@@TomsBigSpiders We rehoused our female B Hamorii a couple of weeks ago. I gently went in with a catch tub and a very soft brush. She slapped the ground and went into a threat pose......I was so glad when she eventually calmed down. My T Vagans was amazing - yet, they have a bad reputation
@@TomsBigSpidersI think he was responding to the part where you’re talking about RUclipsrs over exaggerating how scary and aggressive Ts are - not saying your channel wasn’t good or anything. ‘My tarantula ate my family’ made me laugh haha
Great video Tom, as i am in Australia and can only have Australian old world tarantulas and have been keeping for just over two years so am still new and learning all the time, i got into the hobby because i had a fear of spiders, after about four months of research i bought my first phogius sling, i now have 16 "T's" from phlogius, selenotholus, and selenotypus families, from slings to young adults, i have had no threat posses and they have been calm during rehousing and feeding, none of mine show the great feeding response i see on line they tend to retreat into their burrows instead, once again great video. Keith from down under.
Hey, Keith! I'm totally jealous of your Australian tarantula collection! haha We can only get a handful of species over here. My S. crassipes is one of the most secretive species I have. Thanks so much!
My first spider was a female Poecilotheria Striata.I didn't want to have a bunch of spiders I didn't want for years . I was an adult, did my homework, and jumped right in.
I am getting a c versicolor in October, but I would enjoy an ornamental communal in the future. I think I will go from the versicolor to that if it seems like it's still going to be for me. I think with adequate space and hides I could manage a little community somewhere in the future. My thing is, at the moment I can't imagine myself with 15-80 tarantulas around because I live in a rather small apartment and would like to keep crabs and other types of spiders too... so I don't know if that kind of jump would be too much. But perhaps I could get another arboreal individually before a communal is considered, or keep smaller spiders like lynx spiders communally first. Really appreciative of all the rehousing tips, it makes much sense. It's also good to see what kind of methods you use for daily/weekly tasks. Now I can provide my new spider the best possible experiences.
Correct me if I'm wrong but the bit about lingering cramps for months is only really attributed to the Poecilotheria genus so your pokis or gooty saphires. In my neck of the woods these are very expensive tarantulas to get and I would find it odd to see a beginner even be able to find one much less choose it for their first T which I would absolutely not suggest even if they are my personal favorites.😅
Hello, Lyssa. Yes, that is mostly for the Poecilotheria species. Around here, they aren't particularly expensive, so many folks new to the hobby pick them up. One of my 15-year-old students got a juvenile at a pet story for about $40.
@TomsBigSpiders that's crazy! I would have bought all of them. I love that the keeper hobbies are some time accidental advocates for endangered species. P. Metallica can be a dangerous species but the interest in in the hobby could be what keeps them around!
Been keeping T's for over 10 years and never had problems with OWs. Only my Cyriopagopus lividus tried to go for me once, but that was my mistake. I got cocky, taking the waterdish out next to her with my hand. Im more afraid of my t blondi and t apophosis, they kick hairs at me every time i open the enclousure😂 My first OW was a p metallica after keeping NWs 3/4 years, shes 7 now. She is chiller then my B boehmei. OWs aint scary if you take it serious and have experience with NWs. And keep in mind they are fast as hell, rehouse in an open space and not near alot of stuff. Easier to follow them if they bold, and have a big enough catch cup next to you. Just incase it bolts. Some of mine will bolt 100% of the time. If you respect your T and keep in mind it can bolt, dont leave the enclosure open and turn around( its not a fish, it runs) in 10/11 i never been tagged. I feed some Ts ( the really chill ones) with my 2 year old and she loves it. Very nice video brother 👌👍
As you said. In Australia. We only have old worlds 😂 someone asked me was I frightened of being bitten. I just answered Have you ever been bitten by a cockatoo 😅 have you ever been scratched by a cat. And what about a dog bite. All animals deserve respect. All animals can harm you if you don’t treat them right. Thank you Tom. You did very well putting this across 😊 Love from Australia
Greetings from the US, Penny! Thank you so much for chiming in! I LOVE when people tell folks that they should never start with an Old World tarantula. I'm always like, "The Aussies do it all of the time!". :) And I couldn't agree more! Thank you!
I really appreciate this video. I didn’t realize how ingrained in my brain the fear of old worlds had become until I ordered 4 old world slings that are on all of the beginner lists. I’ve kept tarantulas for 6 years and even though I did my research and the old worlds haven’t given me any reason to be so afraid of them, I have had a terrible anxiety every time I do my husbandry with them. I will be rehousing soon and have been dreading it even though I have done so many rehousings and really just need to chill out. Thanks for all of your videos! I am definitely a much better keeper because of you’re dedication to the hobby.
I think that many of us have been there, Krystal. We're bombarded by folks telling us how "scary" they are from day one, and that can be difficult to overcome. I hope that your rehousings go well!
I got my C versicolor Nov 2021 and bought an OBT 2 weeks later because I apparently like challenges. I've never regretted it one bit -I have about an equal number of new and old world. They are literally my sanity some days. Nothing better than locking myself away with my little ones and caring for them. I love your videos and think you do an amazing job to educate people -Thank you!
My old house was in front of a tiny jungle. As a result, I frequently encounter huntsman spiders and centipedes that wander into my home. The experience I gained from temporarily keeping these amazing animals made keeping old worlds for me a breeze 😌
I got an OBT as my 3rd or 4th T I think it was, fairly early on anyways. I've never regretted it! She's pretty defensive but has never been too crazy, and of course I'll never try handling her. She's an amazing display animal with a top notch food response and gorgeous color! I'm glad I got an old world early on, it gave me the confidence to try others and it's been amazing!
never had struggles with my OBT also but I keep her in a big enclosure for her size and she is semi-aboreal housed but I have to admit I got her really late compared to other spiders of my OW collection
Hello, Amber! That's the thing; I think that most folks realize rather quickly that you just need to give them space and respect. They do NOT want to kill us. haha They are just nervous and trying to defend themselves.
@@TomsBigSpiders Got a juvenile OBT as my fourth T and first Old World (after a B. hamorii, a T. blondi that sadly died before reaching maturity, and a GBB); he was the only juvenile left on our local shop's shelf and I felt bad for him, haha. He turned out to be a male that reached maturity while still... a little small. He's got a legspan of maybe 3-4 inches, but he has his tibial hooks! He's also been the most chill little spider; we've been able to take a few nice photos of him as he's grown up, and we've never seen a threat pose from him yet.
Hey Tom, here to provide you with your favorite type of comment. November marks 1 year with jumping spiders, January is 1 year of tarantula ownership. I just got my first OW 9 months into keeping, and it was all because since this video has come out I have been dilligently researching which old world I wanted to get. Please to say I have landed on a Harpactira pulchripes, and so far I would agree that these are very shy creatures compared to my moody new worlds.
Pay attention! No texting while feeding your Old World! Thanks Tom, another great video full of info. I'm still sticking with the New Worlds. They are just as interesting and satisfying to care for, without handling.
I don't really consider myself to be easily intimidated when it comes to something I get into as a hobby (when I get into a hobby, I dive in hard). But I'm not gonna lie, when I first started getting into tarantulas a couple of months ago, the intense view of the overall community regarding old world tarantulas really put me off of the idea of ever even wanting one. Then I ran across and started watching the Dave's Little Beasties channel, where I have yet to find a threat display in a single video where he's rehousing or pulling egg sacs from an OBT. From everything I'd seen up to that point, that was unheard of. I even jokingly left a comment on one video that his OBT was broken. I've also watched a lot of his videos of pokies and I think I may have seen one actual threat display. That channel alone has me seriously contemplating not just acquiring old world species like the P. metallica or the O. violaceopes, but also getting into breeding some species of spiders that are hard to get just to help make them more available in the hobby (T. seladonia being a notable example in the US). I had *zero* intention of breeding when I got my first tarantula. Incidentally, I have been making a conscious effort to stay away from click-baity titled videos because I hate the way they are affecting the video economy on sites like RUclips. I'd so much rather watch a video with a title that accurately reflects the content of the video, and not one with a title that sounds more like a bullet on an Enlisted Performance Report in the Air Force, where picking up a piece of trash is made to sound like you single-handedly saved the entire ecosystem surrounding the base.
Yup, Dave is definitely one of the good ones! And that's what I've been trying to show people on my channel for years. I pride myself on the safe and calm rehousings, and I hope that they show folks that they aren't as scary and uncontrollable as some will make them out to be.
Bit the bullit and ordered my very first old world sling. 😮 H. Maculata (Togo starburst.) i think they are the most gorgeous spider, love their colouring. Wish me luck Tom 😊I agree with all you have said here. I'd say bites are always the case of stupidity and carelessness. We need to respect the spider at ALL TIMES ❤
I had to hop on my computer so I could type this as fast as I'm thinking it! TOM!!! You are SUCH a blessing to our community. This is one of the most important and special videos our community will ever see, and the education you are giving is PRICELESS. I am REALLY starting to see more and more "influencers" using their tarantulas and other inverts for click bait and their handling, attitudes and sell-out behavior is SO obvious that they are "in" the hobby for all the wrong reasons. There are even some influencers I liked in the beginning of getting into the hobby that I can't even watch anymore because they've "sold out" or just seem to not have their heart in it anymore, just the money. So much bad information out there, so many lies. You are the true hero. I've only been in the hobby for almost 2 years and the amount of information I have learned is unfathomable. I started at 40 years old and I've had a lot of hobbies but I can tell you, this one has given me more joy than any other ones. Being able to care for and watch such amazing animals is such a blessing in my life. The community is (for the most part) amazing with amazing people. When people ask me about tarantulas, spiders, and inverts I get so excited to educate them, but at the same time, I know I could go on and on for hours and it probably won't matter, but I know that ONE mind I can change about spiders is the one thing I can be proud of. I was amazed at your "Ladder System" because I have been doing EXACTLY that for the last 2 years and didn't even realize it! Thank you thank you thank you for all of your incredible contributions to our community, and all the years of wonderful information, education, and truth. There's so much more I want to say but I'll shut up now lol
Wow, thank you so much, Marjorie! I think that I have a different perspective from most folks who do the RUclips thing because I never got into this to make money or be popular. I had a website and I realized that I could explain some things better through videos. I get folks wanting to be popular or to make money because of their animals, but it always seems to turn into exploitation. I'm so glad that you're using a type of ladder system! That's awesome. Thank YOU for taking the time to comment and for appreciating what I'm trying to do!
