Ornamental tarantulas

[awiec]

Where have you been the last couple decades? People today usually aren't held responsible for doing dumb things. It's always someone else's fault, someone or a corporation with money that they can sue. Politicians race in to show they're 'doing something' about the problem (miniscule as it is), in an attempt to appeal to wishy-washy voters. Add to that a slow news day and the media dives in, and does their best to blow things out of proportion. That's the world we live in, you included. It doesn't have to make sense; people exploit things for their own benefit, whether it be for cash or their 15 minutes of fame. Look at all the tone-deaf morons scrambling over themselves trying out for those singing TV shows. They make complete fools of themselves in ront of millions and get mad at the judges when they point out the person can't stay in key. Some of these same people own spiders.

Even if a bite does not go "public", word of mouth can be just as bad. Lets say I were to get bit by one of my Ts, I would probably would be fine but I know that my mother would know about it. Then she would probably gossip about it to the familiy, they then may mention it to their circles and so forth. Eventually you have a huge group of people who are kinda suspicious of tarantula keeping(throw in some arachnophobia) and bam if an issue regarding them pops up on the ballot, then they might vote with a negative feeling in mind. People in general do not care to preserve things that they do not value and exotic pets get hit hard as I know we have all heard "Why would you keep those?". I personally don't care for hamsters but I'm not going to vote to ban them because I don't enjoy them; but other people do not work that way.

 

[Python]

Where have you been the last couple decades? People today usually aren't held responsible for doing dumb things. It's always someone else's fault, someone or a corporation with money that they can sue. Politicians race in to show they're 'doing something' about the problem (miniscule as it is), in an attempt to appeal to wishy-washy voters. Add to that a slow news day and the media dives in, and does their best to blow things out of proportion. That's the world we live in, you included. It doesn't have to make sense; people exploit things for their own benefit, whether it be for cash or their 15 minutes of fame. Look at all the tone-deaf morons scrambling over themselves trying out for those singing TV shows. They make complete fools of themselves in ront of millions and get mad at the judges when they point out the person can't stay in key. Some of these same people own spiders.

You are correct sir. People these days are all about their rights, What can you do for me, it was your fault for not telling me the coffee was hot. The society we have fashioned for ourselves rewards the stupid and penalizes sense. One person loses a burmese python in a metropolitan area and they make it illegal to keep big snakes. Dog bites kid, no more pit bulls in that town. These things may not affect you but they do affect someone. Ignorance is rampant and stupidity is the order of the day. Even here we are not immune. It would be nice if there was somewhere one could go where common sense was mandatory. This isn't in reference to anyone posting here, just an observation after years of being here and seeing scammers and other degenerates do their thing.

A wise man once told me there is a difference between rights and responsibilities. Our rights are slowly being taken away by those who take no responsibility. It's a sad commentary but that's where we are now.

Now that my rant is over, I say, enjoy your tarantulas and take good care of them, no matter what they are. We all started somewhere, some just started further down the line than others. If you can handle it, awesome. If not, maybe skipping some of the learning stage wasn't a good idea. Either way, I wish you the best and I hope that your animals thrive. Throw some pictures in too, everybody likes pictures lol.

 

[awiec]

Now that my rant is over, I say, enjoy your tarantulas and take good care of them, no matter what they are. We all started somewhere, some just started further down the line than others. If you can handle it, awesome. If not, maybe skipping some of the learning stage wasn't a good idea. Either way, I wish you the best and I hope that your animals thrive. Throw some pictures in too, everybody likes pictures lol.

OBTs love to "hug" , so I'm sure the OP will get lots of good pictures

 

[MagicalLobster]

I'll be honest about my own inexperience here for a second. I've been keeping tarantulas for coming up on two years now (unless you count the 12 in which I had a G. Rosea as a kid) and about a year ago I won a free OBT sling out of a gumball machine at the L.A. Reptile Supershow (the gumballs with stars on them allotted free slings and I got one). Whee! A free spider. Who could pass it up?

