Basically, Tarrantulas make for bad dogs, but good pets. My wife still baby talks her Ts when she is feeding them. They may not love her but that doesn't stop her from loving them. lol
Theoretically any pet can make a bad pet under the wrong pretext or life instance...to me tarantula are like fish. You wouldn't hug a fish 🤷🏻♂️ definitely agree they aren't for everyone but I fell in love with this hobby years ago 🥰
I have 3, Pink Toe, Oklahoma Brown and Rose Hair. They all love me !!. Thats my story and I am sticking to it. Seriously though, I rarely handle them, usually when I am cleaning out the enclosures of eaten cricket remains or washing the water dishes. They are technically not "pets", they have no choice, they only tolerate us.
For me I waited like 2 years deciding on getting tarantulas. And for me I love making enclosures and terrariums be it my turtle or tarantulas or other invertebrates I'm more than happy just watching them.
Same, waited like 3 years before getting one mainly cause while I was over my arachnophobia, I was still hesitant. Glad I got them cause they're incredibly low maintenance.
I really appreciate when channels that focus on exotic pets focus on the negatives to owning a certain kind of pet. too many people get too far into the 'oooh so coo;!!!1!!!' aspect of an exotic pet without looking into the parts that aren't as fun.
I’m glad you made this video. I was considering getting a tarantula but I was concerned about the risks. Think I’ll stick to safer pets that I can cuddle. Lol
With so many Tarantula hobbyists outnumbering Scorpions and Centipede hobbyists, it wouldn't surprise me at all if there will be more Tarantula vets in the future.
I mean my T recognizes when I open the door that she's gonna get food so she at least positively associates my presence with something. Makes it difficult though when she sticks her legs through the crack and I can't close the door without squishing her toes
I had been watching spider and tarantula videos for over 3 years before I had my husband informed and comfortable enough to get one, I find them relaxing to watch and care for.. I don't need feedback from a pet to respect and adore it. If they are doing their tarantula thing, with their needs met. I am happy. :) and learning about all the different species is a lot of fun.
I wonder how many people would even consider trying to cuddle a tarantula🤔 lol. It's why I have cats for that. I do see your reason on making this video, cause not everyone really considers these things, when getting them. Anyway cool video.
@@tarantulacollective I can only imagine. I just wonder if anyone even bothers to research before getting any animal. I did my own live on Saturday 6th, and someone said it's amazing how many people never check to see how large, even a snake gets. I knew to check when I used to have two Californian King Snakes, and knew to never house two together.
@@jgscatsandthings5208 hi jackie I don't think many bother to research I think they like the sound of it then rush in to buy an pet. i done lots of research b4 I got my T. lisa x
@@tarantulamum4322 I always look up and research on any animal I get, it makes life much easier for the animal, and yourself for knowing they are living their best life.
I can agree with these points eventhough I love keeping T's. Mine are all great to look at and they are mostly out all the time. My A. seemanni made this beautiful burrow but still comes out everyday so I can look at her which I am so glad. Also a not really serious but maybe important point why NOT/or get ( ;) ) a T: Some people won't come visit you anymore. xD
I call my Ts my favorite fuzzy pet rocks. They are the easiest animals I have to care for. If I want demanding overlords and cuddles well, I have rainbow feather demons and a dog.
This was a really good list; sometimes you might really want a new type of pet, but you might later find out it really wasn't for you. I found out I'm not really a bird person lol.. I've had a GBB for about half a year now, and I love it; not sure of the sex yet, but I hope it's female! I just think it's a really cool animal and I get excited every time it molts and it's changed a bit more, becoming even brighter. It's also a fun surprise when I walk by during the day and see that it's out moving around!
for some reason I think my grammostola pulcripes do love getting pets or as I call it, to prevent constipation. I use a feather to gentlly stroke his abdomen along the hair, and I saw him actually lifting his abs up or towards the direction of the feather like a cat, all the while completely relaxed, no curling legs up, no running away or anything. He doesn't show signs of wanting to get pets but he did know what was going on, and if he's not particularly in the mood that day, he walks away. But yeah it's pretty much case by case thing and petting a T is generally not a good thing.
I like to say that while a lot of inverts make really great pets, they're definitely not for everyone. That might be a little confusing, but basically... What I mean by that, is that inverts are affordable, their enclosures and food are affordable, their maintenance is oftentimes much easier than reptiles and mammals, they're generally very clean, low maintenance, beautiful animals. But if what you're looking for in a pet is something that you can pick up and hold, or cuddle with and teach tricks, or you're not looking for too many years of commitment, you're much better off getting some rats or a small bird like a dove. Inverts are wacky, alien, often nightmarish creatures whose demeanor towards you is almost always going to fall somewhere between attempting to kill you/being terrified of THE HANDS and kind of not really realizing you're not a funny kind of terrain or branch. There are exceptions, of course, mantids immediately coming to mind as having more personality, but for the most part inverts are display only.
First your channel inspired me to buy my first tarrantual, Caribena versicolor, and yes I agree my T lagit stayed in the corner for a full 2 weeks but given as I am used to keeping centipedes aka pet holes I was not disappointed as the versicolor even as a sling is beautiful to look at! I am currently housing him/her in a tarrantual cribs 4×4×7 sling enclosure and I couldn't be happier and on the off chance you see this comment I wanted to say thank you for helping calm my nerves and get over my arachnid fears as it such a fascinating animal of which I can't wait to see it in its adult enclosure
I have 3 tarantulas, and a dog. I love the tarantulas just as much as I do my dog. I really do want a jumping spider though. Would have more tarantulas, but need the space for that.
Currently have 2 dogs, 2 fish, a wolf spider and 23 tarantulas. I don't call any of them pets. They're all my "babies". 😁 Very true about the husbandry for inverts. Hard to find a vet for them. I worked with an exotics vet years ago. She worked with birds, reptiles, and ferrets etc. Tarantulas weren't on her list. Looking forward to that podcast😎
Great video. Great points on everything as far as knowing full well what you are getting into. I watched all your videos over and over and over for 2 years plus before deciding on actually getting a couple. It was all because of you. I am absolutely in love with mine now. They are for sure a stress relief for me like you talked about with Patricia in your Podcast. But I do absolutely agree they are not for everyone. Patience is an absolute must have for these guys/girls.
