure will cause problems for me in a later date

Be careful! I swear these guys have mind reading powers! And a rebellious nature!! You think that it is non-problematic? Get ready to see your first T wielding a chainsaw!
Now, in a majority of cases, it is a bad idea as a first/second T. I'm saying this because I know when I got my first T I just wanted to see her and know what she was doing all the time. I also liked how docile she was/is and that I could easily give her a health check or take her out for some photos. However, if you go into the hobby and that is not your initial interest and you aren't quite so neurotic in over-thinking things, maybe something more feisty would be a good choice. Though, I would not recommend getting something that can put you out for a few days having not much experience. There are plenty of other Ts with personality that aren't going to put you in a world of pain for an error due to lack of experience. However, all these people nagging you isn't going to change your situation! You have her and need to make sure you can give her a nice life, even if she (probably does) hates you. I would personally wait until you really do have experience with her. Like experience that you really can't get in any book, in any video, or anywhere on the web. Also doing this will make others on here less concerned about your animals and the whole outlook on the hobby. Remember, like mentioned, one bad bite and a trip to the ER could very well result in a doctor that has little/no arachnid experience and may be bad for the hobby. Also, you probably know, read bite reports!!!

 

[vespers]

The common name of a h.mac isn't ornamental baboon, it's Togo starburst baboon.

This was already discussed. Again, common names mean nothing and can vary from source to source. Use scientific names to avoid confusion. H. maculata have indeed been called Ornamental Baboons at times, including at 2 different pet stores I stopped in within the last few months.

 

[antinous]

I'm similar to you in a sense, aside from owning T's because currently I don't. But what I've generally learned from research and stalking threads on this site, it's usually better to move up in small increments. A good choice after your starter could have been a Phormictopus species. They're a pretty defensive species (some individuals are not) and even if they did bite you, it won't be anything compared to an OBT or an OW species bite.

Since you mentioned that someone jumped in and bought many H. macs, it's on him. But why would you want to dive right into it without much experience? You're putting yourself and anyone around you at risk of getting bit if they escape during a feeding or a rehouse. If you decide to go into it all out, then it's on you if something happens. And remember, it's better to build your experience slowly until you feel confident rather than jumping in, the T's are more than likely going to be there after a year or two and it's better to be safe than sorry! You don't want to get the T community riled up after getting bit and having media attention over the story.

The common name of a h.mac isn't ornamental baboon, it's Togo starburst baboon.

It's also referred to as 'ornamental baboon' as stated on the previous page.

 

[awiec]

Well you have to start somewhere? i know the OBTs are very fast and unpredictable but i respect that i dont understand the problem with me going for one so early ? i have seen a guy but multiple ornamental s without having any form of experience with Ts and even he didn't flare up this reaction "poor choice for a second T" my OBT is fine and im sure she will live out the rest of her life that way

---------- Post added 05-20-2014 at 04:08 PM ----------



Well when i got mine i had her tank set up i just had to move her into there and it went pretty smooth even though i was pretty worried about how it would pan out she is now happily webbing her tank which im sure will cause problems for me in a later date

I get what you're saying and I really do hope you wait a while before getting an H.mac but these are other OW genus to look into like Ceratogyrus, Heterothele or Monocentropus; all are excellent OW and will be good stepping stones to an H.mac, I've even dare suggest Poecilotheria as they will run circles around your OBT. No one can change that you have an OBT now, so take good care of the little monster and perhaps look into some other cool OW that you may be over-looking.

 

[ReclusiveDemon]

Well you have to start somewhere?

That's true, you do have to start somewhere, and that "somewhere" is with beginner tarantulas. You start with an easy to care for spider, and then, when you are comfortable dealing with that spider, you can purchase one that is more challenging to handle (I mean that figuratively, don't go handling any fast or defensive spiders please), and by that process you will gradually get more experience and know-how with tarantulas. You get a better idea of what to expect with an extremely fast and bitey animal, and you will be able to gauge your ability to safely work with such animals.

I suggest you put off buying any more old world tarantulas until you can manage to consistently and safely house your OBT for a long period of time.

 

[Poec54]

No one can change that you have an OBT now.

Well, that's subject to change, as it can be sold or traded.

 

[Duckaay]

That's true, you do have to start somewhere, and that "somewhere" is with beginner tarantulas. You start with an easy to care for spider, and then, when you are comfortable dealing with that spider, you can purchase one that is more challenging to handle (I mean that figuratively, don't go handling any fast or defensive spiders please), and by that process you will gradually get more experience and know-how with tarantulas. You get a better idea of what to expect with an extremely fast and bitey animal, and you will be able to gauge your ability to safely work with such animals.