Well, turns out that this week I have to mail that little spider that was, when I got it, about a half inch. I'll be gone for a few months on tour and a friendly (and experienced) board member has agreed to watch all of my T's. Only guess what, that OBT is not a half inch anymore. It's about 3 inches. And as many videos as I had watched where I saw an OBT rear up and start slapping everything around it, as many posts as I have seen about OBT "aggression" and "defensiveness", NOTHING prepared me for two days ago when I had to actually watch and deal with my first OBT threat posture and slap-fest. Let me tell you: It's scary as all hell. I did all the research in the world, had all the knowledge, and I STILL hesitated when putting the lid back on the enclosure because I had never seen anything like it. Oh, and that was just feeding it.

That being said, I don't regret my choice. I've watched videos on packing hot t's and I can update for anyone who's curious. However, my point is that these are the kind of T's that can and will bite you if you slip. Real understanding only comes when you're watching it an actually have to deal with it.

 

[elliotulysses]

Where have you been the last couple decades? People today usually aren't held responsible for doing dumb things. It's always someone else's fault, someone or a corporation with money that they can sue. Politicians race in to show they're 'doing something' about the problem (miniscule as it is), in an attempt to appeal to wishy-washy voters. Add to that a slow news day and the media dives in, and does their best to blow things out of proportion. That's the world we live in, you included. It doesn't have to make sense; people exploit things for their own benefit, whether it be for cash or their 15 minutes of fame. Look at all the tone-deaf morons scrambling over themselves trying out for those singing TV shows. They make complete fools of themselves in ront of millions and get mad at the judges when they point out the person can't stay in key. Some of these same people own spiders.

...Let's hope they don't sing to their spiders...no wonder so many OBTs have bad attitudes. It must be that god-awful singing.
Joking aside,
I have said this before, but everyone here has the best interests for the hobby and to a degree, you. Of course, you are going to hear exceptions, but that is why they are called exceptions; they are out of the ordinary.
While everyone thinks that they are out of the ordinary (and to a degree, everyone is), also be humble.
I also did mention I did lots and lots of research on the Ts I wanted, including our very much talked about OBT. NO amount of research and NO amount of videos will ever compare to the actual event of escape or a bite or anything.
While everyone says go up on the totem pole, I have to agree, but now you're stuck with something a little more advanced than the average joe. Wait! The rewards will come and be endless. And with much care with your orange bootilicious tarantula, you will stay in the hobby for as long as your passion thrives. That being said, a nasty bite you aren't prepared for can be a hindrance to your love of arachnids.

tl;dr
It's obvious you like your pets, just make sure your love doesn't make you do something impulsive!

---------- Post added 05-27-2014 at 10:34 PM ----------

OBTs love to "hug" , so I'm sure the OP will get lots of good pictures

I know I have posted about this in other threads, but my OBT **STILL** doesn't love me! No hugs for daddy. Just hiding forever, probably giving me a spider middle finger

 

[cold blood]

It would be nice if there was somewhere one could go where common sense was mandatory.

I'd move to your utopia if it actually existed. It sounds like wonderful and magical place.....too bad it also sounds very imaginary as well.

 

[Medusa]

?..Look at all the tone-deaf morons scrambling over themselves trying out for those singing TV shows. They make complete fools of themselves in ront of millions and get mad at the judges when they point out the person can't stay in key. Some of these same people own spiders.

Thanks for sending my beverage out my nose. Funny as hell...

 

[Python]

I'd move to your utopia if it actually existed. It sounds like wonderful and magical place.....too bad it also sounds very imaginary as well.

Sadly, it's so out of the realm of possibility, I almost can't even imagine it.

 

[Keith B]

i know right i haven't been on this thread since last week, there must be some pretty dumb first time keepers for this kind of T to spark a reaction like this.

Teenagers alone will do dumb things, and their parents will be looking for an excuse to sue somebody or draw attention to their suffering when they do.. A thorough view of the forum threads would reveal why there's concern. Dumb is a harsh word for most, although it can't always be ruled out. More like uneducated, stubborn, self-righteous. Many new keepers dive in on impulse when they see a T. They haven't researched or prepared ahead of time, argue in favor of the first care sheet they see, and some don't like to be told they're wrong even when they have no clue what they're doing yet. Think of your average kid that won't stop prodding his/her rose hair.. now give him/her an OBT. Just not the best idea when their parents most likely don't approve of a big spider in the house in the first place.

