Poecilotherias - Your personal experiences?

[Saf]

Hi, I'm Saf, and to state the blatantly obvious; I'm new around these parts.

Firstly, many thanks to Debby for your great help in sorting out my registration teething problems. I've been waiting to join in for a few days, and happy that I now can.

Anyway, on to my topic at hand: Pokies.

Put simply, I adore them!

So, on then, to my potential problem.

I'm just getting back into the hobby, after a break of a few years.

My first T, was a really sweet little Avic Avic. She was somewhere between a late sling and a juvenile, but sadly, after six months of joy from this very quick, skittish but beautiful little spider, I awoke one morning to find her legs curled up underneath her. Sadly, she'd decided to check out, despite her living conditions being what can only be described as 'optimal'.

I thought for a long time, that it must've been something I'd done wrong, and I was devastated, that I might have inadvertently killed her.

I was so upset, that I did not get another spider.

I've since read, though, that this species in particular, are prone to unexpected deaths, apparently for 'no logical reason', and, I'm ready to try again.

Which brings me back to pokies.

As I said, I adore them. And; I must have one.

I've spent, literally a couple of months, researching everything I can find about them, so I'm very well aware of the potential 'trouble' they could cause me. Sure, a teleporting, eight-legged bundle of highly venomous aggression may not be everyone's idea of a good 'pet', but, it's a package I'm prepared to take my chances with.

I think of all the beauty I've experienced in my life, and, much of it would have never come my way, were it not for the taking of some pretty big risks.

And what could be more beautiful, than having your own pokie to come home and care for every day.

Now I know that many people would likely think it crazy, being relatively inexperienced in the hobby, to go for one of these, but, I fully understand the risks involved, and I still have to have one, lol.

I am by nature, a very careful and meticulous person, and I can assure you, that I will give this spider, the utmost respect. I certainly have no intention of trying to handle it, and will be exercising extreme caution around it, at all times.

I've spent countless evenings now, drooling over pictures of the little beauties, and it is high time I have the pleasure of gazing at the real 'live' thing.

So, this is the point, where I ask for your help.

Like I said, I've done some serious amounts of reading, trying to prepare myself for this, and I'm well aware of their 'fearsome reputation'.

However, what I keep on coming across, are contradictions.

For everyone who says that these are fearsome, aggressive beasts, there seems to be an interesting counter-balance of people, who say that these amazing creatures have been 'demonized', and that they've never had any problems with their Pokie, so long as they give it it's due respect.

As I said, I've had my heart set on getting a Pokie now, for a long old while; and it's pretty much going to happen, once I've spent the time creating a beautiful and realistic living environment for her (I want a female) using an arboreal Exo-Terra set up, that I will be customizing.

So, what I would love, from anyone who has the time to help me, is to hear of your own personal experiences, with your Pokies, and any advice you feel you can offer that will be of value to me, that you've learnt from your Pokie keeping experiences.

Any replies along such lines, will be greatly valued, and appreciated by me.

As I'm going to be doing this, regardless, please help me to be as prepared as I can be.

I have my heart set upon a P. Metallica, but I understand they are like gold dust, and it's unlikely I'll find one. So my next preference, would be a P. Regalis. Would they be good choices?

I've spent a lot of time, reading all the 'beginner' topics here, and everywhere else I can find, but what I really would love to hear, are you own personal experiences, both good, and bad; to help me make up my own mind.

There is a very very outside chance, that if everything I read from you is negative, I may consider an A. Versicolor instead. Unlikely, but possible.
My concern there, is any urticating hairs, as I live in a small studio apartment, and the tank will be in my living room/bedroom, so I don't want to risk nasty hairs in the air where I sleep. Rather risk the nasty bites.

Well, I must be off to sleep soon, but will check in and see if you have anything for me to read tomorrow after work.

My thanks and gratitude in advance, to anyone who kindly chips in with your experiences and advice.

Best regards,

Saf.

 

[venomous.com]

I don't see any reason why you'd have problems keeping Pokies. I tend to think the hysteria over them is way overblown. I've got 20 or so and they are no harder to keep than any other arboreal. As long as you aren't handling them, the bite shouldn't be an issue. You don't have to worry about hairs since OW species don't have urticating hairs.

Take a look at the following species (besides the aforementioned metallica and regalis)

rufilata
miranda
ornata
formosa

All are pretty in different ways and are great to keep. Good luck with your choice

 

[Exo]

I say you should get a regalis, they are pretty, can get quite large, and are rather hardy as far as temps and humidity go. They are also common and usually reasonably priced so they are a good starter pokie.

