- Joined
- Apr 4, 2004
- Messages
- 1,496
You are correct. I have been startled a couple of times when my E. campestratus, who seemed oblivious to me, would launch at my tongs during routine maintenance. The first time he did in fact go airborne due to my reaction. The second I was expecting it a bit more and was able to subdue my jerking reaction some, preventing a repeat performance of a flying spider. But he got tugged across the substrate. That supposedly mild-mannered species of mine had nothing over my LP and A genic when it comes to prey response. I would never place my hand within his range, and even if i was a handler, handling him is out of the question for me. It didn't help that he was in a smaller container at the time and I had to sometimes get in striking range...
Anyway, it is hard to FULLY prepare yourself for the unexpected, even of you expect it. The best you can do is remember what prompted the reaction and avoid it on the future. I learned after the second time to give him a feeder first to preoccupy himself with. He's since been rehoused and it isn't an issue anymore, though. I don't have to invade his personal space to do maintenance.
Anyway, it is hard to FULLY prepare yourself for the unexpected, even of you expect it. The best you can do is remember what prompted the reaction and avoid it on the future. I learned after the second time to give him a feeder first to preoccupy himself with. He's since been rehoused and it isn't an issue anymore, though. I don't have to invade his personal space to do maintenance.