 

[bscheidt1020]

I've been watching this thread for a few days, mostly because one of my first purchases into the hobby was a set of 3 G. Rosea slings, and a Pair of H. Maculata slings, all at 1/2". Most people would consider this absolutely a no no, and as for myself, I definitely understand where they're coming from. Compairing my A. Avic to the maculatas is like day vs. night.
The H. maculatas are not to be messed with, and not to be underestimated. Lightning fast, and very temperamental. Open the container and usually mine hide, mess with their web at all, and they tend to make a pretty nerve-racking experience. I put myself in a pretty similar position and bought mine shortly after getting into the hobby, and would not recommend for someone to do the same. Do I regret purchasing them? No. But even at 1/2 inch slings, to keep these guys in the container, or from biting you, the learning curve is pretty steep with no room for error.
I completely understand why people are saying not to purchase them, it really makes sense. New keepers should not have something like an H. Maculata. Mine are here now, and I learned what to expect. Still have an immense amount of learning to do with them, they're only 1"-1 1/2" now, and juvenile - adult are going to be completely different.
If you do get one, along with your OBT, I suggest this : Keep in mind that any escapes, are your mistake, and learn from them, and learn from them quick. Any bite is your fault (Unless it ran a mile to bite you, just to be a jerk), the tarantula is doing what it knows how to do, putting your hand in the wrong place, bothering them at all, or an escape, is something that shouldn't have happened, and will most likely earn you a bite from these species. Any tarantula is a good tarantula, assuming you accommodate their temperament, speed and any other factors properly, you shouldn't have an issue.
With all that being said, I would not recommend an H. Mac, no matter what size just yet, but nobody on here can tell you what to do, or how to do it. If you do get one, just remember, there's not much room for error.

If anyone has anything to add, or critique about this, it would be much appreciated, ignorance is unacceptable, and I'm always willing to learn, so by all means, please correct or add to my statement!

I also picked up an H Mac as one of multiple species in my first foray into the hobby a few months back. Looking back on it I really love this species but treat her deli cup like a hand grenade. I move very slowly around her and she has been great so far. I named her Angel for the irony, but at 2.5-3" she has not thrown any fits. I also see how or if she moves before I do any maintenance with her and if she starts being frantic, I try again later. As a newbie, the focus that is necessary to not make newbie mistakes can make working with her more of a chore then my little A. Geniculata or B. Albopilosum or those little Euathlus sp. Reds, "Animal and Hawk." Heteroscodra Maculata can easily overwhelm a new keeper as their is nothing casual about doing maintenance or feeding in the enclosure. Pick a beginner species and master it(til adulthood), then pick a beginner/intermediate and master it(til adulthood), then an intermediate/advanced, then advanced, and then if you care to and your other spiders are thriving and have not put you in the ER, get "expert only" species. There are incredible species in all of those classes. I love all of mine but sometimes I find myself marveling at my little Curly Hair just as much as my H Mac….really no need to rush into it. Grow that collection low and slow like barbecue and stay in the hobby for the long haul.

 

[Storm76]

There's a reason why in many parts of Germany Poecilotheria spp. are banned from keeping. In some parts, you get visited by vetenarians checking on you and your things first before you're allowed to keep them. I live 30min from a town where they're prohibited to keep - I don't want to add my place here to that list. Then, there are the naturalists, who think all terrarium pets should be banned - basically preventing the complete exoctic pet-trade. In a few instances, I would completely agree, but in terms of tarantula's these same people seem just to be critizising without even knowing what they're talking about.

Bottom line:
In my personal view, Ornamentals, Baboons and the like do not belong into the hands of teenagers, nor people inexperienced. Chances are, it's a show-off pet, not one bought because of being appealing to the person necessarily, but to pose. Sooner or later, such people get bitten, have an escape, or any other problematic outcome for the hobby that can turns into a sharknado with the media. Research, gain experience, get what you feel comfortable with but for crying out loud: Use common-sense at least -once- in your life!