Wrong species? Or angry brachypelma albopilosum?

[Arianna Patterson]

Hi there -

Just to get it out of the way - I am incredibly new to the hobby of keeping tarantula. I now have 4 species, all generally recommended for beginners and all has been going smoothly. Until recently. I purchased a 2 inch Male brachypelma albopilosum in December through an online "dealer". He has since molted once at the end of March. After this molt, he has been increasingly aggressive. Nothing has changed as far as housing, his humidity level is generally around 65%, his temperature remains somewhere around 75°F, he has a nice large hide made from real wood, a water dish that is kept wet and majority dry substrate which is coconut fiber. I have tong fed him and my three others successfully until this aggression came on with him the last couple of months. He throws a threat posture and strikes at the tongs and has even held on so tight that I had to wiggle him off. Couple of questions about this. 1. Does he mistakenly strike the tongs? I have considered this because it is probably 80% of the time during feeding this happens. 2. Could he possibly not be a mild mannered/tame BA and have accidentally been sold as one but be a different, similar looking species that is more aggressive? 3. Or did I just get the odd one out from the normal BA behavior and get the 1/million that is defensive? Any input/education would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Arianna

 

[StampFan]

Hi there -

Just to get it out of the way - I am incredibly new to the hobby of keeping tarantula. I now have 4 species, all generally recommended for beginners and all has been going smoothly. Until recently. I purchased a 2 inch Male brachypelma albopilosum in December through an online "dealer". He has since molted once at the end of March. After this molt, he has been increasingly aggressive. Nothing has changed as far as housing, his humidity level is generally around 65%, his temperature remains somewhere around 75°F, he has a nice large hide made from real wood, a water dish that is kept wet and majority dry substrate which is coconut fiber. I have tong fed him and my three others successfully until this aggression came on with him the last couple of months. He throws a threat posture and strikes at the tongs and has even held on so tight that I had to wiggle him off. Couple of questions about this. 1. Does he mistakenly strike the tongs? I have considered this because it is probably 80% of the time during feeding this happens. 2. Could he possibly not be a mild mannered/tame BA and have accidentally been sold as one but be a different, similar looking species that is more aggressive? 3. Or did I just get the odd one out from the normal BA behavior and get the 1/million that is defensive? Any input/education would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Arianna

It is still a tarantula. They all have fangs and will defend against potential predators. There is no such thing as a "tame" spider. Even my Eu. sp reds will attack tongs, and even my enclosure lid a month or two ago....my G Pulchripes has occasionally taken a strike at tongs. They are all spiders. And act like spiders. It is best to generally leave them alone and enjoy them from a distance i.e. outside the enclosure.

 

[Arianna Patterson]

It is still a tarantula. They all have fangs and will defend against potential predators. There is no such thing as a "tame" spider. Even my Eu. sp reds will attack tongs, and even my enclosure lid a month or two ago....my G Pulchripes has occasionally taken a strike at tongs. They are all spiders. And act like spiders. It is best to generally leave them alone and enjoy them from a distance i.e. outside the enclosure.

Right, I dont handle or attempt to handle any. This aggression happens during feeding or if I use the tongs to remove something from the enclosure. I generally dont even access the enclosure unless I am feeding. I know that any and all are susceptible to being aggressive, I've just read that BA are generally tame and docile for beginner handlers. Just trying to find out if it is possible that he is not a BA or I just have a grumpy one.

 

[Greasylake]

Tarantulas temperament varies widely from individual to individual. @The Grym Reaper can tell you that. Also, are you measuring humidity numbers? If so then you can stop. These aren't reptiles so humidity really is not relevant. Also, you can lose the rocks in the water dish, he won't drown.

 

[chanda]

My female B. albo (my very first T, raised from a sling) is named "Surly Temple" for good reason - while she started out quite docile, she went through a rather stormy adolescence where she threw threat postures when I opened her cage for feedings or maintenance and struck at the tongs when I'd try removing dead crickets or other debris. She has since mellowed out again and is once again her old, sweet self... mostly. Even the most docile T can go through mood swings or changes of personality.

 

[Arianna Patterson]

Tarantulas temperament varies widely from individual to individual. @The Grym Reaper can tell you that. Also, are you measuring humidity numbers? If so then you can stop. These aren't reptiles so humidity really is not relevant.

Yes I have a temperature/humidity gage at the top of enclosure. I've read on a few how to care sheets about desirable temps/humidity. I dont go crazy about it but I do try to keep it in a general area of suggestion just because I am new and learning and dont want to accidentally do something wrong and lose one.

