Suggestions for Aboreal?

[Angler]

Right now I have an A. Avic in a 12x12x18 (which I know is a large enclosure for her). She's my first T, and I've had her for a while. Anyways, when I bought her, I asked the employee for a good beginner tarantula that was active. He told me to get the pink toe. Well, he was wrong, because, as you all know, they hide in their tube webs most of the time.

I will get a terrestrial T hopefully soon, but the height of my enclosure is not very suitable. Anyways, if I wanted to replace my Avic, can you guys give me suggestions for an active, larger growing arboreal that doesn't hide all the time?


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[macbaffo]

A search in the forum for several similar threads might be useful.

 

[Angler]

Thanks for the help. Tapatalk hasn't been very useful. I have no computer. I was hoping someone would help me out.


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[Poec54]

The more active arboreals are long-legged. Which means they're very fast, short-tempered, and most have stronger venoms. None of these are suited for beginners, as they're unpredictable and can be difficult to control. You don't need an escape or a bite (check out the bite reports).

 

[Wildenthusiast]

Individual spiders vary greatly even within a species. So it's difficult to recommend a T with any guarantee that t will act in a specific way. That being said, most of the Psalmopoeus genus is a tad more fiesty, and tend to be more active, than the Avics. They do, however, build retreats of web and substrate. In my experience, they come out of these dens much more often. Be advised, as juveniles and adults they have been known to display a threat posture when repeatedly disturbed, so not the best for handling (if that was your plan). The bite is not dangerous, so no worries there.

 

[Poec54]

the Psalmopoeus genus...The bite is not dangerous.

Not dangerous, but very painful. Very few beginners are able to deal with a Psalmo racing out of it's cage and running around the room.

 

[Wildenthusiast]

Not dangerous, but very painful. Very few beginners are able to deal with a Psalmo racing out of it's cage and running around the room.

Yes, you're right there. Tried to give an accurate description that would inform Angler of the experience level required. Probably didn't drive that point home, though. Thanks

 

[cold blood]

An A. avic is indeed a good beginner t, although as you mentioned, it may not be the best display t, and it seems that your biggest concern is the "display" capabilities. If you really want a good looking display t, I would look at terrestrial. Most arboreals prefer to create webbed hides. Pokies would be the exception, but they are certainly NOT a beginner species, so avoid that route. If you are hell bent on an arboreal, its going to be tough to find one with that "display" type personality. Check out the "best webbing arboreal" thread, there are many whom have specific specie that don't web much, but keep in mind, just because some people have a particular specie that doesn't web, doesn't always mean that if you get one it would share that personality trait.

If you do decide to go terrestrial, the Grammostola and Brachypelma genus' are an excellent starting place as they tend to be easy, colorful, and often stay out in the open for all to see.

 

[Torrid]

As Cold Blood said, options for beginner arboreals really are few and far inbetween - however, if you're comfortable with something a bit defensive and skittish, a Green Bottle Blue might be best for you. It varies from specimen to specimen, but they're considered semi arboreal - mine is pretty much exclusively terrestrial, but I've seen some that are primarily arboreal, or somewhere inbetween. The nice thing about them is that they tend to web a lot, but don't actually hide in their webs - at least mine never has. Very visually impressive and they make a great display T in my book. However, if you're not comfortable with something fast and skittish, a pretty/colourful terrestrial would be the better option. Brachypelmas tend to be very pretty and readily available.

 

[freedumbdclxvi]

How active are you looking for? The most "active" tarantulas don't really do much activity during the day - the most activity will usually be after dark. As others have said, the most "active" arboreals will be faster and more defensive with a potent bite.

 

[Angler]

Thanks for your replies, all. I have had my Avic for quite a while, so I wouldn't call myself a complete newb, but I also understand that I probably am not ready to handle some of the arboreals that you have warned against.

I think I will just hold onto her for longer. I have a 10 gallon laying around and will probably just be getting a terrestrial hopefully sometime soon. I know tarantulas for the most part aren't active. I should have said that I just want one that stays out in the open most of the time so I can actually look at it when I want to. I'm not looking for one to handle, just one to look at, and one that I can observe eating.

I've been looking at different terrestrials, and am interested in maybe getting a b smithi.


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[Wildenthusiast]

That's a good idea, Angler. I must admit, as an exotic pet keeper of many years, I have always been drawn to the arboreal varities of every animal I have kept. But as I expanded my collection, I really came to appreciate the terrestrials as well. The construction so many species do is utterly astonishing. B. smithi is a good choice for one that is out in the open quite a bit, and there are many others. LP's are another great one, and I think the contrast of their dark coloration and pink setae is very attractive. Good luck, friend. Hope you find one you like soon!

 

[Angler]

Also checking out B boehmei. Not sure what I think looks cooler. Them or smithi. Any thoughts on backwaterreptiles?


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[loganhopeless]

Also checking out B boehmei. Not sure what I think looks cooler. Them or smithi. Any thoughts on backwaterreptiles?


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I got a T. Stirmi from Backwaterreptiles and it was missing a leg, still healthy and they gave me a $15 store credit... But I got lucky.... They are a company that sells other peoples product without ever seeing it. I would recommend Kenthebugguy.com or Jamiestarantulas(mainly slings but excellent price and great service!) I also heart Swiftinverts are good, but I haven't bought from them..


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[cold blood]

Also checking out B boehmei. Not sure what I think looks cooler. Them or smithi. Any thoughts on backwaterreptiles?


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I like boehmei better, but they are more skittish, have even worse hairs and a strong propensity to fling them everywhere at the drop of a hat. They are gorgeous though!

The place you mention has a bad rep IMO...look around...last time someone asked, several links were posted, so the info is out there for you.

 

[Angler]

All right guys. I won't ask any more questions about the terrestrials on this thread since I've gotten off track. Thanks for your help!


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[cold blood]

Its your thread homie, take it wherever you need to take it, you can't hijack your own thread IMO.

 

[Angler]

Haha. Yeah. Good point


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[PlaidJaguar]

Another suggestion: sometimes the tank setup can encourage a T to be more visible. One of my juvie versicolors is very webby and likes to hide, but I put him in a skinny, oblong tank. So now all his web tubes are up against the sides and I can almost always see him.

 

[loganhopeless]

Another suggestion: sometimes the tank setup can encourage a T to be more visible. One of my juvie versicolors is very webby and likes to hide, but I put him in a skinny, oblong tank. So now all his web tubes are up against the sides and I can almost always see him.

You have a picture? I'm intrigued!


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