Another reason tarantulas are not great pets is that you can never have just one. Soon enough, you have them all over the place and your wife doesn't understand you anymore.
I started keeping tarantulas earlier this year. I personally love decorating terrariums and feeding my pets and since I have depression and can sometimes not get out of bed for days they are basically perfect for me! I did have to deal with urticating hairs a couple of times so far tho... First I thought I had developed a food allergy cause I didn't even realize they had kicked hairs or I cleaned out enclosures without gloves. Be careful guys! Urticating hairs are not fun!
I’m kinda biased towards this video, because my Curlyhair cuddles, and sleeps with me every night!!! Seriously though, great video, with some great points for people who might be interested in getting one, and not knowing what to expect. BUT, for those of us that have done extensive research BEFORE getting one, WE LOVE THEM!!! 😂
Me, Australian, being a daredevil, and handling my Old World T 👀 Im in Australia and anything outside the country is illegal so no New Worlds for me sadly. But my experience owning an Old World (Phlogius western form goliath) has been…. Great! Got him at 2 months old a year ago and he’s now an adult and still docile as ever. Sits on my hand and won’t get off when i try to put him back. Never ever tried to bite, threat pose or hiss at me. A very sweet tarantula ❤️ Wouldn’t trade him for anything
Yeah I agree wholeheartedly. They make great hobby pets. We need to find Pat's most people would consider pets dog, cat and birds. something you can hold and cuddle, ferret, rabbit, rat something like that. Now I wish I would have thought about this video topic.
I have my cuddle bug in my Shi tzu. I just bought my first tarantula. Mexican Red Knee. I'm not looking to hold him because I've done a lot of research and they don't want to be held. But I find myself just staring at him because he is so beautiful! I love your videos btw I've learned so much from you. Can you talk about tarantulas missing limbs? My tarantula is missing a leg. He was like that at Petco so I bargained for him. Any advice?
I still use ICU's under some circumstances. Couple weeks ago I found my juvy O. sp blue panay in a death curl... after about 5 days in ICU she fully recovered from whatever it was. I haven't heard any reasons to stop using a technique that's worked for me in many cases... why do you say it's frowned upon?? You almost never know what the underlying problem is. Sometimes it could be in the substrate or enclosure and moving it to an ICU followed by a rehouse would help in that event... maybe it's the re house and the ICU is a placebo... but I still feel like a controlled isolated environment with higher humidity seems to help them perk up. Of course don't go around putting spiders in ICU all willy-nilly... I only do it if they are in a death curl and I don't know what's wrong
My very first spider was a jumping spider, and after a short time owning that little guy, I knew spiders were for me. I moved on to velvet spiders, and eventually tarantulas. Now I have nearly 40 spiders and I've never looked back, I definitely have an emotional attachment to them, even if they barely know I exist. haha
I agree they are a bad ‘pet’ and I think making them seem like they can be interactive - even, like say, a jumping spider who has much more intelligence for problem solving and you can see them work out hunting massive prey or whatever. As well as the natural handleability they have since they’re not going to threat post you hahah you’d be very disappointed at the end of the day when all you get is a closed off burrow! 😅 I feel the same about my snakes tho, even though they’re much more widely handled; they’re dumb af and don’t actually DO anything near as entertaining as my cats do and forget the maintenance oml 😭honestly, I’ve trained my fish to do more than even my cats so I won’t harp on them, but again they’re not cuddly so idk so some fuckin research before you throw your money at a LIFE FORM?! Why does this need to be said… 🙄
I agree. I posted a tiktok of me holding my Grammostola porteri. (I labeled her a rosea in the video) was to check on her. I've had her going on 6 years and she has never molted in my care. She started acting funny and I wanted to see her move. She seams to be moving okay. I only handle if I have to or one runs up on me. I've lost tarantulas do to stress from handling. Some are better with it then others and some can't take it. I lost a g rosea cause she was the tarantula that I let people who wanted to hold a tarantula, she was my most trusted girl. I seen her demeanor change. She stop eating, drinking. Could it have been something else (yes) but not taking a chance for thrills. I took in a curly hair male from a young girl who was moving and when she pulled up to give him to me she held him on the ride over her and she was keeping him in a hamster ball. He lived out the rest of his life and I breed him with my female. Not a pet for everyone. I got my first t at 14. I'm 42 now. I love tarantulas and I don't really call them my pets. I look at it more as I'm their care taker. 🤘💗🤘
I am super lucky with my brazilian black! handling her since she was a baby, she was much more prone to running away and kicking hair, sometimes defensive stance too, now she is 7 years old and very big and beautiful, overtime she became really tollerant, I can pick her up like i would do with a hamster, she is not afraid of me, i can even put my fingers in between her teeth and scratch them, it feels almost she enjoys it. She is quiet, she doesn't need much care, I can travel and leave her for 2 weeks as long as she has water. She is 100% the perfect pet for everybody!.... I had another spider before her, she was a 8 legged demon.
Am I the only one that wants to see a whole video about your other animals that aren't spiders? Lol it's so refreshing and funny to hear you talking about your dog leaving hair pretty much everywhere 😂
This is such a great video! I really do not think most people (especially newbies) would appreciate my Cyriopagopus albostriatus. I purchased her from a local aquarium/fish shop that has a small herp section as well. They had it labeled as a "stripe knee tarantula" with no species name. it was huddled up in the lid of the critter keeper, so I thought I was buying an A. seemani, until I got home. It wasn't until I got a picture of it and posted it to a few places that people let me know the species. Since she's an old world fossorial, she's fast but reclusive. I see her almost nightly at the entrance of her dirt turret, and I have to shine a light on her to see her entire body. I don't mind this, because I can still see her whole body this way, and because I never knew this species existed. This experience would have really turned a newbie off who were expecting a terrestrial T who stays out all day. I personally define my invertebrates as "hobby specimens" as well as pets. You can't bond with them like other pets, but you still end up loving them.