Keep in mind that while they are not evil killing machines, they do not like to be touched at all and the bite can make it feel like your gonna die. Be careful!

 

[Ms.X]

The most organized, in-depth, complete guide for new Poecilotheria keepers:
http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/spiders-inverts/234784-newbie-guide-poecilotheria.html

 

[Julia]

Welcome!

My personal experience with pokies (from the two that I have) is that they are scaredy-cats! Yes, they are fast. But when they are disturbed, they both immediately run for their hides and try to blend in with their surroundings (as best as multi-colored, large spiders can do). Of the two that I have, P. regalis and P. rufilata, I'd say without a doubt the regalis is the calmer of the two. I still don't take any chances and usually only open the enclosure part way when doing feeding or maintenance.

Seriously though....don't really know why you're asking for recommendations on a starter pokie. You KNOW you'll have like, 5 different ones within the next few months anyway.

 

[paul fleming]

I would say regalis.
They are not that expensive here,about £30 to £35 for an AF and a lot less for a sling or juvie.The one I had was sweet.Along with fasciatas,they are among the cheaper pokies too.
I also have 5 rufilata slings and 8 fasciatas SA and A's .The rufilatas are pure speed demons by the way that get very big.
Although all pokies have a fearsome reputation,I find that they will always take flight before showing any defensiveness and only then when they are cornered and have no choice.
The only problem I find is when it comes to rehome them but a cool head will always win the day.
Go for it

 

[JimM]

metallica, miranda, subfusca = relatively calm, not very likely to bite.

 

[evicton]

If your patient I'm sure you can find a metallica, I got my Metallica about a month after my regalis which was my first pokie. I've found the metallica to be far less skittish and out alot more. Metallica are also considered one of the more hardy pokies. If price is not an issue to you then by all means get a metallica. If price is an issue consider a regalis or miranda.

Now I also want to inform you that having one pokie is not gonna last long once you have a pokie you cetch the gotta have em all bug lol.

But I've never seen anything other then the run mentality from my pokies.

 

[paul fleming]

communes come next on the list.....then you ARE hooked
Paul

 

[Steve Calceatum]

It's true that Pokies have been demonized....though not unfairly. The speed and venom potency are nothing to sneeze at. They are willing to defend themselves using said speed and venom, but that hardly constitutes any grounds to make these things out to be monsters. Most Pokies are not as brazen as an OBT or a S. cal, and would rather get the hell away from you than attack.

Even though my P. regalis will bolt most of the time, that one does not hesitate to defend herself. My P. striata was much calmer, but my P. regalis is still relatively calm next to my Psalmos. Even one of my new GBB slings is far more tempermental....2 threat displays in two days from the same one!!! I think I've seen one threat display from my P. regalis in the last month and a half.

I love Pokies just about as much as I love Avics, and would recommend them to almost anyone.

 

[campj]

I've found my ornatas to be fairly boring. One of our females just molted and went from 4" to 5" in one molt and turned overall black with orange highlights and bright red hairs all over, so I'm hoping she gets large and beautiful, but personality-wise, they're fairly dull. Just kind of sit around and do nothing compared with some of my burrowers and NW arboreals who are usually out every night doing stuff.

 

[Saf]

Hi. My thanks to you all for your helpful replies.

Take a look at the following species (besides the aforementioned metallica and regalis)

rufilata
miranda
ornata
formosa

All are pretty in different ways and are great to keep. Good luck with your choice

Indeed, I have looked at many of their images online, and they are certainly all very beautiful spiders. To my 'untrained' eye, though, I sometimes get a bit confused between any that are not Metallica or Regalis, and keep mixing them up. Not helped of course, by the natural variation between each individual T.

Which one is the Pokie that sometimes has a lovely purple sheen to it? I am quite liking those too.

I say you should get a regalis, they are pretty, can get quite large, and are rather hardy as far as temps and humidity go. They are also common and usually reasonably priced so they are a good starter pokie.

Keep in mind that while they are not evil killing machines, they do not like to be touched at all and the bite can make it feel like your gonna die. Be careful!

Thanks Exo, I am definitely tempted by the Regalis. A very impressive creature.

I don't intend on handling them at all, unless in an absolute emergency, if there is no other choice. I intend to give my Pokie a healthy respectful distance. I want her to be interfered with as little as possible, as if she were in her own natural habitat.

The most organized, in-depth, complete guide for new Poecilotheria keepers:
http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/spiders-inverts/234784-newbie-guide-poecilotheria.html

Thank you very much.