I suggest you put off buying any more old world tarantulas until you can manage to consistently and safely house your OBT for a long period of time.

to be honest im not really buying Ts to handle there was a misunderstanding at the top which was cleared most beginner Ts recommended can be mostly docile and some are very hard to come across .. i have the obt now which i understand has to be respected and not played around with ect its not like a purchased the T without reading up on it alot (care sheets, bit reports) i am fully aware of how fast and unpredictable old worlds can be.

---------- Post added 05-20-2014 at 10:04 PM ----------

Well, that's subject to change, as it can be sold or traded.

And that's something i would never consider i am very happy with her ahaha

 

[cold blood]

Saturday i picked up my OBT (Pterinochilus murinus) for good practice with faster more aggressive Ts.

This is quite an odd statement. You shouldn't get an OBT for practice with faster, more aggressive t's, what should be done is getting other, fast, but less potentially damaging species to prepare you for an OBT. OBT is one of the highest strung, defensive species available and its fast as heck and often unpredictable. What you did is like getting a TVR to prepare you for a future fast car purchase, not exactly your best high powered sports car to learn or start out with.

What's done is done, just be smart, careful and try to plan for every scenario you can before you attempt anything. And no matter how some may answer your questions, try to keep in mind they are all positively motivated, even if you don't agree or love the way it was said. Its also best if you don't get upset or bothered, keep asking questions if you need to and keep learning. There is a lot of good info here and some miss it due to their overly defensive nature...Sit back, relax and absorb, this is a great place with keepers of just about everything on nearly every continent and many if not most have real world experience that vastly trumps any worthless "care sheet" available. Care sheets are like getting info from an LPS...not a good idea. Getting it from experienced keepers...well its priceless. Many list their t's in their profile, which can also give the option of privately messaging individuals with specific experience as well.

I'll also say, there's no shame in going slowly or recognizing if you are in over your head at some point. Not saying it will happen, but it does all too often, unfortunately.

I wish you the best in the hobby.

 

[Duckaay]

This is quite an odd statement. You shouldn't get an OBT for practice with faster, more aggressive t's, what should be done is getting other, fast, but less potentially damaging species to prepare you for an OBT. OBT is one of the highest strung, defensive species available and its fast as heck and often unpredictable. What you did is like getting a TVR to prepare you for a future fast car purchase, not exactly your best high powered sports car to learn or start out with.

What's done is done, just be smart, careful and try to plan for every scenario you can before you attempt anything. And no matter how some may answer your questions, try to keep in mind they are all positively motivated, even if you don't agree or love the way it was said. Its also best if you don't get upset or bothered, keep asking questions if you need to and keep learning. There is a lot of good info here and some miss it due to their overly defensive nature...Sit back, relax and absorb, this is a great place with keepers of just about everything on nearly every continent and many if not most have real world experience that vastly trumps any worthless "care sheet" available. Care sheets are like getting info from an LPS...not a good idea. Getting it from experienced keepers...well its priceless. Many list their t's in their profile, which can also give the option of privately messaging individuals with specific experience as well.

I'll also say, there's no shame in going slowly or recognizing if you are in over your head at some point. Not saying it will happen, but it does all too often, unfortunately.

I wish you the best in the hobby.

most positive thing i have seen all day thanks dude.

 

[oooo35980]

So long as you have two brain cells to rub together and the stones not to panic when it goes psycho and start striking at everything OBTs are not really all that difficult to deal with, at least mine isn't. I find pokies way more annoying, one of mine runs around his enclosure in circles when I pick it up like he thinks he's a Nascar driver or something. I'd way rather rehouse my OBT than any of my pokies.

 

[BobGrill]

Well, that's subject to change, as it can be sold or traded.

Okay so go make that happen.

Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Keith B]

The common name of a h.mac isn't ornamental baboon, it's Togo starburst baboon.

This is a recent "crime" of sorts, committed at expos by less-than-knowledgeable vendors. Might be a product of where they're wholesaling it from, but I can't be sure. I've noticed they are selling H. macs labeled as Ornamental Baboon or Ornamental Tarantula. Several different vendors as well. Another tickling one for me is Aphonopelma seemanni is starting to turn up at shows again, labeled "Stripe Knee Tarantula". I always have fun interrogating these types of vendors. For example, picking up a container marked "Pink Toe" and asking what kind of Pink Toe it is. He was unable to tell me it was Avicularia avicularia, and then proceeds to tell me it's very rare, and he hasn't seen it before now.

