Tweezer/tongs preferences

[Knuckles]

So, I recently purchased exo terras bamboo tweezers. They’re long, easy to use. I’ve read using bamboo or polymer tweezers is safer than metal due to the chance of injuring fangs during feeding or in the event or striking.
Although, metal versions are obviously more durable and feel sturdier.
I was just wondering everyone’s opinion on the matter.

 

[Anoplogaster]

I have metal tongs, and have never had an issue. That’s not saying it isn’t possible. But I rarely feed with tongs anymore. I mostly use the tongs as a roach head crusher, and just toss it in.

 

[Greasylake]

Tarantulas have survived without being tong fed for millions of years. I just drop a cricket in the enclosure and let the tarantula do the rest of the work. No risk of a broken fang, and I can move through the collection faster.

 

[moonstarfc]

I have plastic, metal, and those exo terra bamboo tongs you're talking about (mostly for just dropping feeders into the enclosures and for performing maintenance in the enclosure), I feel like the bamboo ones are harder to pick small things up with so a lot of times I prefer the plastic ones. Although, the plastic ones I have aren't very big, so sometimes I just prefer the larger tongs. I just got the bamboo ones so I'm not sure if I will like them yet.

 

[lostbrane]

I have a set of ~11” metal tweezers that I use for most everything.

I also have a set of ~18” metal tweezers for larger arboreal enclosures.

Both sets were cheap and will last a while. I don’t tong feed so I don’t need to worry about how soft they are.

 

[Venom1080]

I honestly don't know if a tarantula can strike at tongs and break a fang without the keeper jerking the tongs or something. Think that's another of abs myths.

I tong feed all the time. Metal, tip covers, whatever. The thin tipped tongs make it easy to grip superworms. Which is the only feeder I need to tong feed.

 

[l4nsky]

I have a set of ~11” metal tweezers that I use for most everything.

I also have a set of ~18” metal tweezers for larger arboreal enclosures.

Both sets were cheap and will last a while. I don’t tong feed so I don’t need to worry about how soft they are.

Exactly this. I also use a pair of 18" hemostats for removing cork and other heavy items in the arboreal enclosures. The longer the tongs are, the less grip strength they have at the ends. The hemostats do, and they make sure that a piece of cork doesnt fall and spook a pokie during a rehouse.

Thanks,
--Matt

 

[Ellenantula]

I don't use tongs for feeding -- just maintenance if I need to pull something out of a tight space in an enclosure corner or something.
I drop my feeders in by hand or catch a feeder in a small vial and just pour it in my enclosure. Seems easier.

(I can barely pluck an eyebrow with tweezers much less catch a moving target with tongs. I am tong-impaired. lol)

 

[The Grym Reaper]

I use metal tweezers, always have done, never had an issue.

I honestly don't know if a tarantula can strike at tongs and break a fang without the keeper jerking the tongs or something. Think that's another of abs myths.

This, the only times I've encountered Ts breaking their fangs were when they've tried to "chew" their way out of enclosures so I imagine it takes considerable force (more than they use when striking at least) for them to actually break one.

Breaking their fangs by feeding too soon after moulting is another one that's always seemed iffy to me as well, I only have my experience to go on but a T that isn't ready to resume feeding will go out of its way to avoid prey, even the ravenous murder tanks, watching a genic run away from a dubia or kick it across the enclosure because it wants nothing to do with it is pretty funny (I'll add that her fangs were black when I tried to feed, she just wasn't having any of it).

I suppose neither things are entirely out of the realm of possibility but they do seem to be overemphasised somewhat.

 

[mack1855]

Metal tongs...8,12,18 inch..for bolus cleanup,mold removal,and placement of
the feeder near or close to my T,s.
I personaly don't give the animals the opportunity/need to strike at the tongs,
they are able to feed themselves.And I have small eyebrow tweezers for slings.
They measure about 4 inches.

 

[viper69]

Ts don't need help eating, I can't figure out why people baby their Ts like their human babies. I think people watch too many YouTube videos without using critical thinking.

 

[sasker]

I don't tong feed, but I like to drop prey items close to the tarantula (at least close enough for it to feel the movement), especially feeders that tend to dig and disappear (like superworms, just to be sure even with a crushed head). I don't like to take the enclosure off the shelve if possible and my 10 inch tongs are perfect to drop the feeder where I want it. I have a much longer pair of curved tongs, but I have never have to use those.

 

[cold blood]

0813161326

• cold blood
• Jan 30, 2017

tools of the trade

Variety is the spice of life, or in this case.....t keeping.

 

[Minty]

I use metal, 30cm tongs. Never had an issue, but I don't tong feed, I use the tongs to pick up the prey and then drop it in front of the tarantula.

 

[Knuckles]

This is my preferred method as well. I’ve got the bamboo tongs for now though. They work well.

 

[Ungoliant]

I was just wondering everyone’s opinion on the matter.

I use metal tongs for all of my maintenance and feeding. However, I generally don't tong-feed (use the tongs to put the food in the tarantula's face); instead, I just use the tongs to crush heads and drop in prey. (I also have a pair of tongs with soft rubber tips, but I seldom use them, as I don't have as much grip/control with them.)

Some of my tarantulas do strike at my tongs during maintenance, but I haven't heard the fangs make contact, much less break.

I wish I could find my shorter, curved tongs; they're great for getting leftovers out of webbed retreats.

 

[Phia]

I tong feed for fun sometimes, but only with reliable T I know will grab with pedipalps before sinking teeth.

My B. vagans flies across the enclosure fangs first so he’s out lol!!

Two sets of 10” tongs work well for me!