Great informative video Tom. My first OW was actually a pokie, P ornata, in a mystery box that I ordered, asking for NW only; I had won a P irminia from the person a few months prior and they knew thatbI was actually more than capable of looking after an OW I just doubted myself, hence the inclusion in my mystery box. I am really glad they did, I now love pokies and know that all of mine would rather retreat into their corkbark tube hides than be defensive. I have since got a few OW baboons which I also love, along with 1 Asian fossorials; I have a very healthy respect for this one 😂😊
Hey, Vanessa! My first large OW was a P. vittata, so I'm with you there! After keeping her for a while, I realized that I was probably missing out on other species. Thanks so much!
@TomsBigSpiders oh, P vittata is on my to get list 😄 I've now got my P ornata, P metallica, P subfusca lowland, P miranda. I did have a P tigrinawesseli, but sadly I lost that one to a bad moult, I must get a replacement. Just rehoused two M balfouri this afternoon 😃
Great Video... We have 3 new world and love them, I was NOT even thinking about an old world, because of all the negative things I have watched., was definitely worried about aggressiveness and speed, your video has been very informative, I am not yet ready for an old world yet, but I will consider one in the future after I get a little more experience under my belt.
I'm so glad that this video actually has you reconsidering. The whole point of it was to portray them realistically to let people make decisions with the correct information. Thank you!
I still think that you guys, mainly US, keep exaggerating the OW thing. Keep it simple. People who deal with T's should know what they are dealing with. As long as you keep stressing the medically significant venom versus mild urticating hairs you keep stressing the 'danger' of keeping OW's. It almost sounds as if you could be held responsible if someone goes OW 'because of you'. Must be some US sense of liability thing. OW's are no worse than NW's unless the keeper has no clue whatsoever of what he is keeping. Far more interesting OW's imho. Greatly admire your vid's, do not get me wrong😊
Thanks, Miguel! That was pretty much the whole point of this video. I'm hoping that more folks will give them a chance and not be turned off by all of the fear mongering!
Tarantula cat. Talks too much. Unusefull info. And Emo. Dark den? Do not always give good info. Ultimate Exotics handguy? He is better than cat and dark den. Richard? Really good but too fancy and too much detail. Tom? Gives info and practical the whole time he talks. Keeps it simple. Uses tubs and normal things. Takes better care than all the above. With Toms advice you can write a book! He is an educator too. Listens to metal. What is cooler? He is clearly the best. That is my opinion. I also listen to metal and i am also an educator and love the T hobby. I relate to this guy. Thanx for your cool videos. God bless you hero. I think the above 5 guys are the best. Richard is also very good. And nice and straight to the point.
I'm Australian and just got my first tarantula, a Phlogius sarina. Its only a juvenile at the moment but I love it already. It does have an attitude for sure but I think that makes it fun to feed and care for. Its pretty cute.
Coyote Petersson is NO friend of ANY animal hobbies.. Nice video, btw. I am one of those who got into old world tarantulas a little to early. Are you gentle, the tarantula will most likely be gentle too.
As an Aussie with two 2.5 year old phlogius crassipes, I have had zero issues so far. My guys are flighty but with enough dirt to have deep burrows they keep themselves well out of the way the moment I touch their enclosure lid. I think even if new world's were an option for me I would honestly prefer the behaviour of my OW's over dealing with urticating hairs.
in light of everything said in this video i was wondering if u think it’s alright for me to get a p metallica as my first t? i hav been very casually keeping true spiders like black widows for like 10+ years. i usually hav one or 2 spider for a year or 2 until it dies. i’m aware getting an ow first has higher risk. i’ve been watching vids on tarantula keeping for years and every video of people rehousing or interacting with a poki seems surprising chill. seems more about reading there mood and being gentle and slow when interacting with them. ofc they can be fast and skittish but i haven’t seen anything like the teleporting nightmare people hav told me about. i looked and found only 1 vid of a poki “teleporting” and getting out, and in that vid the spider was already bolting a bit before he even opened the enclosure. seems like maybe he just should of waited for another time it was more calm. i don’t really want a large tarantula collection and for 5+ years the only reason i’ve considered getting a tarantula is for either a p regalis or p metallica. will this realistically be okay? i feel like i can handle it but everyone one reddit says they’re defensive teleporting demons that will bolt everytime i open the enclosure. i don’t mind a threat pose hear and there or anything like that hahah
Great video Tom very well said. Bringing the truth 8 legs at a time. From my own opinion my old worlds are quick to hide rather then throw a threat pose where as I can't walk past my gbb enclosure with out her kickin hairs. A healthy respect is necessary but fear isn't warranted.
And that's a great point, Danny! Many new world species are out in the open, so you're more likely to get defensiveness from them. If given the room to hide, old worlds will usually run first! Thanks!
Why in the 5 years of keeping has not one of your videos come up for me ??? I hate RUclips. It’s discoverability is SHOCKING. I found you from Sean’s spoods and tarantula ramblings who told me about you! Glad to be here. Amazing videos.
Hello, Feebs! Awwww...I'll definitely have to thank Sean and Tarantula Ramblings, as I truly appreciate word-of-mouth recommendations. They rock. I've been doing this for a while, but I'm kind of like that underground band that only the cool kids seem to have heard of. Haha Thank you so much for checking this out!
I'm very very new to the hobby. I got my first tarantula a week ago today. And then I got my second one a day later. Both pink toes. One of the first big things that I learned this last week is that we really shouldn't be picking them up. Even if they are docile. They're not cats and they don't enjoy cuddles. I have cats for cuddles and tarantulas because they look fucking awesome and they're fascinating creatures.
I think theres animals that get demonixed. Cichlids were one where people are like, "dont keep cichkids." And now im a fanatic (my first fish were convicts). Saltwater fish also get demonized
@TomsBigSpiders they definitely have good points with these creatures. Old world Ts, cichkids, marine fish are challenging for sure. But the extent people go acting like they'd murder my other fish, I'd be out of house and home, or an old world tarantula is literally Satan (tho I don't have tarantulas yet. And the species I want is new world. BTW it's rhe Mexican red leg. One day) is too far.
Once again an awesome video. I just got back in to tarantulas after going to an expo in June where I picked up 2 (C, versicolor sling and a A. Chalcodes sub adult). Since then I have picked up 2 more (B. albiceps and C. cyaneopubescens) for a total of 4 now. All NW but after some time with these and a few rehouses later I would really like to get either an M. balfouri or a P. metalica.
Thank you Tim for this Video because my aunt and uncle’s thing Tarantulas are deadlier than snakes 😂. I told them that they are not deadly but gorgeous creatures, and I can’t wait to start keeping them myself. I love this Video❤❤❤ I might have pay you for your time and Zoom call my family and school ‘‘em professor Tom😊
I've been keeping Tarantulas since I was 8 years old and I'm 51 now, I was only bitten 1 times, and that's was thr very first tarantula I had, it was a Rose Haired Tarantula and it was 💯 % my fault, all one has to do is use common sense, the only basic difference is that they CAN'T be held. My opinion only!! Also, my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE SPECIES IS THE KING BABOON TARANTULA ( Pelinobius muticus ) . Never been bitten..
Great to hear from you, Roy! And thanks so much for chiming in on this. So many people that I talk to think that bites are inevitable, and that couldn't be further from the truth. Folks need to hear stories like this!
I started with old worlds 1st ,but how lovely they are, I ended up getting loads of new worlds aswell, because they stayed out in the open more so I could see them more often .I did have previous experience in many animals and had good success in the past with my confidence. Awesome as always sir
Hey Tom. I just got into keeping t's. I got a B.boehmei and a C.cyaneopubescens 5 days ago. I have had no problems with the gbb. It has been eating and webbed the whole enclosure. But my brachypelma is around 1.5 inches and i dont think he ate. I dropped 2 mealworms in yesterday. I dont see them today. But he did not touch them when i dropped them in while my gbb lunged at the mealworm. The abdomen is pretty plump and the colours dull. Could it be in premolt or am I not doing something right? Should i look for the mealworms?
Hello! Did you squish their heads first? If not, I'd recommend doing so in the future; it keeps them from burrowing. You may want to carefully poke around in the substrate and see if you can find them, as you don't want them surfacing and attacking the spider when it's molting.
@@TomsBigSpiders one time a superworm pupated and the beetle killed my mature male p. lugardi. i assumed because he was mature and done molting, he would be able to fend off the beetle and kill it. i ended up finding a really fat beetle which i fed to my turtle.
I've only been a keeper for almost two years. I started with 3 new world ts. A b,Emilia and a b, bohemi, then a got an anthescuria geniculata. All slings. Then i got my first old world t. A p Metallica after 6 months. They are all doing very well,eating and moulting and growing well. As a former arachnophobia sufferer, your channel has been an inspiration and showed me how beautiful they all are. Thank you for all your valuable information. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much for adding both imperial and metric! Its so frustrating having to convert consistently. I really appreciate the effort you put into your videos!
I went for the chilobrachys species for my old world collection, i got the huahini and the chilobrachys natanicharum, and the chilobrachys fibriatus 🕷🖤
I must say I found the OBT so beautiful even being warned against them I couldn't help myself. I bought 1 and got one in a package from fnt. I love them both so much.
I am getting old world as my first Ts. Philippine tangerine was my go to as it's our local tarantula and my favourite one at that due to it's vibrant color ❤
Personally, I don’t plan on handling any of my tarantulas so I’m a lot more scared of them kicking hairs in my eyes than I am of a bite. Therefore I Like old world tarantulas better
I'm just going to be starting in the next couple of months and I've already picked out an old world and new world to start with I have no fear but I do have a lot of respect and common sense. Caribena versicolor and gooty sapphire
Hi from Germany. My first and only spider was an "Orange Baboon". That was 25 years ago. I had no problems with her. For me as a beginner, the large terrarium, an old aquarium, was an advantage. At least that's what I think. The opening was of course at the top. This gave me enough space to work well with the spider. Just a little info: I'm currently trying to convince my wife to let me get a spider. She doesn't want that at all. 😁
Greetings from the US! Yes, giving those species more room to burrow and hide can definitely curb those defensive behaviors. And I hope that you can convince her! I've heard of a lot of folks over the years who have convinced their mates to let them get some. :)
Great tips and information about old worlds! I remember when I got my first and only old world atm, an h mac, I was pretty nervous about buying it while in the reptile store. The owner made the point that they’re just about as dangerous and demonized as a pit bull, and are you afraid of pit bulls? Well, no, I guess I’m not. So that sure changed my mind about old worlds and I’m happy that I decided to take the plunge into keeping old world species. Just like you said, with a healthy amount of caution and respect, they’re not too different from keeping a new world tarantula. I have yet to rehouse the little guy, which I’m a bit nervous about, but I know by following all the tips in this video I can manage a rehousing safely for both of us. Thanks Tom! Looking forward to getting more old world species!
