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I'd say that coir is one of the most popular substrate for tarantulas in the uk.
Here's a link for some on ebay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Coco-fibre-Coir-Brick-Vivarium-Substrate-Spiders-Insects-Snails-/190715487841?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Reptiles_Spiders_Insects&hash=item2c67876661
Itsy Bitsy is adorable. Can I ask where you got her from? I'm always on the lookout for shops selling T's.
I use coir as my substrate. You can get a brick of it on ebay for only a couple of quid, just break some off, add water and it expands. A large brick would last you for ages.
I've only handled 1 of my T's, only once and not on purpose. I was doing a spot clean of Betty's tank and she made a bid for freedom over the side. Without thinking, I put my hand out and she climbed straight on to it. I had my phone nearby, so took a quick picture and then gently put her back...
She's a little sh*t though, kicks hairs if I even look at her tub. Hopefully she'll grow out of it as I'd prefer not to have a beautiful adult B.smithi with a permanently bald butt. I've always loved B.smithi's as well, they are what most people think of as soon as you say "tarantula".
You have an amazing collection. I should really stay off threads like this, I'm trying to resist getting any more tarantulas, but looking at these pics doesn't make it easy.
I've got a shih tzu called Archie and a westie called Angus
4 African pygmy hedgehogs. Here's Amelia being watched closely by Archie, he's actually frightened to take his eyes off of her in case she sneaks up on him.
3 corn snakes. Barnaby (amelanistic), Bradley (caramel motley) and Bailey...