The Rookie needs help again!

[Rookie]

Hey all,
I haven't been here in months and months, and i'd imagine most people don't even know who I am. But, for those of you who do, hi again! I hope everyone is doing well.
Peso is doing fine. He's been moltless for about 6 months now, but he denied a cricket a few days ago, so i'm hopeful.
My dilema is one of experience. I have credit with a dealer i will soon see, and I was supposed to get a avic versi from him, but it died mid-molt a few days ago. now i have a $60 credit with this guy, and i'm trying to find a replacement.
I'd really really like to get a Acanthoscurria Geniculata, but according to the trusty arachnopets caresheets, they're quite tempermental, and this will be only my second tarantula. Should I risk the feisty species, or should i get a Brachyplema Auratum (or) Boehmei instead?
Anyone who is reading this who remembers me, please help and submit youy opinion. You folks taught me everything i know so far, afterall.
thanks everyone, sorry for the length,
Paul

 

[vulpina]

A. genic's are not as temperamental as the sheets say. They are just always hungry and seem to perceive anything that moves as food. So, I think it is just a feeding reaction rather than aggressiveness. I say go for it and get the genic.

Andy

 

[Code Monkey]

Hey Paul, good to see you again.

IMO, A. geniculata are pretty much an ideal beginner species assuming the person is prepared to deal with their very, um, enthusiastic feeding response. They are beautiful, spend much of their time in the open once they get a little size on them, fast growing, cheap as slings, never refuse food unless in premoult, and almost as hard to kill as a rock.

Although not a handling spider, they are in many ways a much better beginning species than any Grammostola and certainly on par with Brachypelma and Avicularia (and I'm sure some would argue even better than Avics because they're not arboreal which seems to trouble some novices).

 

[TheDon]

I would go with the Geniculata also. They are a beautiful species and are almost always out if not ALWAYS out. And as codemonkey says they arent so much aggressive/defensive as they are hungry. Just dont use your hands to clean up their tank.

peace

TheDon

 

[Rookie]

thank you

Codemonkey and others,
Thank you for the suggestions and info. You literally just helped to make my decision. I've always wanted to get one because of their appearance, but that "8" on the sheet almost scared me away.
I appreciate the fact that I can leave these chatboards for months and months, and when I return to ask a question, someone immediately jumps to my aid. That sort of dedication to advice from novices such as yourselves is important to me as a beginner in an area where there are very few tarantula wranglers.
Thanks again for the advice. Hopefully I'll post pictures soon!
Paul

 

[Immortal_sin]

Hi Paul!
I see I'm late, but oh well!
I'd definately say A geniculata as well...you just can't go wrong with these guys.
I just sent off my male (probably around 7") to Botar for breeding. I also have a .75" one, hopefully a female this time!
Even that tiny, their feeding response is phenomenal....
Holley

 

[Gail]

Hi Rookie,

Good to see you back, in fact, I'm just getting back onto the boards myself. Glad to hear that Peso is doing well. I agree with everyone else that the A.genic is a good choice. My genic, Trinity, has a bit of a temper but not anything as bad as say an Usmbara. She has tried to bite, but she always gives fair warning by hissing and slapping so if I ignored that I'd deserve the bite

Gail

 

[MrT]

Hi Paul,
Been a long time bro.
Are you back to school?
I would think for $60.00 you would be looking at a good size spider.
A. geniculata slings sell for around $18.00 ea. So if you have a $60.00 credit, you'll be able to get a few slings, or maybe a Sexed juve. or adult A. geniculata. ( female )..

Hope to hear what you end up with, and say hello to Ol' Peso for us..


Ernie

 

[inkl]

hey rookie, i'm pretty new too, what's the name of the dealer? i'm actually thinking of getting a b boehmei, but i can't find many dealers in canada.