Yes! Tarantulas especially, but also beetles, are more for sciencey-minded people. There's a TON of research involved, everything has to be labelled, the enclosures are smaller and often look more like exhibits than hamster cages, and you start using scientific names for every single one of them because the common names are so impossible to trust. I'm currently raising mealworms (T. molitor) as pets after my superworm beetles (Z. morio) had passed away due to fresh fruit being GMO and killing them all before I knew what was happening. I've got them all separated out, and I've got some of them labelled for species and quantity, and I consider myself on the road towards getting a tarantula. I picked up an interest in this channel and the tarantula hobby a month and a half ago, and even though I've already done a ton of research, I STILL won't consider myself ready for quite some time yet, probably at LEAST another year or two. Ts are really something special. Kind of the holy grail of invert keeping, certain rare and beautiful true spiders possibly being an exception.
@@dragonwithamonocle Yup, I got my first T (sub-adult G. porteri, probably wild caught) in 2007 as a birthday gift from Petco, and I still have her. I had already been researching them when she was given to me, but I still had to do a lot on the fly. Even between then and now, husbandry knowledge has changed so much over the years.
Some people really think that it's possible take a tarantula to the vet's office lol. I really hope that those people watch this (and many others) video! Anyways good job as always Richard!
I have a cat for snuggling and getting affection. My tarantulas are for me to watch, and appreciate their silent beauty. I do not expect my T's to comfort me, or make my day better. I understand that they have no idea who I am. Im a big, scary person opening their enclosure. I just try to leave my babies alone as much as possible aside from feeding them. My job is to give them a good life, and I expect nothing from them in return. As it should be.
Got say don't care how nasty one my king baboons tarantuala which right nasty of beat but beautiful. Only poke ram at you try poke something like paint brush move it to plastic container rehouse but others king baboons some can get away with stroke but will attack. Thai gold fringed super fasted tarantuals I ever experienced my first jump out when got it go house had grab fast my hand lucky not bite me but when I mist it dash one corner to other. I got close very close be bitten but all these years am lucky never happen never been bitten by spider of any kind in my life. My very first Brazilian giant white knee I use have back 2004 was weird some days be soft pussy cat hold it and other tines u touchable kick hairs a d bitting and other times could hold it the. Change nasty quick that only white knee I experienced that with I still got giant white knees. Also last year had Poecilotheria ornata jump on my hand I almost crap my self but not bite but could happen git think one day might get bitten
Been keeping scorpions for 13 years and centipedes for 8 or 9 years got a poecilotheria metallica for my first pet T recently. Raised native T’s in San Diego twice, but always released them once they hit their penultimate form.
Love your content bro, huge arachnophobe but after a year of watching you I’m getting a GBB. Side note what is the name of that FIRE 1st beat on the vid lol
Hi Richard a brilliant video as always. These type of videos are excellent giving you the pros and cons I am a blind person myself so wouldn’t be the perfect pet for me I’ll stick with my guide dog but will continue watching all your fascinating videos about them as well as scorpions et cetera keep it all going thank you again.
if you like caring for animals just to care for them, tarantulas will be good pets. they’ll never bond w u or like u, but the joy comes from knowing they’re safe and cared for. i love my fuzzy pet rock sm and all she does is hide in her burrow. she’s great🥺
Are there “stray” tarantulas? Sorry if that’s a dumb question, but I figure there’s wild ones. I’ve seen where they get removed from homes, so do those go to a place, or for adoption?
Hi, I have a question for you and for the people in the comment that are more expert than me: When my tarantula has done the molting, can I instantly remove the molt to collect it and offer to her some water? She needs her molt? (obviously I say for rehydrating)
2:34 aside from Venom, they eat the liquefied insides of bugs, the infection from the wound would probably be more medically significant than the Venom itself especially if you don't know how to treat animal bites.
Dont care ;) Im into hobyy more than 10 yrs,I have a geniculata,m balfouri and n colorotavilosus more than 8 years and much more and im only sad I live in Croatia so I dont have much options to buy new species.love your work and dedication :)
Also the fact that you have to feed them with living insects. I always hated them but I love my tarantulas too much so just got used to cockroaches and even started finding them lowkey cute. So win win, I stopped being scared of bugs
Our Dotter has had 3 Chilean Red Leg tarantulas . The 3rd one got sick from an infected cricket . She made up an ICU and tended it daily , after 4-5 days it died . That was our last tarantula .
My geni definitely gets excited to see me, but it's by no means because of any emotional bond lol. She knows I don't come around to bother her so if I'm getting into her cage it's just to refill water or drop in food. Any time she senses me coming towards her cage she bolts over to the side closest to the cage I keep feeders in and starts (for lack of any other behavioral reference) "making biscuits" and dancing around her water bowl waiting for food to appear 😂
Hey Richard, had an idea for a vid.. I would love to know your opinion on breeding Ts. Maybe top reasons why we should, and top reasons why we shouldnt.. please and ty!
Great video. Let's be honest: T's are cool, but they are living animals and should not be adopted in an impuls, like any other pet. I do not own any tarantula. Love too, but I do not have a room to get in cat proof in the best conditions. Also: I am extremely allergic to a lot of things. Not to cats, but to rodents for exemple. That is why I do not keep pet rats anymore. I also know how I respond to spider venom. When any local European spider gets me when I by accident manage to get bitten when I disturb one I saw too late, I end up with a big red spot and need medical treatment. I actually wonder how I survived that black widow in the hotel towel in Canada. I know I will at least be getting the hairs and might get allergies to that as well. Now, I really would not handle them, but if you own them, you need to take care of them and have get into their enclosures to feed them or to refresh the water, take out non eaten food and stuff like that. I do not know how I will manage this with painfull thick red hands.
Depends on the species still... You know how hard it is to find an Aphonopelma Chalcodes that kicks hairs? Or gets defensive in any way? Sure, they exist, but it's hard to find one. They may not recognize people, but they sure seem to like coming out of their enclosure, even if it means you're their ride out.
I live in an area where I can go out an find Iodius and a short car ride away from Chalcodes. I find both frequently and I've never found one that minds being picked up. 🤷
I can also say that almost all of the local species of scorpions (all being 13 of the 15 - including Arizona barks) are completely docile as well. And the ones who are "not docile" calm down fairly quickly. Scorpions can recognize people, not as specific individuals, but as threat or non-threat. If one type (actually two types) of arachnid can make this determination, it's possible that others can as well. We just don't know enough about them. Tarantulas don't have pectines, sure... But neither do solifuges and they quickly realize you are not a threat (We catch camel spiders here as well).