Sorry for the late reply! Yeah, as someone who has three pitbulls, they have a similar reputation. Once again, it comes down to responsible owners. I'm glad that you took a chance on them, and I hope that your rehousing goes smoothly.
I’m still gaining experience and confidence with my Old Worlds and rehousing was always kinda stressful, yesterday I rehoused my P. regalis with the cardboard and catch up method and it was sooooo much easier! Immediately a confidence boost, thanks a lot for showing this way!
Thank u ... Thank u ..... for another amazing and INFORMATIVE video. I Totally luv following u .....🍷🍷..... I totally agree that too many videos are using click bait words .... it's these people who are causing problems in the hobby. I have stopped following a few for this very reason ..... and I'm sure other keepers know EXACTLY whom I'm talking about. I've kept T's for many years...27 to be exact. Never been bitten. Yup, had a juvie geniculata escape during a feeding ... ok, teleported is the right word. Even tho I don't have OW..... yes I WANT them .... but it's an agreement with my S.O. ..... I've been honest with him and the types of T's I keep and wouldn't want to lie to him. I think with your own S.O. should also be taken into consideration. I currently have 12 T's and they ALL have their quirks .... and yup, that can change day to day. 😨😂🤔 Again, thank u for another amazing video. I will continue to live thru u for my OW tarantula experience..... 🍷🍷🕷🕷😉😉
Thank YOU so much for the kind words and for taking the time to watch and coment! Yeah, it's always upset me as it's harmful to the hobby. That said, put up a tarantula video with the word "Dangerous" or "evil" in it, and you'll get more views. And that's what it's all about, right? ;) And I agree completely that your S.O. should always be kept in the loop. I've been privy to situations where the mate does NOT know what's going on, and it gets icky. Thanks again!
I don't even watch videos with attentseeking b@llsh@t titles.😂.I saw Coyote handling a Black window which says it all..Like Shark scientist Ocean Ramsey or Hyena and Lion behaviorist Kevin Richardson who say to treat these predators with respect...That counts for tarantulas as well as they are predators.Keep them species correct and with respect.
Appreciate this video Tom. I'm thay guy. I started with OW Pokies I have 3 adults and a juvie. I have 1 NW versi. They are all amazing. In my opinion OW/NW is your confidence level. Again thanks for all you do.
I have an Arizona blonde that moved in to my room, I am not technically a keeper but she is comfortable with my existence, one day I noticed a fuzzy 8 legged tan and black critter on my bed, my light turned on and she started climbing down under my bed, from then on I would occasionally feed her, I don’t want to kick her out because she is friendly, and surprisingly smart, during the day she peacefully exists asleep under my bed and about 2 hours before I go to bed she starts to wander around on my desk, my bed, my entertainment center, sometimes during the day she sits in the window sill and sun bathes, she isn’t exactly a pet, she regularly eats the crickets that find their way in to my slightly cooler than outside room, during the winter I substitute her normal food supply with crickets I get from the pet store and occasionally these big blue worms when the local exotic pet store has them, she seems to really like them, I like her, but I won’t “catch” her I refuse to stick her in an enclosure, and I like her company, she is extremely relaxed, I’ve debated on getting a green bottle blue if she ever leaves, though I was a little bit afraid of old worlds, until I watched this video
Love my old worlds! Def feel like people oversold the idea of how aggressive old worlds are. I have found as long as their houses meet their needs theyre quite calm compared to how people talk about them.
I agree 100%. I've been keeping Old World species for years, and I've never had a single issue with them. If you give them space and practice calm rehousing techniques, they are fine!
@@TomsBigSpiders Exactly! My worst behaved old world was a mature male OBT and he was calm for a while then he started wandering his cage looking for a mate and was completely haywire when I would offer food but that's cause I was disturbing his search. If you just let them live their lives without pushing their buttons they are totally fine. People told me P. Regalis are nuts and mine is one of the calmest t's I own. She just sits around all the time even if u tap her with brush or tongs she doesn't get bothered. I never see my C. Paganus and the dude who sold her to me had her in a 1 inch layer of dirt with nowhere to hide so of course she was defensive. I never see her anymore since I put her an in 16 quart container almost completely full of dirt but she eats & she no longer does threat postures or runs around like a nut job when she's scared. People who don't give them what they need are the ones who paint them like villains to other people. It is really sad and I wish people would try harder to meet the pets needs and educate others according to proper care.
Used to be really big into the hobby years ago and stepped back for a while. Never considered an old world because they're the "dangerous spiders". What's funny about a realization I had is I'm a huge advocate of 2a rights and safe/responsible ownership of firearms. I spent years telling people "its the owner not the gun" but never stopped to consider "its the keeper not the tarantula". There really is a big difference between "dangerous spider" and "spider that has the potential of danger". Been trying to find Ts to get back into the hobby with maybe I'll pick an old world up
GREAT comparison, and one that I've used before myself. It's about being responsible and teaching those in your house to be responsible as well. Let me know if you grab one!
I kinda skipped the whole, asking others what to start with, and just did my own research. Then one day I came back with Venezuelan Sun tiger and fell in love with arboreal species. Been slowly adding more ever since. 😂
Just watched your vid and wow thanks for the information.i have 2 Chilean rose tarantula s and a hysterocrates gigas (CAMEROON BABOON) for 10 years or so had then at the same time and never kept spider's before...they are great things and no problems at all....
Awesome video, Thank you! I would choose the Rear Horned Baboon as my first old world species. So beautiful and seemingly fairly calm - ha ha. Who knows, right? And I did not know that P. Metalica can live communally!
Hi, Liz! That's a great one to start of with! haha P. metallicas do VERY well in a communal to a point. Once the females start to mature, things can get sketchy.
If i can't take that spider to my bed and cuddle, i wont buy it. I do it with my Brachypelmas, Grammostolas and Chromatopelma :) Occiasionaly Geniculata
Ordered two slings as my first ever T's from Fear Not, a Brazilian Black and the OW Orphnaecus philippinus. I've read and watched your and other videos, so I feel prepared :). I have no intention of handling them either.
Loved that begining fu-ck-ing kill you lol aww heck loved the whole video. GBLB was my 1st OW then an regalis, OBT grown female she was crazy but calm now. Keep up hard work tom love your content.
I was ran off Arachidboards for saying this exact thing. There is no such thing as a beginner Tarantula... only careless Keepers. My first T was an Omothymus violaceopes adult male that lived 2 yrs. I was never bit. My 3rd snake was a Diamondback rattler. (Corn snake, red tail Boa then rattle snake). Ive owned scorpions and centipedes... While experience keeping spiders does help it also HURTS... "experienced" Keepers get stupid more so then noobs. The enclosures are designed poorly (even high end ones made for Tarantulas) as well as many of the care videos so stupid bad habits. I currently own two H. Pulchripes and neither will ever escape or bite me because everything I do makes sure thats not going to happen. I think the H. Pulchripes should be the first tarantula an adult keeper should buy, a child maybe not but with adult supervision that would be fine. Its the KEEPER not the animal.
I agree that it all depends on the person keeping them. Some can jump right in with zero issue. However, having worked with beginners for years, some are so scared of them that it can cause issues. For those folks, sometimes starting with a new world species is safer. Thanks for chiming in!
I can’t seem to find your video titled “My giant aggressive tarantula ate my family!!!” anywhere on the channel 😮saw the thumbnail in this video. I KNEW those pesky old worlds could take out a whole household 😉🤣
my family got traded tarantulas for a chameleon cage and food they were free and as much as we weren't expecting to have tarantulas we were happy to take them only after we got them we had time to research about them and found out we had a earth tiger tarantulas we sadly didn't know how to take care of them that well and two dead but we've had our tarantulas for a year now and we have food, the right enclosures, schedule and have gained trust with our tarantulas they still aren't that old we got them when they were just a few months old thank you for preparing us for the future we have been trying to prepare for when they get older and if you have any tips we would love to know as a beginner in the hobby.
I ordered a sling Australian old world for my first T years ago. The breeder sent me a 13cm Phlogius female Crassipes old world by mistake. I was sooooo scared getting her out. But she's so docile and slow 🐌 🙄. A massive chunky dark chocolate brown colouring. If you can get this species get it you wont be disappointed.
Wow, that's a lot of spider there! haha I'm so glad to hear that she was docile. I LOVE my P. crassipes...she was actually in the video under Selenocosmia crassipes!
I’ve never commented on a video before. I just wanted to tell you that it’s kinda your fault that somehow I have 20 tarantulas and two curtain web spiders. I never knew there were so many. I can’t pick a favorite but top three in my collection would be X. intermedia, Pamphobeteus mascara and my C versicolor. The Pamphobeteus is definitely your fault 😁. She thinks everything is good. Thank you for what you do. Your videos made it a lot easier to manage my collection
Well, thanks for commenting, Jeff! Hahaha Man, I'm so sorry! I feel a bit bad that I cost some folks so much money. haha And that's awesome on the Pampho! :) Thanks again!
My first tarantula is a N.chromatus my second ones are a P.tigrinawesseli and P.regalis I love them so much, they are my daughters I have never had any problems with them I know them by heart! before having tarantulas I raised araneomorphs for 1 year and otherwise it has been since my childhood that I have been passionate about Arachnids and that I observe them in their natural environment now I have 9 tarantulas I have a communal terrarium of 5 M. balfouri and I will order two more adult tarantulas (OBT and curly hair tarantula)
it's funny my first ever tarantula was a OBT, she was super chill and sweet and eventually died from getting stuck during a molt. my current OBT first the stereotype perfectly, it's always angry. 😅
tbh not long after I got my first OW (an obt of course) I've figured out that they're really just anxiety incarnate. it's like a lone survivor in a zombie apocalypse who was not even remotely a fighter before BUT they have a shotgun and are shacked up in a nice space with one or two easily accessible entrances so they can defend themselves (or run) should a horde wander up to their door. if you're going to go deal with them, you don't just go up and bang on their door (or barge right in). you announce yourself as a friendly and don't make any sudden movements. you try to keep everything calm. MAYBE it doesn't work for everyone every single time. maybe someone gets shot because they weren't careful. but if you ARE careful, respectful of them, and prepared, things tend to go just fine.