As far as care goes, for me personally, I prefer to look at the tarantulas natural habitat, not for specific requirements, but rather for how much natural punishment it's capable of taking. Then I find a happy medium. If the habitat is often soaking wet than the tarantula can handle and potentially (not definitely) would prefer it a bit damp. If the habitat is mostly dry, then dampness will often (but not always) upset it. Common sense would dictate that sopping wet and complete and total aridness would kill just about anything. Rather than risk holding a very specific number based on a gauge reading that you can't trust, with most Ts you should be able to find a rather large window of humidity that it behaves comfortably in. While a care sheet might say 75% (gasp! spritz spritz spritz!!), the reality is it may be fine in a range from 60 to 80 as long as a water dish is present to drink from and a feeding regimen with healthy feeders is kept. That's just my feeling on it.

 

[Ghost Dragon]

.....However if you are nosey or want a friend that doesn't mind being your friend, get a nice NW species. Like a Brachypelma albopilosum. They are pretty much too cute to exist

Sent from my SPH-L520 using Tapatalk

Agreed. I have a juvenile B. albopilosum at home, and have handled a couple of adult females. Fantastic species. Same with G. pulchra. My absolute cuddler, though, is my B. emilia, Maggie.

 

[elliotulysses]

Agreed. I have a juvenile B. albopilosum at home, and have handled a couple of adult females. Fantastic species. Same with G. pulchra. My absolute cuddler, though, is my B. emilia, Maggie.

I love "cuddly" tarantulas. Megan, my g. rosea, is so fantastic I bought her a little toy pony. She occasionally gets on it and "rides" it, but is always gone before I can get a picture!
Moral of the story, OP: Defensive/actively defensive species are awesome, but sometimes it's nice to have a little lap tarantula

 

[friendttyy]

Bite report is helpful when choosing a new T too!

 

[ReclusiveDemon]

to be honest im not really buying Ts to handle there was a misunderstanding at the top which was cleared most beginner Ts recommended can be mostly docile and some are very hard to come across .. i have the obt now which i understand has to be respected and not played around with ect its not like a purchased the T without reading up on it alot (care sheets, bit reports) i am fully aware of how fast and unpredictable old worlds can be.

I don't know if you understand this or not, but you don't have to be handling the animal in order to get bitten or have it escape. Plenty of experienced keepers get bitten by their spiders, even if their husbandry practices are relatively safe. What makes you special? OBTs are not tolerant of disturbances in their territory, and if you make one tiny wrong move, which as a beginner you're likely to do, you can refer to the Bite Reports section to get an idea of what you'll have to suffer through.

Also, you are not fully aware of how fast and unpredictable old worlds can be because this is your first one! You may have seen video footage of them, and you may think that you can handle a similar situation, but until the moment where it's actually happening in front of you and you actually have to move, you aren't aware of their capabilities, and more importantly, you won't know if you can really control the situation. Why multiply the already present risk presented by one dangerous T with another dangerous T?

 

[thelegend0210]

No they do not. Don't use caresheets, half the time they don't even know what they're talking about. Do yourself a favor and buy a copy of the Tarantulas Keepers Guide. It will tell you everything you need to know about arboreal care.

Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2

I second this!!

 

[WindedFatnNasty]

I dont understand the huge deal about buying an OBT when youre a little inexperienced, just respect the T and never let your guard down. You should be fine, I had one at 15 years old and only once did I have a scary moment while moving it to its larger enclosure. I wish you the best of luck good sir.

Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk

 

[Keith B]

I dont understand the huge deal about buying an OBT when youre a little inexperienced, just respect the T and never let your guard down. You should be fine, I had one at 15 years old and only once did I have a scary moment while moving it to its larger enclosure. I wish you the best of luck good sir.

Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk

Because most 15 year olds have "normal" parents, who might allow a tarantula reluctantly, but will do everything in their power to have that "disgusting vile creature" banned from existence for putting their child in the hospital. We don't want bites. We don't want escapes. We don't want negative publicity. We don't want bans. What's not to understand?

Owning one OBT as a teenager doesn't exactly cover the whole range of reported personality differences to make a solid statement about their behavior.

The point of the "huge deal" that's made isn't to coax the so very few keepers who actually pulled it off, to boast about having one at 15 years old and succeeding. The point of it is that most 15 year olds and sometimes older inexperienced keepers are often irresponsible, uneducated, unrefined and/or reckless. The T can escape and bite something a whole lot more vulnerable than the owner, like an infant.

It's a "can't we all just get on board for the greater good?" kind of thing. I don't want to lose my collection, because you or anyone else told new keepers publicly to get a fast, defensive, hot T... and the T escapes and, for whatever reason, one finally kills a human being. Then there won't be OBTs for anyone anymore.

Also this appears to be your first post. Welcome to the boards