I just find them fascinating to watch, and accept that my love is unreciprocated 😂 hope the veterinary care continues to improve as it's such a big worry
They definitely have their ups and downs. If you want an awesome freaky looking animal that could hardly be lower maintenance then a tarantula is probably the best pet for you. If you want a dog then a tarantula probably isn't such a good pet
i love spiders but i just dont see myself having one, they just arent very good company lol, except maybe a jumping spider, curious, intelligent and adorable, i often try and interact with them when i see them in the wild, and the often will investigate what i am, its fascinating
One problem about Keep tarantualas it can addicting buy more and more it ok can feed , clean and water them but I love my hobby better addiction then alcohol and drugs. Seen Facebook post of beginner's in groups never kept tarantualas get species like giant Goliath bird eaters t blondi , and super fast old world species too scared rehouse when cleaning enclosure as super scared rub off . Some people do rush too soon
Im sure they dont work for some people, if you want to cuddle with a puppy or kitten this isnt the pet for you. If you like fish and watching fish without having to hold them than Tarantula will probably be right up your alley. If you live in a apartment in a city Tarantula might be the pet for you, instead of taking a dog outside in the middle of the night and cleaning up after it in the cold and rain and elevator thats usually broke down. 😆
I think my little juvenile chalcodes is broken. It has an amazing burrow and tunnel system built but it rather sit out in the open 24/7. It never retreats like all my others. I think he would be a goner in the wild
They are moody, they can be messy. They can be boring, or they can can jumpscare the hell out of you. They hate your water dishes. They will kick hair, or threat display you, if you have the audacity to try and feed them. They can pace and drum while you are trying to sleep, or they can bury themselves so long that you almost forget there is something in the container besides dirt.
Jeah thank u i agree 100% with u!! Urticating hairs u cannot see but all my T‘s show defensive signs bevore they even try to attack but for kicking hairs it dont need very much sometimes they kick hair on prey and when they recognize hey its prey then they attack so kicking hair is in most cases the first sign of defense in opposite to an bite what is the last thing what Tarantulas will do to protect themselfes!! I think its much more easier to impede to get bitten than it is not to get urticating hairs on your body!! And even when rehouse is done and u just clean the old enclosure u can get trouble by the urticating hairs in the substrate and u need things like gloves and a mask when u clean her old enclosure thats not funny But for me they are perfect pets i work the hole day a dog would be poor as pet but my Ts enjoy the silence home alone
My biggest reason for not getting a tarantula is the live prey. I get the cycle of life and all, but when I was little I kept the crickets themselves as pets. I can’t bring myself to feed my nostalgia pets to another one. 😅
So I have a critter cage one of the 5gal top lid opening perfect for a dwarf species 😀 i have 2 spiders in mine both trap door I want the one nick named oreo trap door its Chinese an I want that extremely vibrant blue aborial drawf species u have shown a few times but I gotta find them and as you said b4 the vibrant blue dwarf one is only found as spiderlings cuz its very rare an highly wanted ima be real havent had a tarantula since I was a kid but I have taken care of wild spiders an kept a north western Golden orb weiver from a sling to full adult she was amazing I got videos I could show you if I can find a way to send tjem to you in an email
My want for inverts and herps is alot like my want for cacti and bonsai tree’s fun and relaxing to care for and maintain just with the added benifit of getting to design a cool unique enclosure and get to watch them live in it. As i’ve gotten older i’ve realized thats the fun parts more then handling and interacting outside feeding time.
I am new to owning them but I’ve researched and looked at this hobby for years I currently have two invertebrates or should I say arachnids I have other invertebrates Jeff the pink tarantula sling and cleo short for Cleopatra a desert hairy scorpion I love both of them I get them out to handle them for videos every once in a while but that’s about it they are cool look at if some of this that I’m saying sounds interesting that you maybe a tarantula would be an option for scorpion scorpion to get left out most of the time they aren’t quite as popular as other things like tarantulas maybe try yourself a scorpion or a vinegaroon
Also having to put up with when someone finds out u keep tarantulas and having to answer daft questions like why would u want one , u cant even cuddle it. That's when i ask if they ever had fish n did they cuddle them.
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Basically, Tarrantulas make for bad dogs, but good pets.
My wife still baby talks her Ts when she is feeding them. They may not love her but that doesn't stop her from loving them. lol
Theoretically any pet can make a bad pet under the wrong pretext or life instance...to me tarantula are like fish. You wouldn't hug a fish 🤷🏻♂️ definitely agree they aren't for everyone but I fell in love with this hobby years ago 🥰
So much cheaper than fish tho, god, I do not miss the amount of fish shit I paid for to keep mine in a properly equipped tank.
This is exactly what tom says from tom's big spiders , i also agree
You can hug a fish, you just need a big tank, a really really big tank
I have gorgeous butterfly koi that you can touch with your hands but I wouldn't imagine hugging it lol
I always call them my fuzzy goldfish. I love to look at them and feed them but I don't take them out of the water!
yeah, still think that tarantulas are the perfect pets for me...
I love mine because she is the easiest pet to ever care for. Or you’re going to hide for 3 months? Ok! Lol!
Lol it's funny when they close off their doors. It's like.
"The waiting game begins" 6 months I'm going to look for you. Lol
I keep T's and a tortoise. I think I like pets that disappear half the year lol
I have 3, Pink Toe, Oklahoma Brown and Rose Hair. They all love me !!. Thats my story and I am sticking to it.
Seriously though, I rarely handle them, usually when I am cleaning out the enclosures of eaten cricket remains or washing the water dishes.
They are technically not "pets", they have no choice, they only tolerate us.
For me I waited like 2 years deciding on getting tarantulas. And for me I love making enclosures and terrariums be it my turtle or tarantulas or other invertebrates I'm more than happy just watching them.
I'm with you on the enclosure setups. Love that part. Doing all the research, and getting everything just right.
Same, waited like 3 years before getting one mainly cause while I was over my arachnophobia, I was still hesitant. Glad I got them cause they're incredibly low maintenance.
I think of my Ts like a person thinks of fish! Beautiful and fun to look at. I also have a dog and a cat so best of both worlds!