My female B. albo (my very first T, raised from a sling) is named "Surly Temple" for good reason - while she started out quite docile, she went through a rather stormy adolescence where she threw threat postures when I opened her cage for feedings or maintenance and struck at the tongs when I'd try removing dead crickets or other debris. She has since mellowed out again and is once again her old, sweet self... mostly. Even the most docile T can go through mood swings or changes of personality.

Wow thank you. I'm glad I'm not alone and glad to know that he may smooth out. Even if he doesn't I still find him interesting and love to just watch him rearrange his house day in and day out. Funny personalities they can have. All 4 of mine (all different species) are so different in personality traits it's so fun to watch them. I will hold hope that he settles down as he ages.

Also, you can lose the rocks in the water dish, he won't drown.

Is there any harm to them being there? I have read both suggestions, with and without pebbles to prevent drowning and decided to go with the safe route.

 

[viper69]

View attachment 275146


Right, I dont handle or attempt to handle any. This aggression happens during feeding or if I use the tongs to remove something from the enclosure. I generally dont even access the enclosure unless I am feeding. I know that any and all are susceptible to being aggressive, I've just read that BA are generally tame and docile for beginner handlers. Just trying to find out if it is possible that he is not a BA or I just have a grumpy one.

A new owner, with 4 species already......

First off, remove the stones from the bowl, not needed by the T. Only needed for stupid crickets. I never use them. Won't hurt, but not necessary. All stones do is take up volume and require you to fill up the bowl more often.

Handling- A great way to get your T injured or dead.

B.a. (not BA)- Just like people, attitude varies. Are you always happy every day???

A T can have a change in disposition after a molt, a permanent one. Also occurs as they get larger for some too, they are more secure as they get larger.

If a stranger came into your home, would you be so ready to have a party, or be defensive? Your T isn't aggressive.


I have to ask this.... WHY are you tong feeding a tarantula? These are animals that have been around long before us, they have survived without humans spoon feeding them. Drop a cricket in and enjoy nature in captivity. No need to use tongs, great way to have a T run up the tongs and out the container, or up your arm, or attack tongs and break a fang/s. Broken fangs, not a 100% guarantee death sentence, but it sure can put a T into a coffin quicker.

Is there any harm to them being there? I have read both suggestions, with and without pebbles to prevent drowning and decided to go with the safe route.

T don't drown. They can swim if needed. One species spends a lot of time underwater.

 

[Greasylake]

Yes I have a temperature/humidity gage at the top of enclosure. I've read on a few how to care sheets about desirable temps/humidity. I dont go crazy about it but I do try to keep it in a general area of suggestion just because I am new and learning and dont want to accidentally do something wrong and lose one.

The vast majority of care sheets you read online will have old or just plain wrong info and very commonly have misconceptions that were dispelled long ago. Humidity numbers are not worth chasing, any spider can be kept at any ambient humidity number as long as there is adequate ventilation. Think about it, people in Canada experience very low humidity numbers and their spiders survive, and people down south on the coast like me are used to seeing humidity numbers in the high 90% in the summer, and our spiders survive. What really matters is the moisture of the substrate, as tarantulas lose the majority of the moisture in their bodies through the book lungs, which are on the bottom on the abdomen. Essentially, slings and some species need moist substrate, others prefer it to be bone dry.

Is there any harm to them being there? I have read both suggestions, with and without pebbles to prevent drowning and decided to go with the safe route.

I suppose there's not really any harm, but your spider doesn't need it. Tarantulas float. And it looks like @viper69 beat me to it.

 

[viper69]

The vast majority of care sheets you read online will have old or just plain wrong info and very commonly have misconceptions that were dispelled long ago. Humidity numbers are not worth chasing, any spider can be kept at any ambient humidity number as long as there is adequate ventilation. Think about it, people in Canada experience very low humidity numbers and their spiders survive, and people down south on the coast like me are used to seeing humidity numbers in the high 90% in the summer, and our spiders survive. What really matters is the moisture of the substrate, as tarantulas lose the majority of the moisture in their bodies through the book lungs, which are on the bottom on the abdomen. Essentially, slings and some species need moist substrate, others prefer it to be bone dry.

I suppose there's not really any harm, but your spider doesn't need it. Tarantulas float. And it looks like @viper69 beat me to it.

I couldn't be bothered posting the link of the YouTube vid showing the Avic swimming in a river.

 

[Ungoliant]

He has since molted once at the end of March. After this molt, he has been increasingly aggressive.

He got tired of people calling him "Pubes."

 

[Greasylake]

I couldn't be bothered posting the link of the YouTube vid showing the Avic swimming in a river.