In 2000, I bought my first T a G rosea.i had to gift her to a friend in 2004 when I left for Germany and later Iraq. I've been following your channel for a few years and have a great many T's on my wishlist. I want several species of old world but am trying to make choices from from places of knowledge and not arrogance as I move forward. Thank you Tom for all you do for this community. Somewhat on subject but do you think a pamphobeteus can be a decent re-entry into the hobby?
Hello, Isaac! Yes, I think that you could ease back in with a Pampho. The slings can be fast, but they eat great and grow quickly. Adults can be a bit skittish, but as long as a keeper is aware of that, it shouldn't be a problem. And thank you so much!
I just LOVE my old w T's❤ Never had any problems, even tho they are MUCH more reactive but respect and calminess is the key, just dont stress these spiders anymore than what is absolutely have to, the less they have to stress, the more you see your reclusive loved ones ❤
Quick edit. Supposed to say “food” not good. And I posted to the wrong video. Oops. OBT is my favorite old world. Still trying for a female 3 mm so far
haha No worries! I just went to respond to a comment the other day, and it autoplayed the next video. I had no idea that I was leaving a comment on another person's video! haha
I just got my first T about a week and a half ago now, a King Baboon female about a year old. She’s so beautiful and interesting to watch. I love her. And she’s made me want many more for sure. Still don’t know which one I’ll go with next but I’m excited to see which one I land on!
It's quite a learning curve but I think I'm okay. Lots of videos like this, I Was given given the opportunity to take care of a pink toe and an o b t... I'm a first timer the o b t came with his own cage.. The pink toes Really sweet, we set her up with an simi arboreal cage.. The orange baboon tarantula wants nothing to do with us.".same😂".. He just molted. And hes got a setup cage, so he's fine❤
I have two old world slings. An M Balfouri and P regalis. While they are quick and the Balfouri will throw a threat poses to prey items when in premolt. Overall both our quite chill.
You were talking about all the losers out there that take video agitating the animal for views. One I remember that just tickled me was a guy taking video of poking at his OBT with his finger and...well... eventually.....you know what happened. His screaming was PRICELESS!
I knew that guy; I was on a forum with him! He sent me that video shortly before he posted it, and I honestly didn't know what the hell I was supposed to say. The only good thing that came from it is that people saw that the spider REALLY had to be teased to bite.
something i always want to point out to people who get themselves in a panic about the ~danger of keeping pet tarantulas~ is that my other pets, dogs, are also inherently potentially dangerous. statistically, they're significantly MORE dangerous than tarantulas. i've always kept large breeds of dogs which absolutely have the physical capacity to kill people, and yet none but the most outwardly insane have any issue with them as pets. i know it's not a perfect analogy (dogs are fully domesticated animals that can be trained and socialised to minimise any danger involved), but i still think it's the same core philosophy: practise proper husbandry and you'll (almost certainly) be fine. be aware of the potential risks, treat your pets with respect, don't be an idiot. also just a sidenote: i think i'm personally going to find keeping old world tarantulas easier than my new worlds (as much as i adore them) because my respiratory system is VERY sensitive and i struggle a lot with those darn urticating hairs lol
Yup! I didn't want to harp on the dog part (I have three pitbulls, and I get tired of defending them), but it's totally true. And they really aren't that bad at all. :) You just need to give them respect. Most of them would just rather hide than fight (if you give them the proper room).
I have had a couple instances with old world species, while handling where I have put my hand in front of them while they are in the move, and had them lightly scratch my skin with their fangs, without blood drawn. While this may score brownie points for old worlds, it’s a risky practice to both the handler and the spider. I guess this scratching defense would fall inline with dry biting. One of the spiders which did this was a 5.5” Hysterocrates gigas, so it was not incapable of landing a wet bite by any means. I was not taunting it. It was moving away from me, out of reach on the other end of a larger corralling tub, and out of view. I then reached my hands under where the spider was and felt the fang tips on my finger, and pulled away. I should have rotated the tub and used a deli cup. Either way, once you feel fangs come out, you will pull your hand back right away. I didn’t find it amusing at all. I know there are some people whom can’t be stopped from handling their old worlds, but I have been seeing fewer videos like that since the late 2000’s and early 2010’s. Over the years, I have really slowed down with handling my spiders. Also, I have been keeping more advanced animals like giant centipedes, thus breaking the habit to some extent.
A note on aggression. While seasoned hobbyists scoff at the notion of aggression, people who understand how aggression works do not. Your focus in on offensive aggression. We're talking about defensive aggression. The best example is a dog properly trained for protection work. This dog can be walked past dozens to hundreds of people every day without showing any aggression. The moment its handler is attacked, however, the dog's defensive aggression drives, along with its training, kick in and it becomes extremely aggressive. Another example is a bull moose. These animals are not roaming through the woods on a Friday night looking for a fight but, if you corner one of them you better believe it's going to become an extremely dangerous animal. Using humans as an example, ask most any experienced cop you want which kind of criminal is more dangerous, the one who wants to fight or the one who wants to get away. They'll tell you it's the one who wants to get away because they do anything to achieve that goal. One last example, you can generally walk through most any gang neighborhood by following a few simple and common sense rules. It's when you step outside of that, such as continually brushing an OBT, that things start to get dangerous. You probably won't die in the ensuing attack but, the injuries you sustain will be medically significant and may end up permanent. This misunderstanding of how aggression works is part of the discussion that does a disservice to both new keepers as well as the hobby as a whole.
Well put, Scott. I think that the majority of hobbyists that hear "aggressive" when it pertains to spiders believe that the animals are going to be nasty and uncontrollable regardless of the situation. By focusing more on the "defensive" aspect of it, it frames it in a more appropriate way in making it clear that the animal is responding to stimuli that is making it feel uncomfortable, causing it to defend itself. This means that the onus is on the keeper to not do things, like pet an OBT with a brush repeatedly, to set the animal off. Folks who approach the hobby with this mindset are generally safer and more prepared, as opposed to those who think that they have no control over the situation. As I stated in the video, if these animals feel threatened, they can and will resort to violence to defend themselves. I did not downplay that fact. The idea is for folks to understand that it is NOT inevitable that their OW spider is going to be a "demon" or "evil", as that type of behavior can often be prevented. Keepers who go into the hobby with this in mind will generally take a more behavioral approach to their spiders. Thanks again for chiming in!
This is why I like Dave’s little beasties. Everyone of his videos are very calm and drama free.
We try to do that here too, Mike! My whole goal when beginning this channel years ago was to show that rehousings could be calm.
@@TomsBigSpiders We rehoused our female B Hamorii a couple of weeks ago. I gently went in with a catch tub and a very soft brush. She slapped the ground and went into a threat pose......I was so glad when she eventually calmed down. My T Vagans was amazing - yet, they have a bad reputation
YES! Both Tom and Dave are the best and WAY underrated
@@TomsBigSpidersI think he was responding to the part where you’re talking about RUclipsrs over exaggerating how scary and aggressive Ts are - not saying your channel wasn’t good or anything.
‘My tarantula ate my family’ made me laugh haha
I do enjoy Dave and camera lady as well 🥰
Great video Tom, as i am in Australia and can only have Australian old world tarantulas and have been keeping for just over two years so am still new and learning all the time, i got into the hobby because i had a fear of spiders, after about four months of research i bought my first phogius sling, i now have 16 "T's" from phlogius, selenotholus, and selenotypus families, from slings to young adults, i have had no threat posses and they have been calm during rehousing and feeding, none of mine show the great feeding response i see on line they tend to retreat into their burrows instead, once again great video. Keith from down under.
Hey, Keith! I'm totally jealous of your Australian tarantula collection! haha We can only get a handful of species over here. My S. crassipes is one of the most secretive species I have. Thanks so much!
a lot of great info and tips! Thanks very much Tom!
Thank you so much, Dee!
This is a fantastic resource, thank you!
Thank you so much!
Cool shirt, me and my wife just watched it a few weeks ago. She's always loved it
Thank you...and that's awesome!
Awesome video, thank you for all the information.
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment!
My first spider was a female Poecilotheria Striata.I didn't want to have a bunch of spiders I didn't want for years . I was an adult, did my homework, and jumped right in.
Research goes a long way. I research
That's awesome! And research is super important!
I am getting a c versicolor in October, but I would enjoy an ornamental communal in the future. I think I will go from the versicolor to that if it seems like it's still going to be for me. I think with adequate space and hides I could manage a little community somewhere in the future. My thing is, at the moment I can't imagine myself with 15-80 tarantulas around because I live in a rather small apartment and would like to keep crabs and other types of spiders too... so I don't know if that kind of jump would be too much. But perhaps I could get another arboreal individually before a communal is considered, or keep smaller spiders like lynx spiders communally first. Really appreciative of all the rehousing tips, it makes much sense. It's also good to see what kind of methods you use for daily/weekly tasks. Now I can provide my new spider the best possible experiences.
Awesome shirt
Thanks!
Correct me if I'm wrong but the bit about lingering cramps for months is only really attributed to the Poecilotheria genus so your pokis or gooty saphires. In my neck of the woods these are very expensive tarantulas to get and I would find it odd to see a beginner even be able to find one much less choose it for their first T which I would absolutely not suggest even if they are my personal favorites.😅
Hello, Lyssa. Yes, that is mostly for the Poecilotheria species. Around here, they aren't particularly expensive, so many folks new to the hobby pick them up. One of my 15-year-old students got a juvenile at a pet story for about $40.
@TomsBigSpiders that's crazy! I would have bought all of them. I love that the keeper hobbies are some time accidental advocates for endangered species. P. Metallica can be a dangerous species but the interest in in the hobby could be what keeps them around!
Been keeping T's for over 10 years and never had problems with OWs. Only my Cyriopagopus lividus tried to go for me once, but that was my mistake. I got cocky, taking the waterdish out next to her with my hand. Im more afraid of my t blondi and t apophosis, they kick hairs at me every time i open the enclousure😂
My first OW was a p metallica after keeping NWs 3/4 years, shes 7 now. She is chiller then my B boehmei.
