Ornithoctonus aureotibialis, advice?

LittleT

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Mar 26, 2016
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Had a package arrive today and with my order I received a freebie spiderling with the label Ornithoctonus aureotibialis. I didn't know I was getting a freebie and I don't know of Ornithoctonus aureotibialis off the top of my head but just thought it sounds like a large, defensive OW and I think I'm on the right lines...

Does anyone have any keeping experiences with this species? General temperament?
Haven't had time to really look into the species, planning to after work but the little sling is in a 32oz deli with plenty of ventilation and deep damp substrate with a pre-started burrow, hoping that will keep the little one happy for a while. I'm guessing they are quick growers though?

Think this little one might have to find a new home with someone experienced because I'm thinking this species is a little outside of my comfort zone :bag:

Might also be posting another thread because I actually ordered a couple of Avicularia spiderlings and it seems they have mites around the chelicerae, only noticed them when looking back at the pictures. I have experienced mites before but never actually on a T so I'm keeping the new additions away from my current collection and hoping after a moult they will be fine.
 

Venom1080

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Just made a thread about his myself. I think they don't get bigger than 6" at most. You're keeping it perfect right now, a water bowl would be appreciated though. Never kept this myself. I made a thread about this a few days or so ago, so you can probably find it pretty easily.
 

Poec54

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Keep them the same as any other Asian terrestrial: moderate cross ventilation, deep moist substrate, cork slab to hide under, & a full water bowl. They're feisty and fast. Your fingers don't belong in their cage. They were the first OW in the US hobby in the 1970's (Thailand Black). The ones we have now aren't as big.
 

Red Eunice

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These are from Thailand, Ornithoctoninae sub family, and burrowers, medium growth rate, IMO. Adults can reach 6". As slings, keep them in fairly moist substrate, preferably topsoil, at least 3" deep. I keep mine same as H. lividum. Place a hide near a corner, they'll dig a burrow beneath it. No need to make a starter hole for them. Put in a bottle cap for water. Sphagnum moss on the surface, mine like to silk all over it, if you have some. Most OBs bolt into their burrows when disturbed, others may threat posture. Mine are 3"+, one goes to its burrow, the sac mate just freezes in place. Very good eaters, except when in pre molt, as most species do. Crickets, roaches and morio worms are readily eaten.
Hope this helps you.
 

Vanessa

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They sure will be gorgeous when they grow up, but I understand about being beyond your comfort zone... they're beyond mine as well.
That is why I am a bit scared with the freebie thing. I know, who doesn't love a freebie, but then it might be someone who is a bit out of your experience level. My latest freebie was an L. difficilis and they might even end up being too much for me.
I would try to get them up to a decent size and then you can advertise them to someone else. Who knows, you might even feel comfortable enough to keep them at that point?
 

Trenor

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That is why I am a bit scared with the freebie thing. I know, who doesn't love a freebie, but then it might be someone who is a bit out of your experience level. My latest freebie was an L. difficilis and they might even end up being too much for me.
I would try to get them up to a decent size and then you can advertise them to someone else. Who knows, you might even feel comfortable enough to keep them at that point?
I can understand this as everyone has different comfort levels. You can easily get a freebie beyond your comfort level. If I were concerned about this I'd ask during the sale negotiation if they were sending a freebie. If so, mention species or types that I felt unready for. I imagine most sellers would try to accommodate you if they can and if not the let them know you're ok with not getting the freebie.

@Thistles offered to send one of the slings I wanted as the freebie or I could let her surprise me. Which was an awesome idea and gave me more options.
 
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Red Eunice

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The ones in the 1970's were that size. But the few I've seen recently are well under that. Maybe originated from a different area?
That could very well be the case. The mother of my pair was just over 5".
 

Thistles

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006.JPG

That's what mine has to say about the whole thing.

They're beauties, but my girl is extremely temperamental. As others have said, keep it like a Haplo. Your 32 oz deli sounds perfect. The deeper it can burrow, the less likely you are to get any bad attitude. Mine now is in her final enclosure and causes no trouble. She just backs down her hole and waits for crickets to appear. The pic above was during a rehousing.

Since Trenor summoned me, I'll weigh in on freebies. If someone orders all NW from me, I usually ask if they're comfortable with whatever I plan to give as a freebie or give them some options. If I have a few freebie species available, I will ask what kinds of tarantulas they like and try to suit their preference. That's just me, though. Big sellers probably don't have time for that, and many don't give freebies at all. It is a really beautiful spider, but you're right to be cautious if you aren't confident with defensive animals.
 

GG80

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Nov 26, 2013
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Received one of these as a freebie sling last year but unfortunately it arrived DOA. I don't think I was quite ready for OWs at the time (not even sure if I'm ready now) but I would have gave it a go. It was a beautiful looking sling, even though it was dead.
 

Jones0911

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Mar 5, 2013
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View attachment 212239

That's what mine has to say about the whole thing.

They're beauties, but my girl is extremely temperamental. As others have said, keep it like a Haplo. Your 32 oz deli sounds perfect. The deeper it can burrow, the less likely you are to get any bad attitude. Mine now is in her final enclosure and causes no trouble. She just backs down her hole and waits for crickets to appear. The pic above was during a rehousing.

Since Trenor summoned me, I'll weigh in on freebies. If someone orders all NW from me, I usually ask if they're comfortable with whatever I plan to give as a freebie or give them some options. If I have a few freebie species available, I will ask what kinds of tarantulas they like and try to suit their preference. That's just me, though. Big sellers probably don't have time for that, and many don't give freebies at all. It is a really beautiful spider, but you're right to be cautious if you aren't confident with defensive animals.
Love that red and the BRIGHTER RED around the the mouth!!!!

@Thistles
 

scott308

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Apr 6, 2008
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I have an approximately 4" female. I'll see her at the top of her burrow occasionally at night, but that's about it. Even if I don't see her for a while, I know she's alive and active as I put in crickets, but never see them again and something likes to fill the waterdish with dirt.
 
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