I really appreciate when channels that focus on exotic pets focus on the negatives to owning a certain kind of pet. too many people get too far into the 'oooh so coo;!!!1!!!' aspect of an exotic pet without looking into the parts that aren't as fun.
Woman: "So, what do for a living?"
Guy: " I'm a tarantula vet"
Woman: "Good bye!"
I’m glad you made this video. I was considering getting a tarantula but I was concerned about the risks. Think I’ll stick to safer pets that I can cuddle. Lol
With so many Tarantula hobbyists outnumbering Scorpions and Centipede hobbyists, it wouldn't surprise me at all if there will be more Tarantula vets in the future.
I mean my T recognizes when I open the door that she's gonna get food so she at least positively associates my presence with something.
Makes it difficult though when she sticks her legs through the crack and I can't close the door without squishing her toes
I had been watching spider and tarantula videos for over 3 years before I had my husband informed and comfortable enough to get one, I find them relaxing to watch and care for.. I don't need feedback from a pet to respect and adore it. If they are doing their tarantula thing, with their needs met. I am happy. :) and learning about all the different species is a lot of fun.
I wonder how many people would even consider trying to cuddle a tarantula🤔 lol. It's why I have cats for that. I do see your reason on making this video, cause not everyone really considers these things, when getting them. Anyway cool video.
you would be amazed at the comments, messages and emails I get.....lol
@@tarantulacollective I can only imagine. I just wonder if anyone even bothers to research before getting any animal. I did my own live on Saturday 6th, and someone said it's amazing how many people never check to see how large, even a snake gets. I knew to check when I used to have two Californian King Snakes, and knew to never house two together.
@@jgscatsandthings5208 hi jackie I don't think many bother to research I think they like the sound of it then rush in to buy an pet. i done lots of research b4 I got my T. lisa x
@@tarantulamum4322 I always look up and research on any animal I get, it makes life much easier for the animal, and yourself for knowing they are living their best life.
Used to let tarantulas crawl up my face an on my head lol doesn't bug mee getting hooked with their toe claws lol
I can agree with these points eventhough I love keeping T's. Mine are all great to look at and they are mostly out all the time. My A. seemanni made this beautiful burrow but still comes out everyday so I can look at her which I am so glad.
Also a not really serious but maybe important point why NOT/or get ( ;) ) a T: Some people won't come visit you anymore. xD
I call my Ts my favorite fuzzy pet rocks. They are the easiest animals I have to care for. If I want demanding overlords and cuddles well, I have rainbow feather demons and a dog.
This was a really good list; sometimes you might really want a new type of pet, but you might later find out it really wasn't for you. I found out I'm not really a bird person lol.. I've had a GBB for about half a year now, and I love it; not sure of the sex yet, but I hope it's female! I just think it's a really cool animal and I get excited every time it molts and it's changed a bit more, becoming even brighter. It's also a fun surprise when I walk by during the day and see that it's out moving around!
for some reason I think my grammostola pulcripes do love getting pets or as I call it, to prevent constipation. I use a feather to gentlly stroke his abdomen along the hair, and I saw him actually lifting his abs up or towards the direction of the feather like a cat, all the while completely relaxed, no curling legs up, no running away or anything. He doesn't show signs of wanting to get pets but he did know what was going on, and if he's not particularly in the mood that day, he walks away.
But yeah it's pretty much case by case thing and petting a T is generally not a good thing.
I like to say that while a lot of inverts make really great pets, they're definitely not for everyone. That might be a little confusing, but basically... What I mean by that, is that inverts are affordable, their enclosures and food are affordable, their maintenance is oftentimes much easier than reptiles and mammals, they're generally very clean, low maintenance, beautiful animals. But if what you're looking for in a pet is something that you can pick up and hold, or cuddle with and teach tricks, or you're not looking for too many years of commitment, you're much better off getting some rats or a small bird like a dove.
Inverts are wacky, alien, often nightmarish creatures whose demeanor towards you is almost always going to fall somewhere between attempting to kill you/being terrified of THE HANDS and kind of not really realizing you're not a funny kind of terrain or branch. There are exceptions, of course, mantids immediately coming to mind as having more personality, but for the most part inverts are display only.
Your name is not Richard...
It's....
CAPTAIN REDBEARD!
nah that's for dimebag homie
ICU saved my pink toe, she for whatever reason went into a death curl, avter a day or 2 she got better, and is now doing fine.
i think a nice looking enclosure is good to look at cos your T is most probably underground ! chlorine in tap water i think is not good for your T !
First your channel inspired me to buy my first tarrantual, Caribena versicolor, and yes I agree my T lagit stayed in the corner for a full 2 weeks but given as I am used to keeping centipedes aka pet holes I was not disappointed as the versicolor even as a sling is beautiful to look at! I am currently housing him/her in a tarrantual cribs 4×4×7 sling enclosure and I couldn't be happier and on the off chance you see this comment I wanted to say thank you for helping calm my nerves and get over my arachnid fears as it such a fascinating animal of which I can't wait to see it in its adult enclosure
Why does he only have 92k subs? Can we talk about it?
Whatever came about that eggsack you got a couple months back?
I want one named Teddy and give him a squeeky toy and leash train it.
I got my first Tarantula in April, a GBB sling, and love it. However, I spent a few years researching how to care for one before I got mine.
This video will get dislikes from keepers.
Richard I love ur energy
I admire mine from afar cause one loves to kick hairs at me for any reason 😂
some really good points
great video richard despite all this i love them
I have 3 tarantulas, and a dog. I love the tarantulas just as much as I do my dog. I really do want a jumping spider though. Would have more tarantulas, but need the space for that.
Currently have 2 dogs, 2 fish, a wolf spider and 23 tarantulas. I don't call any of them pets. They're all my "babies". 😁 Very true about the husbandry for inverts. Hard to find a vet for them. I worked with an exotics vet years ago. She worked with birds, reptiles, and ferrets etc. Tarantulas weren't on her list. Looking forward to that podcast😎
Great video. Great points on everything as far as knowing full well what you are getting into. I watched all your videos over and over and over for 2 years plus before deciding on actually getting a couple. It was all because of you. I am absolutely in love with mine now. They are for sure a stress relief for me like you talked about with Patricia in your Podcast. But I do absolutely agree they are not for everyone. Patience is an absolute must have for these guys/girls.