OWs aint scary if you take it serious and have experience with NWs. And keep in mind they are fast as hell, rehouse in an open space and not near alot of stuff. Easier to follow them if they bold, and have a big enough catch cup next to you. Just incase it bolts. Some of mine will bolt 100% of the time.
If you respect your T and keep in mind it can bolt, dont leave the enclosure open and turn around( its not a fish, it runs) in 10/11 i never been tagged. I feed some Ts ( the really chill ones) with my 2 year old and she loves it.
Very nice video brother 👌👍
Thanks so much, bud! And all very good info and advices!
Awesome intro! It’s crazy how misunderstood spiders are. They are beautiful creatures who would rather hide then attack anyone.
Thanks so much, Chris! And that is so true!
Sometimes they'd rather cry in a corner because you splashed water on their toe.
You and Dave's little Beasties I have great respect for. Thank you for an amazing and informative video. We can now make educated choices 😘
The guys to watch, both of them. But notice that in Europe people do not overstress the OW risk. The exaggerated warnings are, imho, a US thing.
Thanks so much, Elaine! I really appreciate it.
As you said. In Australia. We only have old worlds 😂 someone asked me was I frightened of being bitten. I just answered
Have you ever been bitten by a cockatoo 😅 have you ever been scratched by a cat. And what about a dog bite.
All animals deserve respect. All animals can harm you if you don’t treat them right.
Thank you Tom.
You did very well putting this across 😊
Love from Australia
Greetings from the US, Penny! Thank you so much for chiming in! I LOVE when people tell folks that they should never start with an Old World tarantula. I'm always like, "The Aussies do it all of the time!". :) And I couldn't agree more! Thank you!
I really appreciate this video. I didn’t realize how ingrained in my brain the fear of old worlds had become until I ordered 4 old world slings that are on all of the beginner lists. I’ve kept tarantulas for 6 years and even though I did my research and the old worlds haven’t given me any reason to be so afraid of them, I have had a terrible anxiety every time I do my husbandry with them. I will be rehousing soon and have been dreading it even though I have done so many rehousings and really just need to chill out. Thanks for all of your videos! I am definitely a much better keeper because of you’re dedication to the hobby.
I think that many of us have been there, Krystal. We're bombarded by folks telling us how "scary" they are from day one, and that can be difficult to overcome. I hope that your rehousings go well!
How did the rehousing go?
I got my C versicolor Nov 2021 and bought an OBT 2 weeks later because I apparently like challenges. I've never regretted it one bit -I have about an equal number of new and old world. They are literally my sanity some days. Nothing better than locking myself away with my little ones and caring for them. I love your videos and think you do an amazing job to educate people -Thank you!
That's awesome, Christina! And this room is my happy place as well. haha Thank you!
I did the exact same thing ❤
My old house was in front of a tiny jungle. As a result, I frequently encounter huntsman spiders and centipedes that wander into my home. The experience I gained from temporarily keeping these amazing animals made keeping old worlds for me a breeze 😌
That's awesome, Krishen! People think that old worlds are fast, but they have nothing when compared to huntsman!
I got an OBT as my 3rd or 4th T I think it was, fairly early on anyways. I've never regretted it! She's pretty defensive but has never been too crazy, and of course I'll never try handling her. She's an amazing display animal with a top notch food response and gorgeous color! I'm glad I got an old world early on, it gave me the confidence to try others and it's been amazing!
never had struggles with my OBT also but I keep her in a big enclosure for her size and she is semi-aboreal housed but I have to admit I got her really late compared to other spiders of my OW collection
Hello, Amber! That's the thing; I think that most folks realize rather quickly that you just need to give them space and respect. They do NOT want to kill us. haha They are just nervous and trying to defend themselves.
@@TomsBigSpiders Got a juvenile OBT as my fourth T and first Old World (after a B. hamorii, a T. blondi that sadly died before reaching maturity, and a GBB); he was the only juvenile left on our local shop's shelf and I felt bad for him, haha. He turned out to be a male that reached maturity while still... a little small. He's got a legspan of maybe 3-4 inches, but he has his tibial hooks! He's also been the most chill little spider; we've been able to take a few nice photos of him as he's grown up, and we've never seen a threat pose from him yet.
I got my first old world as a freebie but he’s been super chill. I have 6 spoods now including a p. Metallica and she’s super sweet
Orange spider bad!
😂
Hahaha
I'm so tired of hearing that one.
@@sgmxr6 That's the first time I'd heard it lol
@@JasonBooth79 😂
Hey Tom, here to provide you with your favorite type of comment.
November marks 1 year with jumping spiders, January is 1 year of tarantula ownership. I just got my first OW 9 months into keeping, and it was all because since this video has come out I have been dilligently researching which old world I wanted to get. Please to say I have landed on a Harpactira pulchripes, and so far I would agree that these are very shy creatures compared to my moody new worlds.
Hello, Jason! Ha! Thank you so much for the feedback, and congrats on your upcoming anniversary!
Pay attention! No texting while feeding your Old World! Thanks Tom, another great video full of info. I'm still sticking with the New Worlds. They are just as interesting and satisfying to care for, without handling.
Thanks so much! And that's definitely your choice. :)
No hype, just spider love. This is why I love this channel. Though, it's hilarious to hear Tom say that they will "bite your f**ing face off" LOL
Thank you so much Jared! hahaha Yeah, I'm not going to lie...I had fun doing that. ;)
I don't really consider myself to be easily intimidated when it comes to something I get into as a hobby (when I get into a hobby, I dive in hard). But I'm not gonna lie, when I first started getting into tarantulas a couple of months ago, the intense view of the overall community regarding old world tarantulas really put me off of the idea of ever even wanting one. Then I ran across and started watching the Dave's Little Beasties channel, where I have yet to find a threat display in a single video where he's rehousing or pulling egg sacs from an OBT. From everything I'd seen up to that point, that was unheard of. I even jokingly left a comment on one video that his OBT was broken. I've also watched a lot of his videos of pokies and I think I may have seen one actual threat display. That channel alone has me seriously contemplating not just acquiring old world species like the P. metallica or the O. violaceopes, but also getting into breeding some species of spiders that are hard to get just to help make them more available in the hobby (T. seladonia being a notable example in the US). I had *zero* intention of breeding when I got my first tarantula.
Incidentally, I have been making a conscious effort to stay away from click-baity titled videos because I hate the way they are affecting the video economy on sites like RUclips. I'd so much rather watch a video with a title that accurately reflects the content of the video, and not one with a title that sounds more like a bullet on an Enlisted Performance Report in the Air Force, where picking up a piece of trash is made to sound like you single-handedly saved the entire ecosystem surrounding the base.
Yup, Dave is definitely one of the good ones! And that's what I've been trying to show people on my channel for years. I pride myself on the safe and calm rehousings, and I hope that they show folks that they aren't as scary and uncontrollable as some will make them out to be.
THANK YOU for sharing the truth about OLD WORLD TARANTULAS and hopefully changing some minds!!!❤❤❤
Thanks so much, Roy! Since putting this one out, I've heard from many folks who have given them a shot and who are loving them. :)
Bit the bullit and ordered my very first old world sling. 😮 H. Maculata (Togo starburst.) i think they are the most gorgeous spider, love their colouring. Wish me luck Tom 😊I agree with all you have said here. I'd say bites are always the case of stupidity and carelessness. We need to respect the spider at ALL TIMES ❤
Congrats, Sandra! That's my wife's favorite species. :) They are stunning. And I agree completely!
@@TomsBigSpiders thanks Tom , they are stunning 😍
I had to hop on my computer so I could type this as fast as I'm thinking it! TOM!!! You are SUCH a blessing to our community. This is one of the most important and special videos our community will ever see, and the education you are giving is PRICELESS. I am REALLY starting to see more and more "influencers" using their tarantulas and other inverts for click bait and their handling, attitudes and sell-out behavior is SO obvious that they are "in" the hobby for all the wrong reasons. There are even some influencers I liked in the beginning of getting into the hobby that I can't even watch anymore because they've "sold out" or just seem to not have their heart in it anymore, just the money. So much bad information out there, so many lies. You are the true hero. I've only been in the hobby for almost 2 years and the amount of information I have learned is unfathomable. I started at 40 years old and I've had a lot of hobbies but I can tell you, this one has given me more joy than any other ones. Being able to care for and watch such amazing animals is such a blessing in my life. The community is (for the most part) amazing with amazing people. When people ask me about tarantulas, spiders, and inverts I get so excited to educate them, but at the same time, I know I could go on and on for hours and it probably won't matter, but I know that ONE mind I can change about spiders is the one thing I can be proud of. I was amazed at your "Ladder System" because I have been doing EXACTLY that for the last 2 years and didn't even realize it! Thank you thank you thank you for all of your incredible contributions to our community, and all the years of wonderful information, education, and truth. There's so much more I want to say but I'll shut up now lol
Wow, thank you so much, Marjorie! I think that I have a different perspective from most folks who do the RUclips thing because I never got into this to make money or be popular. I had a website and I realized that I could explain some things better through videos. I get folks wanting to be popular or to make money because of their animals, but it always seems to turn into exploitation. I'm so glad that you're using a type of ladder system! That's awesome. Thank YOU for taking the time to comment and for appreciating what I'm trying to do!
Great informative video Tom. My first OW was actually a pokie, P ornata, in a mystery box that I ordered, asking for NW only; I had won a P irminia from the person a few months prior and they knew thatbI was actually more than capable of looking after an OW I just doubted myself, hence the inclusion in my mystery box. I am really glad they did, I now love pokies and know that all of mine would rather retreat into their corkbark tube hides than be defensive. I have since got a few OW baboons which I also love, along with 1 Asian fossorials; I have a very healthy respect for this one 😂😊
Hey, Vanessa! My first large OW was a P. vittata, so I'm with you there! After keeping her for a while, I realized that I was probably missing out on other species. Thanks so much!
@TomsBigSpiders oh, P vittata is on my to get list 😄 I've now got my P ornata, P metallica, P subfusca lowland, P miranda. I did have a P tigrinawesseli, but sadly I lost that one to a bad moult, I must get a replacement.
Just rehoused two M balfouri this afternoon 😃
Great Video... We have 3 new world and love them, I was NOT even thinking about an old world, because of all the negative things I have watched., was definitely worried about aggressiveness and speed, your video has been very informative, I am not yet ready for an old world yet, but I will consider one in the future after I get a little more experience under my belt.