I've never seen that video. Guess it's time for me to go hunting for it.

 

[Greasylake]

Here's one video I found:

And here's another:

 

[Arianna Patterson]

A new owner, with 5 species already......

First off, remove the stones from the bowl, not needed by the T. Only needed for stupid crickets. I never use them. Won't hurt, but not necessary. All stones do is take up volume and require you to fill up the bowl more often.

Handling- A great way to get your T injured or dead.

B.a. (not BA)- Just like people, attitude varies. Are you always happy every day???

A T can have a change in disposition after a molt, a permanent one. Also occurs as they get larger for some too, they are more secure as they get larger.

If a stranger came into your home, would you be so ready to have a party, or be defensive? Your T isn't aggressive.


I have to ask this.... WHY are you tong feeding a tarantula? These are animals that have been around long before us, they have survived without humans spoon feeding them. Drop a cricket in and enjoy nature in captivity. No need to use tongs, great way to have a T run up the tongs and out the container, or up your arm, or attack tongs and break a fang/s. Broken fangs, not a 100% guarantee death sentence, but it sure can put a T into a coffin quicker.



T don't drown. They can swim if needed. One species spends a lot of time underwater.

Got it, over and out. By the way I've already said it but I will say it again. I dont handle any of my Ts. And thanks for all the critical corrections and let me just suggest that if you are truly trying to educate someone, the snarky attitude doesn't help because to be honest with that kind of response I move on to more helpful suggestions. Thanks. P.s. its 4 species.

Here's one video I found:

And here's another:

Wowowow that's so neat!

He got tired of people calling him "Pubes."

LMFAO touche thanks for the laugh

 

[Lokee85]

Hi there -

Just to get it out of the way - I am incredibly new to the hobby of keeping tarantula. I now have 4 species, all generally recommended for beginners and all has been going smoothly. Until recently. I purchased a 2 inch Male brachypelma albopilosum in December through an online "dealer". He has since molted once at the end of March. After this molt, he has been increasingly aggressive. Nothing has changed as far as housing, his humidity level is generally around 65%, his temperature remains somewhere around 75°F, he has a nice large hide made from real wood, a water dish that is kept wet and majority dry substrate which is coconut fiber. I have tong fed him and my three others successfully until this aggression came on with him the last couple of months. He throws a threat posture and strikes at the tongs and has even held on so tight that I had to wiggle him off. Couple of questions about this. 1. Does he mistakenly strike the tongs? I have considered this because it is probably 80% of the time during feeding this happens. 2. Could he possibly not be a mild mannered/tame BA and have accidentally been sold as one but be a different, similar looking species that is more aggressive? 3. Or did I just get the odd one out from the normal BA behavior and get the 1/million that is defensive? Any input/education would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Arianna

Yes I have a temperature/humidity gage at the top of enclosure. I've read on a few how to care sheets about desirable temps/humidity. I dont go crazy about it but I do try to keep it in a general area of suggestion just because I am new and learning and dont want to accidentally do something wrong and lose one.


Wow thank you. I'm glad I'm not alone and glad to know that he may smooth out. Even if he doesn't I still find him interesting and love to just watch him rearrange his house day in and day out. Funny personalities they can have. All 4 of mine (all different species) are so different in personality traits it's so fun to watch them. I will hold hope that he settles down as he ages.


Is there any harm to them being there? I have read both suggestions, with and without pebbles to prevent drowning and decided to go with the safe route.

First of all, welcome to Arachnoboards!

Now that you're here, please disregard any caresheet info that tells you to chase specific numbers on humidity and temperature. As long as your ambient temps stick between 65F-90F, your Ts should be fine. A good rule-of-thumb is that if you are comfortable, your T will be fine.

As @Greasylake said, tarantulas thrive in nearly all types of humidity; the only thing that humidity dictates is how often you'll need to refill their water dish (i.e. refilling more often in lower humidity, not so often in high humidity).

B. albos, while appreciative of a bit of moisture in their substrate, can be kept predominantly dry with a full water dish. And you can absolutely remove the stones from the water dish, a healthy tarantula will not drown in their dish. Another thing I noticed in your pics is that your hide is really big for that spider, so he might be feeling a bit insecure. However, with how you have it buried, it should be fine in a couple more molts.

What are your other species? Seeing as how you've been following caresheet info (don't worry, a lot of us make this mistake in the beginning) it might be a good idea if you can post pics of your full setup for each spider. This will help the more experienced keepers here give you pointers on anything that may need improvement.

