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antipodi
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Joined: 25 Jan 2006
Posts: 1141
Karma: +6 (6)
Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:06 am
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 Choosing Your Pet Tarantula
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Choosing a Pet Tarantula
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Tarantulas have been a relatively popular pet now for several years. They are unique, quiet, and need little space, and keeping tarantulas as pets can make a fascinating hobby. However, they aren't the best choice as a pet that you will be able to handle very much, largely due to stress and danger to the spider rather than danger to the handler (more on that later). There are many species available in the pet trade in a vary of sizes and appearances, and they are usually easy to care for, but that depends a bit on the species. Because the needs for housing and care will vary for different species, it is important to understand the species being considered as a pet.
There are over 800 species of tarantula, belonging to the family Theraphosidae. They are native to many areas and climates - arid, subtropical and tropical. They are roughly divided into two groups: "old world" (from the eastern hemisphere) and "new world" (from the western hemisphere).
One of the more popular species kept as a pet is the Chilean rose (Grammostola rosea), a hardy, easy to care for spider native to Chile.
Dangerous Creatures?
They do bite, and their bites are venomous. However, for most species, the toxicity of their venom is much like that of a bee or wasp. It is most likely to cause a nasty local reaction incluidng pain, redness, swelling. However, people can have a an allergic or anaphylactic reaction to spider bites in the same way that some people react to bee stings, and this reaction can be fatal. Also, there are few species which have a stronger venom that could potentially be fatal, or at least make the bite victim quite ill. So while tarantula bits are unlikely to be fatal, you still want to avoid being bitten, and the best way to do this is to learn about spider behavior and treat the spider accordingly. Tarantulas are wild animals, and need to be treated with respect. As a rule, however, most spiders would rather retreat than bite.
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Another concern with regards to handling tarantulas is irritation and itching from special hairs found on some new world tarantulas. These tarantulas possess what are called "urticating" (itch-causing) hairs on their abdomens, which they can release by vigorously rubbing their abdomens if threatened. These tiny hairs are barbed and can work their way into the skin and cause itching and irritation. If these hairs get into the eye they can easily penetrate the eye and cause inflammation, so it is very important to make sure the hairs do not get into the eyes (or head for an ophthalmologist if they do). Be very careful not to rub your eyes after doing anything with the spider and it's cage until washing your hands (there may be loose hairs in the cage that can be picked up while cleaning, etc.), and don't get in too close to look at your spider. If you get some hairs on your hand you can try blotting with tape and then washing well - and topical cortisone cream might help with the itching.
Choosing a Spider
As mentioned before, there are many species available is the pet trade, which vary in how difficult they are to care for. In general the best "beginner" tarantulas are the ground dwellers or burrowers, as they tend to be a little slower moving. The following are among the best tarantulas for first time owners:
* Chilean Rose (Grammostola rosea)
* Costa Rican Zebra (Aphonoplema seemani)
* Mexican Redknee (Brachypelma smithi)
* Mexican Redleg (Brachypelma emilia)
* Desert/Mexican Blonde (Aphonopelma chalcodes)
* Curly Hair Tarantula (Brachypelma albopilosum)
The pinktoe (Avicularia avicularia) is a good first arboreal tarantula, although it's speed and jumping ability disqualify it a good first spider for most owners. In general, tha arboreal species are a bit more demanding to care for properly.
As a pet, a female is usually the better choice simply because females tend to be much longer lived than males. A female Chilean rose may be expected to live up to 20+ years, whereas the male of any species will not likely survive more than a couple of years at best. Many dealers will guarantee the sex. In any case males will spend most of their time trying to get out to find a mate, much to their distress.
When choosing a spider, avoid spiders that are hunched with their legs curled under them, or that are housed without a dish of water. Try to find out the scientific name for the spider as that will be the best way to get the appropriate care information, and make sure the sex/age are known.
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Housing a feeding info will be in another article I will post here ...
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jsqueek
Site Admin
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
Posts: 807
Karma: +10 (10)
Location: UK
Thu Mar 09, 2006 2:50 pm
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i wanted to get one many years ago. and just recently.
my mum is really phobic of spiders, so i thought get one help cure her, but reading what you say about some people being allergic to them, it would be just our luck that mum would be. so maybe not a pet for us then.
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js
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