Great Info ,,,,, well done
Another reason tarantulas are not great pets is that you can never have just one. Soon enough, you have them all over the place and your wife doesn't understand you anymore.
my wife also enjoyed watching them but warned me about getting more XD
These sound like great pets to cuddle with during the winter. Those urticating hairs will keep you nice and warm.
🤣🤣🤣🖤
Clickbait. Lol
Man.....being without wifi stinks. Haven't been able to get my Tarantula Collective fix😁. Awesome stuff as always man.
I started keeping tarantulas earlier this year. I personally love decorating terrariums and feeding my pets and since I have depression and can sometimes not get out of bed for days they are basically perfect for me! I did have to deal with urticating hairs a couple of times so far tho... First I thought I had developed a food allergy cause I didn't even realize they had kicked hairs or I cleaned out enclosures without gloves. Be careful guys! Urticating hairs are not fun!
I’m kinda biased towards this video, because my Curlyhair cuddles, and sleeps with me every night!!! Seriously though, great video, with some great points for people who might be interested in getting one, and not knowing what to expect. BUT, for those of us that have done extensive research BEFORE getting one, WE LOVE THEM!!! 😂
Me, Australian, being a daredevil, and handling my Old World T 👀
Im in Australia and anything outside the country is illegal so no New Worlds for me sadly.
But my experience owning an Old World (Phlogius western form goliath) has been….
Great! Got him at 2 months old a year ago and he’s now an adult and still docile as ever. Sits on my hand and won’t get off when i try to put him back. Never ever tried to bite, threat pose or hiss at me. A very sweet tarantula ❤️ Wouldn’t trade him for anything
Yeah I agree wholeheartedly.
They make great hobby pets. We need to find Pat's most people would consider pets dog, cat and birds. something you can hold and cuddle, ferret, rabbit, rat something like that.
Now I wish I would have thought about this video topic.
Well done.
I have my cuddle bug in my Shi tzu. I just bought my first tarantula. Mexican Red Knee. I'm not looking to hold him because I've done a lot of research and they don't want to be held. But I find myself just staring at him because he is so beautiful! I love your videos btw I've learned so much from you. Can you talk about tarantulas missing limbs? My tarantula is missing a leg. He was like that at Petco so I bargained for him. Any advice?
So it's been 4 months and I'm up to 14 T's and I'm learning ALL the time. Thank you for your videos! Still love my T's glad I took a chance 🖤
I still use ICU's under some circumstances. Couple weeks ago I found my juvy O. sp blue panay in a death curl... after about 5 days in ICU she fully recovered from whatever it was.
I haven't heard any reasons to stop using a technique that's worked for me in many cases... why do you say it's frowned upon??
You almost never know what the underlying problem is. Sometimes it could be in the substrate or enclosure and moving it to an ICU followed by a rehouse would help in that event... maybe it's the re house and the ICU is a placebo... but I still feel like a controlled isolated environment with higher humidity seems to help them perk up.
Of course don't go around putting spiders in ICU all willy-nilly... I only do it if they are in a death curl and I don't know what's wrong
“Lacrimosa” is a banger. Was this a reference to the phantom troupe being “Spiders” in HxH, or just Mozart appreciation in general? Haha
My very first spider was a jumping spider, and after a short time owning that little guy, I knew spiders were for me. I moved on to velvet spiders, and eventually tarantulas. Now I have nearly 40 spiders and I've never looked back, I definitely have an emotional attachment to them, even if they barely know I exist. haha
Sounds very similar to why Pacman frogs make bad pets lol Except they don't have venom or hairs
I agree they are a bad ‘pet’ and I think making them seem like they can be interactive - even, like say, a jumping spider who has much more intelligence for problem solving and you can see them work out hunting massive prey or whatever.
As well as the natural handleability they have since they’re not going to threat post you hahah you’d be very disappointed at the end of the day when all you get is a closed off burrow! 😅
I feel the same about my snakes tho, even though they’re much more widely handled; they’re dumb af and don’t actually DO anything near as entertaining as my cats do and forget the maintenance oml 😭honestly, I’ve trained my fish to do more than even my cats so I won’t harp on them, but again they’re not cuddly so idk so some fuckin research before you throw your money at a LIFE FORM?!
Why does this need to be said… 🙄
I've seen Rose hair and PZB called pet rocks. What are the best pet rock species? (I ended up getting a Grammostola pulchripes but I'm still curious.)
I agree. I posted a tiktok of me holding my Grammostola porteri. (I labeled her a rosea in the video) was to check on her. I've had her going on 6 years and she has never molted in my care. She started acting funny and I wanted to see her move. She seams to be moving okay. I only handle if I have to or one runs up on me. I've lost tarantulas do to stress from handling. Some are better with it then others and some can't take it. I lost a g rosea cause she was the tarantula that I let people who wanted to hold a tarantula, she was my most trusted girl. I seen her demeanor change. She stop eating, drinking. Could it have been something else (yes) but not taking a chance for thrills. I took in a curly hair male from a young girl who was moving and when she pulled up to give him to me she held him on the ride over her and she was keeping him in a hamster ball. He lived out the rest of his life and I breed him with my female. Not a pet for everyone. I got my first t at 14. I'm 42 now. I love tarantulas and I don't really call them my pets. I look at it more as I'm their care taker. 🤘💗🤘
I am super lucky with my brazilian black! handling her since she was a baby, she was much more prone to running away and kicking hair, sometimes defensive stance too, now she is 7 years old and very big and beautiful, overtime she became really tollerant, I can pick her up like i would do with a hamster, she is not afraid of me, i can even put my fingers in between her teeth and scratch them, it feels almost she enjoys it. She is quiet, she doesn't need much care, I can travel and leave her for 2 weeks as long as she has water. She is 100% the perfect pet for everybody!.... I had another spider before her, she was a 8 legged demon.
I blame you and Exotics Lair fer me getting a female OBT & female GBB last weekend at expo in KcMo..