I had seen that guide sometime previously in my Pokie studies, but now I've made the decision to get one, it was helpful to read through it again.

Welcome!

But when they are disturbed, they both immediately run for their hides and try to blend in with their surroundings (as best as multi-colored, large spiders can do).

Thanks for your experiences Julia. Lol, "No, my clever little P. Metallica, I can't see your shiny blue coat standing out against that brown tree bark".

Of the two that I have, P. regalis and P. rufilata, I'd say without a doubt the regalis is the calmer of the two. I still don't take any chances and usually only open the enclosure part way when doing feeding or maintenance.

Lol, I can see myself, with a 30 inch long pair of forceps, carefully trying to extract a water dish through a 2 centimetre gap of the front doors. Actually, 2cm may be a little too much space.

Seriously though....don't really know why you're asking for recommendations on a starter pokie. You KNOW you'll have like, 5 different ones within the next few months anyway.

I wish. I simply can't afford it right now. I'm gonna have to stick to the one for now, though I am planning on making a big thing out of it to compensate. It will be an elaborate set up, and will become the focal point of my main room. Maybe a little while down the line, I will be able to get some more.

I would say regalis.
They are not that expensive here,about £30 to £35 for an AF and a lot less for a sling or juvie.The one I had was sweet.Along with fasciatas,they are among the cheaper pokies too.
I also have 5 rufilata slings and 8 fasciatas SA and A's .The rufilatas are pure speed demons by the way that get very big.
Although all pokies have a fearsome reputation,I find that they will always take flight before showing any defensiveness and only then when they are cornered and have no choice.
The only problem I find is when it comes to rehome them but a cool head will always win the day.
Go for it

Thanks for that, Spit. Yes, rehousing is something I shall not look forward to. My intention is that the enclosure will be large and comfortable enough that any future moves will be unnecessary. I'm not planning on any breeding sessions so early in my T keeping anyway, so would there be any other reasons you've experienced that I've not thought of, that I may need to move her home?

metallica, miranda, subfusca = relatively calm, not very likely to bite.

Thanks Jim, so you believe all three of those, less likely to show 'unprovoked' aggression than a Regalis?

If your patient I'm sure you can find a metallica, I got my Metallica about a month after my regalis which was my first pokie. I've found the metallica to be far less skittish and out alot more. Metallica are also considered one of the more hardy pokies. If price is not an issue to you then by all means get a metallica. If price is an issue consider a regalis or miranda.

Now I also want to inform you that having one pokie is not gonna last long once you have a pokie you cetch the gotta have em all bug lol.

But I've never seen anything other then the run mentality from my pokies.

Thank you for your reply evicton. At the moment, I can only afford to do this once, so I'm torn, between waiting for that elusive Metallica, or just getting a different Pokie and starting my enjoyment of it now. Only thing is, if a Metallica then came available shortly after, I'd be gutted. Hmm, decisions, decisions.

It's true that Pokies have been demonized....though not unfairly. The speed and venom potency are nothing to sneeze at. They are willing to defend themselves using said speed and venom, but that hardly constitutes any grounds to make these things out to be monsters. Most Pokies are not as brazen as an OBT or a S. cal, and would rather get the hell away from you than attack.

Even though my P. regalis will bolt most of the time, that one does not hesitate to defend herself. My P. striata was much calmer, but my P. regalis is still relatively calm next to my Psalmos. Even one of my new GBB slings is far more tempermental....2 threat displays in two days from the same one!!! I think I've seen one threat display from my P. regalis in the last month and a half.

I love Pokies just about as much as I love Avics, and would recommend them to almost anyone.

Thank you, xsyorra. That is all good to know. Hopefully I will have similarly low amounts of threat displays.

I sure don't plan on doing anything to annoy her. Other than feeding etc, I plan on leaving her well alone, and enjoying her beauty from afar.

I've found my ornatas to be fairly boring. One of our females just molted and went from 4" to 5" in one molt and turned overall black with orange highlights and bright red hairs all over, so I'm hoping she gets large and beautiful, but personality-wise, they're fairly dull. Just kind of sit around and do nothing compared with some of my burrowers and NW arboreals who are usually out every night doing stuff.

Thank you for your experiences.

Out of interest, which Pokie would you say is generally the most 'active'? Or does it depend more on the individual T, than necessarily the species?



Thanks again for all your responses, they are helpful to me.

Kind Regards,

Saf.

