Tarantula Psychology

[evo4ever]

Hello all.

We've probably seen a lot of "handling" and "T temperament" threads on here but I thought I'd do my own and what I've experienced.

The day I got my G.Rosea she was very shy, nervous, and sometimes defensive, and I labeled her a "look-but-dont-touch" specimen. BUT I wasn't having it because of the "docile" nature of this species. I finally got to hold her a few days ago. She responded by curling up in fear and scurrying away and sometimes appearing to "rear up" but I think that was my nervousness and perception. As the handling sessions progressed she changed from being shy, nervous, and defensive to being receptive and tolerant to my presence of handling her. I'm not being funny but it this a form of "taming" or my T getting "used to me"?. She's changed A LOT since my interaction in a positive way. What are ur thoughts?

 

[Mike41793]

She'd still probably prefer to interact with you as little as possible lol.

 

[Storm76]

She'd still probably prefer to interact with you as little as possible lol.

That. Plus, try that kind of "taming" with a C. fimbriatus. I'll keep an eye on the Bite Reports section meanwhile j/k

 

[evo4ever]

That. Plus, try that kind of "taming" with a C. fimbriatus. I'll keep an eye on the Bite Reports section meanwhile j/k

Yeah true for that species. I'm referring to the grammostola rosea. All I'm saying it's interesting to see how they change in temperament as u handle them more. This is targeted at docile species which appear nervous and shy at very first human contact.

 

[Poec54]

Yeah true for that species. I'm referring to the grammostola rosea. All I'm saying it's interesting to see how they change in temperament as u handle them more. This is targeted at docile species which appear nervous and shy at very first human contact.

Don't assume it's a permanent change in disposition, as you don't know what can trigger a defensive bite in such a small-brained animal. They mostly run on instinct. Even being 'docile' may just mean they're overwhelmed and don't know how to react to the giant creature that holds them. They're not looking for friends and are not going to bond with a human. If they're not kicking hairs, rearing up, biting, or running away, don't jump to the conclusion that they like you. They probably can't come up with an appropriate response for what humans do to them. It's nothing they've experienced in the wild.

 

[evo4ever]

Don't assume it's a permanent change in disposition, as you don't know what can trigger a defensive bite in such a small-brained animal. They mostly run on instinct. Even being 'docile' may just mean they're overwhelmed and don't know how to react to the giant creature that holds them. They're not looking for friends and are not going to bond with a human. If they're not kicking hairs, rearing up, biting, or running away, don't jump to the conclusion that they like you. They probably can't come up with an appropriate response for what humans do to them. It's nothing they've experienced in the wild.

Agreed. I keep handling to a minimum anyway. They're behavior never ceases to amaze me lol.

 

[goodoldneon]

At best, based on what we know (and this question hasn't really been settled either), tarantulas can possibly maybe become "accustomed" to being handled - and even accustomed may be too strong a word.

 

[prairiepanda]

My rosie is the opposite. She's very docile and receptive when you first get her out, but if you handle her for any extended period of time she starts to become skittish and unpredictable.

I think TKG suggested that tarantulas become accustomed to handling with regular practice, but that's highly debatable. I have seen a few of my Ts get better for handling with more exposure to people, though. I think most Ts are nervous about unknown things, like human contact, but given time to investigate they can decide whether to treat it as a threat or not.

 

[Storm76]

My rosie is the opposite. She's very docile and receptive when you first get her out, but if you handle her for any extended period of time she starts to become skittish and unpredictable.

I think TKG suggested that tarantulas become accustomed to handling with regular practice, but that's highly debatable. I have seen a few of my Ts get better for handling with more exposure to people, though. I think most Ts are nervous about unknown things, like human contact, but given time to investigate they can decide whether to treat it as a threat or not.

There is only a single species that I don't have any whatsoever problems with "handling" them: Euathlus sp. "red" (or "yellow" / "fire" whatnot...) ! If you think about it, biting, kicking hairs and so on, is a defensive mechanism telling you "Hey, leave me alone!" - basically either a reaction to being scared or annoyed. However, those I mentioned have seemingly -no- fear of anything, don't seem to get agitated -ever- and are overall the most laid back tarantulas I've the joy to keep. All those OW are really easily scared or just being annoyed instantly (for the most part), but those Euathlus spp (although it's debatable if they are indeed Euathlus spp...) just keep wandering around in a calm, rather curious manner. I've not really ever heard of any whatsoever incidents with them.

A YT friend of mine had a female that was kicking hairs, but that's all I've ever heard of any defensiveness from them. My quadrople 1" slings are instantly going to wander around the moment you pop off the lids of their cups and it's pretty much like that with any of them from what I hear from fellow keepers. I honestly believe that if you want a T that doesn't really "mind" being handled, that's the species to go for. No matter how calm, docile or whatnot particular specimens of other species are, you'll find bite reports even about them - I've never ever seen a single one about these little cuties, though!

As Poec and many others said (and let's not start about the for or against handling again! Just...don't!) I wouldn't sign the statement of a T becoming "accustomed" to handling either (sorry, Stan), but I have to admit that they do become accustomed to disturbance in general after a while (half a year or so I'd say in regards to what I've seen in my collection). May it be opening the enclosure with a skittish specimen starting to just sit still then (example my H. sp. "blue" male - totally plays rock now), a bitey T starting to retreat instead of going "full out assault" (example my P. cam girl), or even a hair-flicking T not kicking hairs at all anymore (example my B. smithi / B. auratum) - it's stuff I've witnessed in my collection, too.