Am I the only one that wants to see a whole video about your other animals that aren't spiders? Lol it's so refreshing and funny to hear you talking about your dog leaving hair pretty much everywhere 😂
This is such a great video! I really do not think most people (especially newbies) would appreciate my Cyriopagopus albostriatus. I purchased her from a local aquarium/fish shop that has a small herp section as well. They had it labeled as a "stripe knee tarantula" with no species name. it was huddled up in the lid of the critter keeper, so I thought I was buying an A. seemani, until I got home. It wasn't until I got a picture of it and posted it to a few places that people let me know the species. Since she's an old world fossorial, she's fast but reclusive. I see her almost nightly at the entrance of her dirt turret, and I have to shine a light on her to see her entire body. I don't mind this, because I can still see her whole body this way, and because I never knew this species existed. This experience would have really turned a newbie off who were expecting a terrestrial T who stays out all day.
I personally define my invertebrates as "hobby specimens" as well as pets. You can't bond with them like other pets, but you still end up loving them.
Yes! Tarantulas especially, but also beetles, are more for sciencey-minded people. There's a TON of research involved, everything has to be labelled, the enclosures are smaller and often look more like exhibits than hamster cages, and you start using scientific names for every single one of them because the common names are so impossible to trust.
I'm currently raising mealworms (T. molitor) as pets after my superworm beetles (Z. morio) had passed away due to fresh fruit being GMO and killing them all before I knew what was happening. I've got them all separated out, and I've got some of them labelled for species and quantity, and I consider myself on the road towards getting a tarantula.
I picked up an interest in this channel and the tarantula hobby a month and a half ago, and even though I've already done a ton of research, I STILL won't consider myself ready for quite some time yet, probably at LEAST another year or two. Ts are really something special. Kind of the holy grail of invert keeping, certain rare and beautiful true spiders possibly being an exception.
@@dragonwithamonocle Yup, I got my first T (sub-adult G. porteri, probably wild caught) in 2007 as a birthday gift from Petco, and I still have her. I had already been researching them when she was given to me, but I still had to do a lot on the fly. Even between then and now, husbandry knowledge has changed so much over the years.
Some people really think that it's possible take a tarantula to the vet's office lol. I really hope that those people watch this (and many others) video! Anyways good job as always Richard!
I have a cat for snuggling and getting affection. My tarantulas are for me to watch, and appreciate their silent beauty. I do not expect my T's to comfort me, or make my day better. I understand that they have no idea who I am. Im a big, scary person opening their enclosure. I just try to leave my babies alone as much as possible aside from feeding them. My job is to give them a good life, and I expect nothing from them in return. As it should be.
Got say don't care how nasty one my king baboons tarantuala which right nasty of beat but beautiful. Only poke ram at you try poke something like paint brush move it to plastic container rehouse but others king baboons some can get away with stroke but will attack. Thai gold fringed super fasted tarantuals I ever experienced my first jump out when got it go house had grab fast my hand lucky not bite me but when I mist it dash one corner to other. I got close very close be bitten but all these years am lucky never happen never been bitten by spider of any kind in my life. My very first Brazilian giant white knee I use have back 2004 was weird some days be soft pussy cat hold it and other tines u touchable kick hairs a d bitting and other times could hold it the. Change nasty quick that only white knee I experienced that with I still got giant white knees. Also last year had Poecilotheria ornata jump on my hand I almost crap my self but not bite but could happen git think one day might get bitten
Been keeping scorpions for 13 years and centipedes for 8 or 9 years got a poecilotheria metallica for my first pet T recently. Raised native T’s in San Diego twice, but always released them once they hit their penultimate form.
Love your content bro, huge arachnophobe but after a year of watching you I’m getting a GBB. Side note what is the name of that FIRE 1st beat on the vid lol
Hi Richard a brilliant video as always. These type of videos are excellent giving you the pros and cons I am a blind person myself so wouldn’t be the perfect pet for me I’ll stick with my guide dog but will continue watching all your fascinating videos about them as well as scorpions et cetera keep it all going thank you again.
if you like caring for animals just to care for them, tarantulas will be good pets. they’ll never bond w u or like u, but the joy comes from knowing they’re safe and cared for. i love my fuzzy pet rock sm and all she does is hide in her burrow. she’s great🥺
Are there “stray” tarantulas? Sorry if that’s a dumb question, but I figure there’s wild ones. I’ve seen where they get removed from homes, so do those go to a place, or for adoption?
Hi, I have a question for you and for the people in the comment that are more expert than me: When my tarantula has done the molting, can I instantly remove the molt to collect it and offer to her some water? She needs her molt? (obviously I say for rehydrating)
I tell people it's 'like fish; not a great pet but a fascinating hobby'. If I want to cuddle something, I have cats.
2:34 aside from Venom, they eat the liquefied insides of bugs, the infection from the wound would probably be more medically significant than the Venom itself especially if you don't know how to treat animal bites.
Dont care ;) Im into hobyy more than 10 yrs,I have a geniculata,m balfouri and n colorotavilosus more than 8 years and much more and im only sad I live in Croatia so I dont have much options to buy new species.love your work and dedication :)
Also the fact that you have to feed them with living insects. I always hated them but I love my tarantulas too much so just got used to cockroaches and even started finding them lowkey cute. So win win, I stopped being scared of bugs
Our Dotter has had 3 Chilean Red Leg tarantulas . The 3rd one got sick from an infected cricket . She made up an ICU and tended it daily , after 4-5 days it died . That was our last tarantula .
My geni definitely gets excited to see me, but it's by no means because of any emotional bond lol. She knows I don't come around to bother her so if I'm getting into her cage it's just to refill water or drop in food. Any time she senses me coming towards her cage she bolts over to the side closest to the cage I keep feeders in and starts (for lack of any other behavioral reference) "making biscuits" and dancing around her water bowl waiting for food to appear 😂
Hey Richard, had an idea for a vid.. I would love to know your opinion on breeding Ts. Maybe top reasons why we should, and top reasons why we shouldnt.. please and ty!
They're perfect for me. I give you food, water, a good enclosure. And I do my own thing. I don't have time, to give an animal love and affection.