I'm so glad that this video actually has you reconsidering. The whole point of it was to portray them realistically to let people make decisions with the correct information. Thank you!
I still think that you guys, mainly US, keep exaggerating the OW thing. Keep it simple. People who deal with T's should know what they are dealing with.
As long as you keep stressing the medically significant venom versus mild urticating hairs you keep stressing the 'danger' of keeping OW's.
It almost sounds as if you could be held responsible if someone goes OW 'because of you'. Must be some US sense of liability thing.
OW's are no worse than NW's unless the keeper has no clue whatsoever of what he is keeping.
Far more interesting OW's imho.
Greatly admire your vid's, do not get me wrong😊
Thanks, Miguel! That was pretty much the whole point of this video. I'm hoping that more folks will give them a chance and not be turned off by all of the fear mongering!
Tarantula cat. Talks too much. Unusefull info. And Emo. Dark den? Do not always give good info. Ultimate Exotics handguy? He is better than cat and dark den. Richard? Really good but too fancy and too much detail. Tom? Gives info and practical the whole time he talks. Keeps it simple. Uses tubs and normal things. Takes better care than all the above. With Toms advice you can write a book! He is an educator too. Listens to metal. What is cooler? He is clearly the best. That is my opinion. I also listen to metal and i am also an educator and love the T hobby. I relate to this guy. Thanx for your cool videos. God bless you hero. I think the above 5 guys are the best. Richard is also very good. And nice and straight to the point.
Well, thank you very much for the very kind words, Mary!
I'm Australian and just got my first tarantula, a Phlogius sarina. Its only a juvenile at the moment but I love it already. It does have an attitude for sure but I think that makes it fun to feed and care for. Its pretty cute.
That's awesome! I would love to have one of those! :)
Coyote Petersson is NO friend of ANY animal hobbies.. Nice video, btw. I am one of those who got into old world tarantulas a little to early. Are you gentle, the tarantula will most likely be gentle too.
Oh man...my kids love that goon. haha
I want an OBT someday, I think their lil threat postures are so cute and their so bright and pretty!
They are one of my favorite species. I LOVE the orange.
As an Aussie with two 2.5 year old phlogius crassipes, I have had zero issues so far. My guys are flighty but with enough dirt to have deep burrows they keep themselves well out of the way the moment I touch their enclosure lid. I think even if new world's were an option for me I would honestly prefer the behaviour of my OW's over dealing with urticating hairs.
Yeah, they're fast, but mine have all burrowed and stayed hidden. I've had no issues1
Have to agree about the hairs, as another Aussie I'm happy we don't have that issue would scare me more than being bitten
I remember my 1st old world was an adult lividum, almost crap my self on the first rehousing.
in light of everything said in this video i was wondering if u think it’s alright for me to get a p metallica as my first t? i hav been very casually keeping true spiders like black widows for like 10+ years. i usually hav one or 2 spider for a year or 2 until it dies. i’m aware getting an ow first has higher risk. i’ve been watching vids on tarantula keeping for years and every video of people rehousing or interacting with a poki seems surprising chill. seems more about reading there mood and being gentle and slow when interacting with them. ofc they can be fast and skittish but i haven’t seen anything like the teleporting nightmare people hav told me about. i looked and found only 1 vid of a poki “teleporting” and getting out, and in that vid the spider was already bolting a bit before he even opened the enclosure. seems like maybe he just should of waited for another time it was more calm. i don’t really want a large tarantula collection and for 5+ years the only reason i’ve considered getting a tarantula is for either a p regalis or p metallica. will this realistically be okay? i feel like i can handle it but everyone one reddit says they’re defensive teleporting demons that will bolt everytime i open the enclosure. i don’t mind a threat pose hear and there or anything like that hahah
Great video as always on point and honest can’t ask for no more.
Thanks so much, James!
Finally.....a video that covers OW T's for new keepers and those only been keeping a short time.
This video covers it all perfectly.
Thank you so much! I had the idea for this over 3 years ago, and I'm glad that I finally got it made!
Great video Tom very well said. Bringing the truth 8 legs at a time. From my own opinion my old worlds are quick to hide rather then throw a threat pose where as I can't walk past my gbb enclosure with out her kickin hairs. A healthy respect is necessary but fear isn't warranted.
And that's a great point, Danny! Many new world species are out in the open, so you're more likely to get defensiveness from them. If given the room to hide, old worlds will usually run first! Thanks!
Why in the 5 years of keeping has not one of your videos come up for me ??? I hate RUclips. It’s discoverability is SHOCKING.
I found you from Sean’s spoods and tarantula ramblings who told me about you! Glad to be here. Amazing videos.
Hello, Feebs! Awwww...I'll definitely have to thank Sean and Tarantula Ramblings, as I truly appreciate word-of-mouth recommendations. They rock. I've been doing this for a while, but I'm kind of like that underground band that only the cool kids seem to have heard of. Haha Thank you so much for checking this out!
@@TomsBigSpiders hahahah those are the best kinds!!!!!
Well I hope RUclips push you to everyone asap, you deserve it !!
RULE#1-Tarantuls do NOT NEED to be held. Common sense goes a long way.
I agree completely, Roy!
I'm very very new to the hobby. I got my first tarantula a week ago today. And then I got my second one a day later. Both pink toes. One of the first big things that I learned this last week is that we really shouldn't be picking them up. Even if they are docile. They're not cats and they don't enjoy cuddles. I have cats for cuddles and tarantulas because they look fucking awesome and they're fascinating creatures.
I think theres animals that get demonixed. Cichlids were one where people are like, "dont keep cichkids." And now im a fanatic (my first fish were convicts).
Saltwater fish also get demonized
Very good points!
@TomsBigSpiders they definitely have good points with these creatures. Old world Ts, cichkids, marine fish are challenging for sure.
But the extent people go acting like they'd murder my other fish, I'd be out of house and home, or an old world tarantula is literally Satan (tho I don't have tarantulas yet. And the species I want is new world. BTW it's rhe Mexican red leg. One day) is too far.
Once again an awesome video. I just got back in to tarantulas after going to an expo in June where I picked up 2 (C, versicolor sling and a A. Chalcodes sub adult). Since then I have picked up 2 more (B. albiceps and C. cyaneopubescens) for a total of 4 now. All NW but after some time with these and a few rehouses later I would really like to get either an M. balfouri or a P. metalica.
Hello! Thanks so much, and welcome back to the hobby. Sounds like you picked up some awesome species!
Thank you Tim for this Video because my aunt and uncle’s thing Tarantulas are deadlier than snakes 😂. I told them that they are not deadly but gorgeous creatures, and I can’t wait to start keeping them myself. I love this Video❤❤❤
I might have pay you for your time and Zoom call my family and school ‘‘em professor Tom😊
I hope that this helps you out a bit! haha My goal was to really lay it all out there very realistically. Hahaha Thank you!
Also, TARANTULAS CANT JUMP AT YOU TO ATTACK 😂
I've been keeping Tarantulas since I was 8 years old and I'm 51 now, I was only bitten 1 times, and that's was thr very first tarantula I had, it was a Rose Haired Tarantula and it was 💯 % my fault, all one has to do is use common sense, the only basic difference is that they CAN'T be held. My opinion only!! Also, my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE SPECIES IS THE KING BABOON TARANTULA ( Pelinobius muticus ) . Never been bitten..
Great to hear from you, Roy! And thanks so much for chiming in on this. So many people that I talk to think that bites are inevitable, and that couldn't be further from the truth. Folks need to hear stories like this!
I started with old worlds 1st ,but how lovely they are, I ended up getting loads of new worlds aswell, because they stayed out in the open more so I could see them more often .I did have previous experience in many animals and had good success in the past with my confidence. Awesome as always sir
Hey, Jason! I started with NWs but quickly jumped into OWs. I love both! haha
GREAT-EXPLANATION VIDEO :)
THANK YOU FOR SHARING :)
THANK YOU FROM ISRAEL :)
Thank you very much!
Hey Tom. I just got into keeping t's. I got a B.boehmei and a C.cyaneopubescens 5 days ago. I have had no problems with the gbb. It has been eating and webbed the whole enclosure. But my brachypelma is around 1.5 inches and i dont think he ate. I dropped 2 mealworms in yesterday. I dont see them today. But he did not touch them when i dropped them in while my gbb lunged at the mealworm. The abdomen is pretty plump and the colours dull. Could it be in premolt or am I not doing something right? Should i look for the mealworms?
Hello! Did you squish their heads first? If not, I'd recommend doing so in the future; it keeps them from burrowing. You may want to carefully poke around in the substrate and see if you can find them, as you don't want them surfacing and attacking the spider when it's molting.
@@TomsBigSpiders one time a superworm pupated and the beetle killed my mature male p. lugardi. i assumed because he was mature and done molting, he would be able to fend off the beetle and kill it. i ended up finding a really fat beetle which i fed to my turtle.
@@ninecatsandaboxofwine Ughhhh...so sorry to hear that.
Hello great video information Tom
Thank you so much, Moon!!!
I've only been a keeper for almost two years. I started with 3 new world ts. A b,Emilia and a b, bohemi, then a got an anthescuria geniculata. All slings. Then i got my first old world t. A p Metallica after 6 months. They are all doing very well,eating and moulting and growing well. As a former arachnophobia sufferer, your channel has been an inspiration and showed me how beautiful they all are. Thank you for all your valuable information. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much, John! It's comments like these that remind me why I still do this stuff! :)
I'm doing research before buying my first tarantula and this was very informational. Thank you. I just subscribed!
I'm so glad that it was helpful. And thank you so much!
I enjoy watching these Tarantula videos being handled responsibly, I just would not own one, not for me.
I totally understand, Rick! Thank you!
Thank you so much for adding both imperial and metric! Its so frustrating having to convert consistently.
I really appreciate the effort you put into your videos!
You're most welcome! Someone suggested that years ago, and I've done it ever since. :)
I went for the chilobrachys species for my old world collection, i got the huahini and the chilobrachys natanicharum, and the chilobrachys fibriatus 🕷🖤
I love Chilobrachys species, and I definitely need more. haha
I must say I found the OBT so beautiful even being warned against them I couldn't help myself. I bought 1 and got one in a package from fnt. I love them both so much.