There are, however, others that that I guess depending on the species apparently don't seem to change one bit. For example, my C. fimbriatus are becoming more daring with each molt, rather than retreat it's attack. These seem to be simply a) very territorial (doubtful, except for the burrow which is normal), or b) are really easily scared and instantly do the one thing that demends respect: Threat-pose "Approach me if you dare, but I'll promise you'll regret it if you keep it up!", slapping "Last warning!", or outright biting "Take that!". It's just an example, I'm sure there are other species out there that don't (in general!) change a lot over time. It might actually be worth looking into that subject some more and see what other keepers experience is regarding that?

Certainly would be interesting to me to hear...

 

[Poec54]

I think TKG suggested that tarantulas become accustomed to handling with regular practice, but that's highly debatable. I have seen a few of my Ts get better for handling with more exposure to people, though. I think most Ts are nervous about unknown things, like human contact, but given time to investigate they can decide whether to treat it as a threat or not.

Agreed. Some may be afraid of 'giant' humans and develop a tolerence for them after a while, but that's not to be confused with them actually liking humans or being held. In their habitats, some have contact with large animals that have no interest in them (like hoofed stock), and leaves and twigs move when they walk on them, so many T's are used to a certain amount movement from large objects without it necessarily being a threat.

 

[evo4ever]

The first week of having my rosea she was very nervous and skittish, I'd only have to open the feeding hatch and she'd go crazy over the disturbance. But as the weeks have gone by shes calmed right down to a point where I can open the lid and she won't do anything just sits there like a rock. It's gotten to a point now were I can actually handle her without a fuss. I wouldn't of done that the first week I got her because of her erratic behavior. I think it was a case of her settling into her new home and becoming accustomed to occasional disturbances.

 

[batterybound]

Maybe they do get a little used to the vibration and disturbance of being held-- like Jan said, but that's probably about it. I definitely don't think they "enjoy" being held.

My opinion is this: More-so than the spider, the handler is the one getting used to the act of handling. Hands are steadier, there is more confidence, and the tarantula is less likely to bolt (or flick, or bite) as a result. You get a feel for how sensitive to movement your T is and are able to (somewhat) predict what its reaction to certain stimuli will be. Obviously this more true of certain species than others.

 

[evo4ever]

Maybe they do get a little used to the vibration and disturbance of being held-- like Jan said, but that's probably about it. I definitely don't think they "enjoy" being held.

My opinion is this: More-so than the spider, the handler is the one getting used to the act of handling. Hands are steadier, there is more confidence, and the tarantula is less likely to bolt (or flick, or bite) as a result. You get a feel for how sensitive to movement your T is and are able to (somewhat) predict what its reaction to certain stimuli will be. Obviously this more true of certain species than others.

I've held my rosea several times now, and each time I hold her she seems more at ease and curious. The first time I held her she wouldn't move.

 

[MrWindupBird]

I know this topic has been discussed ad infinitum... however, I don't think there is enough research/history into the subject to suggest a definitive answer or understanding of T psychology.

Basically, I think it comes down to... they are your pets. If you want to handle them, then handle them. My personal belief is that, at first they seem to be a little hesitant with the feeling of human skin - but after spending some time on skin, they usually calm down and accept it as just another surface to chill on. I don't feel they get to know you personally, but I do feel that get to know the feeling of human skin and do seem to adjust to being handled over time. That is just my experience with of 15 species and 25 spiders. Note that I do not try this experiment with any old-world Ts

 

[cobalt99]

That's funny stuff, I had a rose hair and it was by far one of the meanest spiders I owned other than my V. Tiger. It really threw me for a loop because all specimens of rose hair previous to her were adorable. I had never had the chance to work it out with handling that one because she would not run or scoot she would turn and lunge at you!!! Wild stuff to see a mean rosey it's like a mean wiener dog....all you can do is laugh

---------- Post added 08-26-2013 at 09:34 AM ----------

I tried handling a skiddish pink toe and she ended up on my face! I was trying to ignore the tickle but I could not contain it so she ran in my shirt and it took 15min to get it out safely. Do you have any OW T's? Ever been bit?

 

[MrWindupBird]

It is so true that personalities and circumstances are also a huge part of the handling equation. I have one 3" A. avic that is totally chill and moves like molasses. Yet, his/her brother/sister is a total spaz and usually ends up doing the marathon.

I also have a 4" P. irminia that I have raised from a sling, and although I don't handle her, per-say, I have had her out for multiple photo shoots with relative success. She seems lightspeed fast, but not a marathon runner. She will teleport to a spot and then chill - unlike the marathon runners which seem to just like to run until they get tired.

In the end, I think human interaction and study is one of the things that attracts me to this hobby. Other people may be totally content to avoid interaction at all costs. It's whatever you want to make it.

Oh... and yes - I do have several OW Ts. I personally never plan on handling them. I guess it's a risk vs reward equation. With OWTs, I don't feel the risk is worth the reward. I have had 2 escape episodes - both with OBTs - running loose in my room and have successfully managed to wrangle them home, without any threat displays whatsoever.

 

[PlaidJaguar]

I wonder if it's possible to clicker train a T? I know people have been successful with goldfish and hermit crabs. I want to conduct an experiment in that regard. The only real difficulty I see is that T's eat so infrequently. That might mess up the attempt even if their little spider brains are complex enough for minor training.

Is it healthy to feed a spider a tiny meal every day, as opposed to a large one weekly?