 

[Drachenjager]

Firstly, let me begin by thanking you for the best written post I have seen on AB in quite a while. It is nice to see someone line who actually has a grasp of the English language, and even better when they are fluent.
Secondly, the one thing that popped out to me in your very well written post, was that you commented on the Avic avic being very quick and skittish. If you truly felt that the Avic was quick, you have not seen quick. An average pokie speed compared to an Avic speed would be like comparing a mini to a Concorde jet.
Do not let this scare you away, just be prepared for a truly quick spider.

I've found my ornatas to be fairly boring. One of our females just molted and went from 4" to 5" in one molt and turned overall black with orange highlights and bright red hairs all over, so I'm hoping she gets large and beautiful, but personality-wise, they're fairly dull. Just kind of sit around and do nothing compared with some of my burrowers and NW arboreals who are usually out every night doing stuff.

hmm that does not sound like an ornata to me ...at least not a female lol hahaha sorry

 

[FireGuyX]

All Pokie's have the same temperament, they're not that aggressive when approaching it because they usually don't throw a threat posture, but they are very capable of biting when you hold them. I would say their temperament is that of a T.Blondi minus the kicking hairs. Because of their potent venom it wouldn't be smart to hold them, even if they seem docile.

 

[agent lead]

all of my pokies are all scardy cats and will run into their hide as soon as they feel the slightest vibration. i have never seen any aggressive behaivior in them.

this is not to say that they are not fast becasue they are and they CAN get you if they want to, what im saying is that as far as i can tell, mine dont want to..

you dont have to be extracting a water dish with forceps froma 2 inch gap, its not that crazy. just show them respect and enjoy them.

 

[Mina]

It sounds to me as if you have done your research and thought it out. I see no reason why you shouldn't get a pokie. If you treat it with respect you shouldn't have any problems.
I agree that you should start with a regalis or a rufilata. Not only are they easily available, they are beautiful, and get quite large. They are also some of the "calmer" pokies, although temperment is a very individual thing.
In my own personal experience, ornata (particularly young ones) striata,and pederseni are more flighty.
I would also recommend P. metallica, since most of them I have heard of and met are calm for a pokie.

 

[JimM]

Thanks Jim, so you believe all three of those, less likely to show 'unprovoked' aggression than a Regalis?

I'd generally place regalis in the next category...not aggressive by an stretch, but not nearly as mellow as subfusca.

 

[cbeard]

Ive had a lot of fun with mine. Total, Ive had quite a few. They are aggressive, but flighty.

I kept them in large clear plastic jars I had, about 12" tall, 8" wide (give or take) and usually when you pick up the jar, they dart down under somthing or hide. The issue I had was cleaning the jar... VERY difficult. Invest in foot long tongs before buying the spider.

 

[codykrr]

also saf...there are a few with the "nice purple sheen"

highland subfusca -have it around there eyes

ornata-all over the carapce (mostly)

formosa-some of the best looking purple sheen ive seen in a pokie(personal opinion of course)


also fireXguy or whatever, not all pokies have the same additudes. metallica are usually very calm, and hardly throw a threat display, also along with the subfusca. now in my experience (with my buddies pokies) the ornata, and miranda had the worst additudes.(but this varies by spider as well)

and saf, i think you are more ready than i was when i first got mine. my first was a p. regalis, and has had me in awe ever since. when it started showing leg patterns the yellow had me like a bug o a street light, i just couldnt stop starring at it.still it amazes me. no i will give no suggestion as thats purely personal prefrence. however oneof my "dream spiders" is a highland P. subfusca , even though there not as rare now as they were 2 years ago, i find that to be one of the most gorgeous tarantulas ever(next to E. olivicea of course ) i will ay though get a tank et up and ready to go, then start searching for what you want within your price range. also dont forget to post tons of pictures! and good luck

 

[campj]

hmm that does not sound like an ornata to me ...at least not a female lol hahaha sorry

LOL

Well they're all still juvies. Hopefully they liven up some once they get bigger. I guess one of the males is pretty cool... he's completely renovated his enclosure and is living more like a terrestrial which seems odd for a four inch arboreal.

We transfered the female who molted recently into a ten gallon laid on its side and gave her a hollow grapewood log and a bunch of live plants. She hasn't webbed it up at all and generally just hangs out on the side of the log. That behavior compared to our T. plumipes in nearly the same setup is fairly boring. The plumipes has webbed some of the ferns to the side of the tank and created a dirt curtain with a little hide between the log and the glass. It tends to come out of its hide and cruise around the cage everyday. One of my favs right now.