They are such amazing spiders, it's unfortunately that so many people have been turned off to them.
I am getting old world as my first Ts. Philippine tangerine was my go to as it's our local tarantula and my favourite one at that due to it's vibrant color ❤
One of my all time favorite tarantula species! Congrats!
Bravo!!!! Fantastic video!!!! Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but all animals, including tarantulas, have their own little personalities.
I find that all of mine have their own "personalities" and quirks!
Personally, I don’t plan on handling any of my tarantulas so I’m a lot more scared of them kicking hairs in my eyes than I am of a bite. Therefore I Like old world tarantulas better
Hey, Ryan! Great point!
I'm just going to be starting in the next couple of months and I've already picked out an old world and new world to start with I have no fear but I do have a lot of respect and common sense. Caribena versicolor and gooty sapphire
Hello, Robert! Two awesome spiders!
Hi from Germany.
My first and only spider was an "Orange Baboon". That was 25 years ago. I had no problems with her. For me as a beginner, the large terrarium, an old aquarium, was an advantage. At least that's what I think. The opening was of course at the top. This gave me enough space to work well with the spider.
Just a little info: I'm currently trying to convince my wife to let me get a spider. She doesn't want that at all. 😁
Greetings from the US! Yes, giving those species more room to burrow and hide can definitely curb those defensive behaviors. And I hope that you can convince her! I've heard of a lot of folks over the years who have convinced their mates to let them get some. :)
I only keep old world tarantulas. Can't wait.
There's no rush! Just some info for if/when you are ready to try OWs. :)
Great tips and information about old worlds! I remember when I got my first and only old world atm, an h mac, I was pretty nervous about buying it while in the reptile store. The owner made the point that they’re just about as dangerous and demonized as a pit bull, and are you afraid of pit bulls?
Well, no, I guess I’m not. So that sure changed my mind about old worlds and I’m happy that I decided to take the plunge into keeping old world species. Just like you said, with a healthy amount of caution and respect, they’re not too different from keeping a new world tarantula. I have yet to rehouse the little guy, which I’m a bit nervous about, but I know by following all the tips in this video I can manage a rehousing safely for both of us.
Thanks Tom! Looking forward to getting more old world species!
Sorry for the late reply! Yeah, as someone who has three pitbulls, they have a similar reputation. Once again, it comes down to responsible owners. I'm glad that you took a chance on them, and I hope that your rehousing goes smoothly.
I’m still gaining experience and confidence with my Old Worlds and rehousing was always kinda stressful, yesterday I rehoused my P. regalis with the cardboard and catch up method and it was sooooo much easier! Immediately a confidence boost, thanks a lot for showing this way!
I'm so glad that trick worked for you and made things less stressful! :)
Thank u ... Thank u ..... for another amazing and INFORMATIVE video. I Totally luv following u .....🍷🍷..... I totally agree that too many videos are using click bait words .... it's these people who are causing problems in the hobby. I have stopped following a few for this very reason ..... and I'm sure other keepers know EXACTLY whom I'm talking about. I've kept T's for many years...27 to be exact. Never been bitten. Yup, had a juvie geniculata escape during a feeding ... ok, teleported is the right word. Even tho I don't have OW..... yes I WANT them .... but it's an agreement with my S.O. ..... I've been honest with him and the types of T's I keep and wouldn't want to lie to him. I think with your own S.O. should also be taken into consideration. I currently have 12 T's and they ALL have their quirks .... and yup, that can change day to day. 😨😂🤔 Again, thank u for another amazing video. I will continue to live thru u for my OW tarantula experience..... 🍷🍷🕷🕷😉😉
Thank YOU so much for the kind words and for taking the time to watch and coment! Yeah, it's always upset me as it's harmful to the hobby. That said, put up a tarantula video with the word "Dangerous" or "evil" in it, and you'll get more views. And that's what it's all about, right? ;) And I agree completely that your S.O. should always be kept in the loop. I've been privy to situations where the mate does NOT know what's going on, and it gets icky. Thanks again!
I don't even watch videos with attentseeking b@llsh@t titles.😂.I saw Coyote handling a Black window which says it all..Like Shark scientist Ocean Ramsey or Hyena and Lion behaviorist Kevin Richardson who say to treat these predators with respect...That counts for tarantulas as well as they are predators.Keep them species correct and with respect.
Hello, Corin! I couldn't agree with you more! Treat them with respect and they are fanstastic. I can't stand the click bait crap.
Appreciate this video Tom. I'm thay guy. I started with OW Pokies I have 3 adults and a juvie. I have 1 NW versi. They are all amazing. In my opinion OW/NW is your confidence level. Again thanks for all you do.
Hey, Jason! It definitely depends on individual confidence level! Thanks!
I have an Arizona blonde that moved in to my room, I am not technically a keeper but she is comfortable with my existence, one day I noticed a fuzzy 8 legged tan and black critter on my bed, my light turned on and she started climbing down under my bed, from then on I would occasionally feed her, I don’t want to kick her out because she is friendly, and surprisingly smart, during the day she peacefully exists asleep under my bed and about 2 hours before I go to bed she starts to wander around on my desk, my bed, my entertainment center, sometimes during the day she sits in the window sill and sun bathes, she isn’t exactly a pet, she regularly eats the crickets that find their way in to my slightly cooler than outside room, during the winter I substitute her normal food supply with crickets I get from the pet store and occasionally these big blue worms when the local exotic pet store has them, she seems to really like them, I like her, but I won’t “catch” her I refuse to stick her in an enclosure, and I like her company, she is extremely relaxed, I’ve debated on getting a green bottle blue if she ever leaves, though I was a little bit afraid of old worlds, until I watched this video
Awwww...that's so cool!
Love my old worlds! Def feel like people oversold the idea of how aggressive old worlds are. I have found as long as their houses meet their needs theyre quite calm compared to how people talk about them.
I agree 100%. I've been keeping Old World species for years, and I've never had a single issue with them. If you give them space and practice calm rehousing techniques, they are fine!
@@TomsBigSpiders Exactly! My worst behaved old world was a mature male OBT and he was calm for a while then he started wandering his cage looking for a mate and was completely haywire when I would offer food but that's cause I was disturbing his search. If you just let them live their lives without pushing their buttons they are totally fine. People told me P. Regalis are nuts and mine is one of the calmest t's I own. She just sits around all the time even if u tap her with brush or tongs she doesn't get bothered. I never see my C. Paganus and the dude who sold her to me had her in a 1 inch layer of dirt with nowhere to hide so of course she was defensive. I never see her anymore since I put her an in 16 quart container almost completely full of dirt but she eats & she no longer does threat postures or runs around like a nut job when she's scared. People who don't give them what they need are the ones who paint them like villains to other people. It is really sad and I wish people would try harder to meet the pets needs and educate others according to proper care.
Used to be really big into the hobby years ago and stepped back for a while. Never considered an old world because they're the "dangerous spiders". What's funny about a realization I had is I'm a huge advocate of 2a rights and safe/responsible ownership of firearms. I spent years telling people "its the owner not the gun" but never stopped to consider "its the keeper not the tarantula". There really is a big difference between "dangerous spider" and "spider that has the potential of danger". Been trying to find Ts to get back into the hobby with maybe I'll pick an old world up
GREAT comparison, and one that I've used before myself. It's about being responsible and teaching those in your house to be responsible as well. Let me know if you grab one!
I kinda skipped the whole, asking others what to start with, and just did my own research. Then one day I came back with Venezuelan Sun tiger and fell in love with arboreal species. Been slowly adding more ever since. 😂
Whatever works for you!
Just watched your vid and wow thanks for the information.i have 2 Chilean rose tarantula s and a hysterocrates gigas (CAMEROON BABOON) for 10 years or so had then at the same time and never kept spider's before...they are great things and no problems at all....
LOVE my H. gigas girls. They have always been so well behaved, and they are so big! Thanks, Darren!
Awesome video, Thank you! I would choose the Rear Horned Baboon as my first old world species. So beautiful and seemingly fairly calm - ha ha. Who knows, right? And I did not know that P. Metalica can live communally!
Hi, Liz! That's a great one to start of with! haha P. metallicas do VERY well in a communal to a point. Once the females start to mature, things can get sketchy.
Absolutely Brilliant Advice and feel I think the same way so feel I'm in a good place and mindset as I adore virtually all T's 😊
Thank you so much! I'm so glad that this was useful to you. :)
If i can't take that spider to my bed and cuddle, i wont buy it.
I do it with my Brachypelmas, Grammostolas and Chromatopelma :) Occiasionaly Geniculata
I like to give mine little kisses on their butts.
Ordered two slings as my first ever T's from Fear Not, a Brazilian Black and the OW Orphnaecus philippinus. I've read and watched your and other videos, so I feel prepared :). I have no intention of handling them either.
That's awesome! I love both species...congrats!
Loved that begining fu-ck-ing kill you lol aww heck loved the whole video. GBLB was my 1st OW then an regalis, OBT grown female she was crazy but calm now. Keep up hard work tom love your content.
Hahaha Thanks so much, Joe! That intro was a blast for me to make. haha
I was ran off Arachidboards for saying this exact thing. There is no such thing as a beginner Tarantula... only careless Keepers. My first T was an Omothymus violaceopes adult male that lived 2 yrs. I was never bit. My 3rd snake was a Diamondback rattler. (Corn snake, red tail Boa then rattle snake). Ive owned scorpions and centipedes... While experience keeping spiders does help it also HURTS... "experienced" Keepers get stupid more so then noobs. The enclosures are designed poorly (even high end ones made for Tarantulas) as well as many of the care videos so stupid bad habits. I currently own two H. Pulchripes and neither will ever escape or bite me because everything I do makes sure thats not going to happen. I think the H. Pulchripes should be the first tarantula an adult keeper should buy, a child maybe not but with adult supervision that would be fine. Its the KEEPER not the animal.
I agree that it all depends on the person keeping them. Some can jump right in with zero issue. However, having worked with beginners for years, some are so scared of them that it can cause issues. For those folks, sometimes starting with a new world species is safer. Thanks for chiming in!
I would love if you could make a list of the least expensive tarantula. Please!!!
I could probably put something together, although it honestly depends on the country!