 

[Arianna Patterson]

The vast majority of care sheets you read online will have old or just plain wrong info and very commonly have misconceptions that were dispelled long ago. Humidity numbers are not worth chasing, any spider can be kept at any ambient humidity number as long as there is adequate ventilation. Think about it, people in Canada experience very low humidity numbers and their spiders survive, and people down south on the coast like me are used to seeing humidity numbers in the high 90% in the summer, and our spiders survive. What really matters is the moisture of the substrate, as tarantulas lose the majority of the moisture in their bodies through the book lungs, which are on the bottom on the abdomen. Essentially, slings and some species need moist substrate, others prefer it to be bone dry.

I suppose there's not really any harm, but your spider doesn't need it. Tarantulas float. And it looks like @viper69 beat me to it.

Wow thanks. Really helpful. I have found it both interesting and frustrating as a new T Mama the contradictory information that is listed in several places. It seems variable as you've said I just know I'd rather be too careful I suppose as I learn. I'm sure I will loosen up as I get more knowledge etc. Thanks for the help, just happened upon this site and am finding it immensely helpful, interesting and educational.

First of all, welcome to Arachnoboards!

Now that you're here, please disregard any caresheet info that tells you to chase specific numbers on humidity and temperature. As @Greasylake said, tarantulas thrive in nearly all types of humidity; the only thing that humidity dictates is how often you'll need to refill their water dish (i.e. refilling more often in lower humidity, not so often in high humidity).

B. albos, while appreciative of a bit of moisture in their substrate, can be kept predominantly dry with a full water dish. And you can absolutely remove the stones from the water dish, a healthy tarantula will not drown in their dish. Another thing I noticed in your pics is that your hide is really big for that spider, so he might be feeling a bit insecure. However, with how you have it buried, it should be fine in a couple more molts.

What are your other species? Seeing as how you've been following caresheet info (don't worry, a lot of us make this mistake in the beginning) it might be a good idea if you can post pics of your full setup for each spider. This will help the more experienced keepers here give you pointers on anything that may need improvement.

Great info thanks! Yea I have grammostola rosea, brachypelma baumgarteni, and chromatopelma cyaneopubescens. And yes I believe my B.A hide may be big, when searching for larger items as he grew out of his sling home I thought, well if he is only going to get bigger why not get something that he can grow into, which sounds like now as you have said may be intimidating to him. He does seem to enjoy his hide, he spends most his time in there when he isn't redecorating, building a "front door" lol or sitting right outside his hide. Will get some pics of the other babes and their homes here shortly. Thanks for the help!

 

[Lokee85]

just happened upon this site and am finding it immensely helpful, interesting and educational.

I'm glad you found this site, it is absolutely the best place to find accurate info regarding anything to do with inverts! I don't know if I could survive without Arachnoboards lol.

 

[Arianna Patterson]

I'm glad you found this site, it is absolutely the best place to find accurate info regarding anything to do with inverts! I don't know if I could survive without Arachnoboards lol.

I just added 3 pics of the other species homes as you requested. I think they attached to my comment above somehow by accident. But anyway yes please let me know if I can improve their homes, I want to do right by them and as far as I've read on those (dreaded) caresheets I think I've got it right but would love any input or suggestions to make it better!

 

[Lokee85]

Your setups look good, except the hygrometer in the enclosure, that can be removed. I have one myself, but I just use it in the room my Ts are in so I know what my ambient temps are because they fluctuate rapidly at certain times of the year. I'm sure if I missed something (I'm on a cell phone with a dark screen lol) others will chime in soon.

 

[Arianna Patterson]

Your setups look good, except the hygrometer in the enclosure, that can be removed. I have one myself, but I just use it in the room my Ts are in so I know what my ambient temps are because they fluctuate rapidly at certain times of the year. I'm sure if I missed something (I'm on a cell phone with a dark screen lol) others will chime in soon.

Awesome! Yea you and a few others have busted that myth for me. Bummer to have invested in the fancy stuff when it wasn't necessary. All part of the learning process though. I appreciate your help. Thanks so much!

 

[cold blood]

I would say all 3 enclosures have too little ground space and too much height.

The B. albopilosum hide is indeed way too large. Remember, ts like tight places, not open ones. There really should be just enough room for the t to get under. This can be accomplished by burying the hide most of the way and just creating a depression to get into. Think of the hide not as a home, but as the start of a burrow.

Bummer to have invested in the fancy stuff when it wasn't necessary.

Yeah, return it if you can. Pet stores would like people to believe that keeping ts is more complicated than it actually is...and doing so helps them sell things, making selling ts a much more lucrative thing for them.

I just added 3 pics of the other species homes as you requested. I think they attached to my comment above somehow by accident.

I fixed that for you.