Great video. Let's be honest: T's are cool, but they are living animals and should not be adopted in an impuls, like any other pet. I do not own any tarantula. Love too, but I do not have a room to get in cat proof in the best conditions. Also: I am extremely allergic to a lot of things. Not to cats, but to rodents for exemple. That is why I do not keep pet rats anymore. I also know how I respond to spider venom. When any local European spider gets me when I by accident manage to get bitten when I disturb one I saw too late, I end up with a big red spot and need medical treatment. I actually wonder how I survived that black widow in the hotel towel in Canada. I know I will at least be getting the hairs and might get allergies to that as well. Now, I really would not handle them, but if you own them, you need to take care of them and have get into their enclosures to feed them or to refresh the water, take out non eaten food and stuff like that. I do not know how I will manage this with painfull thick red hands.
I have Arachnophobia but I definitely fear spiders more than tarantulas at least when the T is fully grown when it's a sling I'm equally as afraid
Doesn't care about me, sharp fangs, grooms, runs and hides. Idk man, sounds a lot like my cat!
getting my first tarantula tomorrow I'm super excited and your channel has helped so much thanks a ton :)
Depends on the species still... You know how hard it is to find an Aphonopelma Chalcodes that kicks hairs? Or gets defensive in any way? Sure, they exist, but it's hard to find one. They may not recognize people, but they sure seem to like coming out of their enclosure, even if it means you're their ride out.
I live in an area where I can go out an find Iodius and a short car ride away from Chalcodes. I find both frequently and I've never found one that minds being picked up. 🤷
I can also say that almost all of the local species of scorpions (all being 13 of the 15 - including Arizona barks) are completely docile as well. And the ones who are "not docile" calm down fairly quickly.
Scorpions can recognize people, not as specific individuals, but as threat or non-threat. If one type (actually two types) of arachnid can make this determination, it's possible that others can as well. We just don't know enough about them.
Tarantulas don't have pectines, sure... But neither do solifuges and they quickly realize you are not a threat (We catch camel spiders here as well).
I just find them fascinating to watch, and accept that my love is unreciprocated 😂 hope the veterinary care continues to improve as it's such a big worry
They definitely have their ups and downs. If you want an awesome freaky looking animal that could hardly be lower maintenance then a tarantula is probably the best pet for you. If you want a dog then a tarantula probably isn't such a good pet
i love spiders but i just dont see myself having one, they just arent very good company lol, except maybe a jumping spider, curious, intelligent and adorable, i often try and interact with them when i see them in the wild, and the often will investigate what i am, its fascinating
One problem about Keep tarantualas it can addicting buy more and more it ok can feed , clean and water them but I love my hobby better addiction then alcohol and drugs. Seen Facebook post of beginner's in groups never kept tarantualas get species like giant Goliath bird eaters t blondi , and super fast old world species too scared rehouse when cleaning enclosure as super scared rub off . Some people do rush too soon
Tarantulas are like having a fish tank , but with a lot lower maintenance . Observe , enjoy , relax .
Im sure they dont work for some people, if you want to cuddle with a puppy or kitten this isnt the pet for you. If you like fish and watching fish without having to hold them than Tarantula will probably be right up your alley. If you live in a apartment in a city Tarantula might be the pet for you, instead of taking a dog outside in the middle of the night and cleaning up after it in the cold and rain and elevator thats usually broke down. 😆
I think my little juvenile chalcodes is broken. It has an amazing burrow and tunnel system built but it rather sit out in the open 24/7. It never retreats like all my others. I think he would be a goner in the wild
I definitely feel you on worrying more about the hairs, than the venom. 😅
They are moody, they can be messy. They can be boring, or they can can jumpscare the hell out of you. They hate your water dishes. They will kick hair, or threat display you, if you have the audacity to try and feed them. They can pace and drum while you are trying to sleep, or they can bury themselves so long that you almost forget there is something in the container besides dirt.
Jeah thank u i agree 100% with u!! Urticating hairs u cannot see but all my T‘s show defensive signs bevore they even try to attack but for kicking hairs it dont need very much sometimes they kick hair on prey and when they recognize hey its prey then they attack so kicking hair is in most cases the first sign of defense in opposite to an bite what is the last thing what Tarantulas will do to protect themselfes!!
I think its much more easier to impede to get bitten than it is not to get urticating hairs on your body!! And even when rehouse is done and u just clean the old enclosure u can get trouble by the urticating hairs in the substrate and u need things like gloves and a mask when u clean her old enclosure thats not funny
But for me they are perfect pets i work the hole day a dog would be poor as pet but my Ts enjoy the silence home alone
My biggest reason for not getting a tarantula is the live prey. I get the cycle of life and all, but when I was little I kept the crickets themselves as pets. I can’t bring myself to feed my nostalgia pets to another one. 😅
if you handle your tarantula use gloves. if you put your hands in the enclosure even.. use gloves.
I click the dislike because it doesn't work anyways.
So I have a critter cage one of the 5gal top lid opening perfect for a dwarf species 😀 i have 2 spiders in mine both trap door I want the one nick named oreo trap door its Chinese an I want that extremely vibrant blue aborial drawf species u have shown a few times but I gotta find them and as you said b4 the vibrant blue dwarf one is only found as spiderlings cuz its very rare an highly wanted ima be real havent had a tarantula since I was a kid but I have taken care of wild spiders an kept a north western Golden orb weiver from a sling to full adult she was amazing I got videos I could show you if I can find a way to send tjem to you in an email
My want for inverts and herps is alot like my want for cacti and bonsai tree’s fun and relaxing to care for and maintain just with the added benifit of getting to design a cool unique enclosure and get to watch them live in it.
As i’ve gotten older i’ve realized thats the fun parts more then handling and interacting outside feeding time.
I am new to owning them but I’ve researched and looked at this hobby for years I currently have two invertebrates or should I say arachnids I have other invertebrates Jeff the pink tarantula sling and cleo short for Cleopatra a desert hairy scorpion I love both of them I get them out to handle them for videos every once in a while but that’s about it they are cool look at if some of this that I’m saying sounds interesting that you maybe a tarantula would be an option for scorpion scorpion to get left out most of the time they aren’t quite as popular as other things like tarantulas maybe try yourself a scorpion or a vinegaroon
Also having to put up with when someone finds out u keep tarantulas and having to answer daft questions like why would u want one , u cant even cuddle it. That's when i ask if they ever had fish n did they cuddle them.
I love them:D
Edit: you can even prank your friend
Can we see anywhere which species are you keeping? I'm very interested to see your currently T list :)