I can’t seem to find your video titled “My giant aggressive tarantula ate my family!!!” anywhere on the channel 😮saw the thumbnail in this video. I KNEW those pesky old worlds could take out a whole household 😉🤣
I took it down because it was making me TOO much money with all of the views and such. haha
my family got traded tarantulas for a chameleon cage and food they were free and as much as we weren't expecting to have tarantulas we were happy to take them only after we got them we had time to research about them and found out we had a earth tiger tarantulas we sadly didn't know how to take care of them that well and two dead but we've had our tarantulas for a year now and we have food, the right enclosures, schedule and have gained trust with our tarantulas they still aren't that old we got them when they were just a few months old thank you for preparing us for the future we have been trying to prepare for when they get older and if you have any tips we would love to know as a beginner in the hobby.
Earth tigers cover a variety of species, all of which require deep, moist substrate to thrive. Were you possibly keeping them too dry?
My all time favorite Tarantula is the King Baboon Tarantula.❤❤❤
Great species, Roy!
I ordered a sling Australian old world for my first T years ago. The breeder sent me a 13cm Phlogius female Crassipes old world by mistake. I was sooooo scared getting her out. But she's so docile and slow 🐌 🙄. A massive chunky dark chocolate brown colouring. If you can get this species get it you wont be disappointed.
Wow, that's a lot of spider there! haha I'm so glad to hear that she was docile. I LOVE my P. crassipes...she was actually in the video under Selenocosmia crassipes!
I’ve never commented on a video before. I just wanted to tell you that it’s kinda your fault that somehow I have 20 tarantulas and two curtain web spiders. I never knew there were so many. I can’t pick a favorite but top three in my collection would be X. intermedia, Pamphobeteus mascara and my C versicolor. The Pamphobeteus is definitely your fault 😁. She thinks everything is good. Thank you for what you do. Your videos made it a lot easier to manage my collection
Well, thanks for commenting, Jeff! Hahaha Man, I'm so sorry! I feel a bit bad that I cost some folks so much money. haha And that's awesome on the Pampho! :) Thanks again!
My first tarantula is a N.chromatus my second ones are a P.tigrinawesseli and P.regalis I love them so much, they are my daughters I have never had any problems with them I know them by heart! before having tarantulas I raised araneomorphs for 1 year and otherwise it has been since my childhood that I have been passionate about Arachnids and that I observe them in their natural environment now I have 9 tarantulas I have a communal terrarium of 5 M. balfouri and I will order two more adult tarantulas (OBT and curly hair tarantula)
That's awesome! Sounds like you have quite the collection going there! I would love to observe more in nature.
it's funny my first ever tarantula was a OBT, she was super chill and sweet and eventually died from getting stuck during a molt. my current OBT first the stereotype perfectly, it's always angry. 😅
Awwww...poor girl! I've been lucky that all of mine have been pretty shy overall!
tbh not long after I got my first OW (an obt of course) I've figured out that they're really just anxiety incarnate. it's like a lone survivor in a zombie apocalypse who was not even remotely a fighter before BUT they have a shotgun and are shacked up in a nice space with one or two easily accessible entrances so they can defend themselves (or run) should a horde wander up to their door. if you're going to go deal with them, you don't just go up and bang on their door (or barge right in). you announce yourself as a friendly and don't make any sudden movements. you try to keep everything calm. MAYBE it doesn't work for everyone every single time. maybe someone gets shot because they weren't careful. but if you ARE careful, respectful of them, and prepared, things tend to go just fine.
Hello! That's a really good way of putting it. Hahaha
In 2000, I bought my first T a G rosea.i had to gift her to a friend in 2004 when I left for Germany and later Iraq. I've been following your channel for a few years and have a great many T's on my wishlist. I want several species of old world but am trying to make choices from from places of knowledge and not arrogance as I move forward. Thank you Tom for all you do for this community. Somewhat on subject but do you think a pamphobeteus can be a decent re-entry into the hobby?
Hello, Isaac! Yes, I think that you could ease back in with a Pampho. The slings can be fast, but they eat great and grow quickly. Adults can be a bit skittish, but as long as a keeper is aware of that, it shouldn't be a problem. And thank you so much!
I just LOVE my old w T's❤ Never had any problems, even tho they are MUCH more reactive but respect and calminess is the key, just dont stress these spiders anymore than what is absolutely have to, the less they have to stress, the more you see your reclusive loved ones ❤
Well stated! I agree completely!
Quick edit. Supposed to say “food” not good. And I posted to the wrong video. Oops. OBT is my favorite old world. Still trying for a female 3 mm so far
haha No worries! I just went to respond to a comment the other day, and it autoplayed the next video. I had no idea that I was leaving a comment on another person's video! haha
I pretty much only keep old worlds apart from Psalmopoeus species and a T.blondi. love the old worlds Poecilotheria for the win!
I obviously love Poecilotheria!
I just got my first T about a week and a half ago now, a King Baboon female about a year old. She’s so beautiful and interesting to watch. I love her. And she’s made me want many more for sure. Still don’t know which one I’ll go with next but I’m excited to see which one I land on!
Wonderful species, Jack!
It's quite a learning curve but I think I'm okay. Lots of videos like this, I Was given given the opportunity to take care of a pink toe and an o b t... I'm a first timer the o b t came with his own cage.. The pink toes Really sweet, we set her up with an simi arboreal cage.. The orange baboon tarantula wants nothing to do with us.".same😂".. He just molted. And hes got a setup cage, so he's fine❤
I'm glad that it's going well!
I have two old world slings. An M Balfouri and P regalis. While they are quick and the Balfouri will throw a threat poses to prey items when in premolt. Overall both our quite chill.
Glad to hear it, Andrei!
You were talking about all the losers out there that take video agitating the animal for views. One I remember that just tickled me was a guy taking video of poking at his OBT with his finger and...well... eventually.....you know what happened. His screaming was PRICELESS!
I knew that guy; I was on a forum with him! He sent me that video shortly before he posted it, and I honestly didn't know what the hell I was supposed to say. The only good thing that came from it is that people saw that the spider REALLY had to be teased to bite.
I started with poecilotheria and worked my way into phormingochilus and omothymus other Asian aboreal..I think poecilotheria is a good first old world
Hey, John! Speaking of spiders who are demonized...I've raised around 30 Poecilotheria species, and I've had no issues with them.
I was at 30 when I got my first old world. Boy would I do differently now. I’ve had so much more trouble with some “beginner” ones that love to flick.
It's funny as a LOT of folks move to old world species because they hate the NW hairs.
something i always want to point out to people who get themselves in a panic about the ~danger of keeping pet tarantulas~ is that my other pets, dogs, are also inherently potentially dangerous. statistically, they're significantly MORE dangerous than tarantulas. i've always kept large breeds of dogs which absolutely have the physical capacity to kill people, and yet none but the most outwardly insane have any issue with them as pets. i know it's not a perfect analogy (dogs are fully domesticated animals that can be trained and socialised to minimise any danger involved), but i still think it's the same core philosophy: practise proper husbandry and you'll (almost certainly) be fine. be aware of the potential risks, treat your pets with respect, don't be an idiot.
also just a sidenote: i think i'm personally going to find keeping old world tarantulas easier than my new worlds (as much as i adore them) because my respiratory system is VERY sensitive and i struggle a lot with those darn urticating hairs lol
Yup! I didn't want to harp on the dog part (I have three pitbulls, and I get tired of defending them), but it's totally true.
And they really aren't that bad at all. :) You just need to give them respect. Most of them would just rather hide than fight (if you give them the proper room).
I have had a couple instances with old world species, while handling where I have put my hand in front of them while they are in the move, and had them lightly scratch my skin with their fangs, without blood drawn. While this may score brownie points for old worlds, it’s a risky practice to both the handler and the spider. I guess this scratching defense would fall inline with dry biting. One of the spiders which did this was a 5.5” Hysterocrates gigas, so it was not incapable of landing a wet bite by any means. I was not taunting it. It was moving away from me, out of reach on the other end of a larger corralling tub, and out of view. I then reached my hands under where the spider was and felt the fang tips on my finger, and pulled away. I should have rotated the tub and used a deli cup. Either way, once you feel fangs come out, you will pull your hand back right away. I didn’t find it amusing at all. I know there are some people whom can’t be stopped from handling their old worlds, but I have been seeing fewer videos like that since the late 2000’s and early 2010’s. Over the years, I have really slowed down with handling my spiders. Also, I have been keeping more advanced animals like giant centipedes, thus breaking the habit to some extent.
Further evidence that they are not as quick to deliver a painful bite as most think. Thanks for chiming in!
A note on aggression. While seasoned hobbyists scoff at the notion of aggression, people who understand how aggression works do not. Your focus in on offensive aggression. We're talking about defensive aggression. The best example is a dog properly trained for protection work. This dog can be walked past dozens to hundreds of people every day without showing any aggression. The moment its handler is attacked, however, the dog's defensive aggression drives, along with its training, kick in and it becomes extremely aggressive. Another example is a bull moose. These animals are not roaming through the woods on a Friday night looking for a fight but, if you corner one of them you better believe it's going to become an extremely dangerous animal. Using humans as an example, ask most any experienced cop you want which kind of criminal is more dangerous, the one who wants to fight or the one who wants to get away. They'll tell you it's the one who wants to get away because they do anything to achieve that goal. One last example, you can generally walk through most any gang neighborhood by following a few simple and common sense rules. It's when you step outside of that, such as continually brushing an OBT, that things start to get dangerous. You probably won't die in the ensuing attack but, the injuries you sustain will be medically significant and may end up permanent.
This misunderstanding of how aggression works is part of the discussion that does a disservice to both new keepers as well as the hobby as a whole.
Well put, Scott. I think that the majority of hobbyists that hear "aggressive" when it pertains to spiders believe that the animals are going to be nasty and uncontrollable regardless of the situation. By focusing more on the "defensive" aspect of it, it frames it in a more appropriate way in making it clear that the animal is responding to stimuli that is making it feel uncomfortable, causing it to defend itself. This means that the onus is on the keeper to not do things, like pet an OBT with a brush repeatedly, to set the animal off. Folks who approach the hobby with this mindset are generally safer and more prepared, as opposed to those who think that they have no control over the situation. As I stated in the video, if these animals feel threatened, they can and will resort to violence to defend themselves. I did not downplay that fact. The idea is for folks to understand that it is NOT inevitable that their OW spider is going to be a "demon" or "evil", as that type of behavior can often be prevented. Keepers who go into the hobby with this in mind will generally take a more behavioral approach to their spiders. Thanks again for chiming in!