adding a Geniculata, Albopilosum, and Rosea to the collection

[kormath]

My son and I are looking to add to our T collection. His heart has been set on an A. Geniculata for a few years. Now that we've collected a few he's dead set on getting one. I see Ken the Bug Guy has one listed, a 1.5" for 29.99 I believe. I've been looking at getting the B. Albopilosum for my next T. Ken has one of those listed as a package deal with a Rosea, and sling enclosures included for $45.

Is that a good deal? 75 plus shipping for 3 slings and 2 sling enclosures?

Any members here own a geniculata and can give tips for raising a sling?

 

[MassExodus]

I've got an adult female genic and a large sling/small juvie female. Both like moist substrate. Not wet, but moist. Every time I make a moist area, they get right in it. Most hobbyists say to keep them dry, and just give them a water dish. That is not the way to keep them, in my opinion. I've started keeping them moist, like Pamphos now, and they both show a marked difference in behavior. They seem much more content, not quite sure how to describe it...but they're happier. Don't keep a genic dry Some here may disagree, but my own experience is what I'm going by. Lots of ventilation, I mean lots, and moist sub. And btw, the deal doesn't seem too bad, but I don't buy pre made enclosures

 

[kormath]

I've got an adult female genic and a large sling/small juvie female. Both like moist substrate. Not wet, but moist. Every time I make a moist area, they get right in it. Most hobbyists say to keep them dry, and just give them a water dish. That is not the way to keep them, in my opinion. I've started keeping them moist, like Pamphos now, and they both show a marked difference in behavior. They seem much more content, not quite sure how to describe it...but they're happier. Don't keep a genic dry Some here may disagree, but my own experience is what I'm going by. Lots of ventilation, I mean lots, and moist sub. And btw, the deal doesn't seem too bad, but I don't buy pre made enclosures

Thanks Mass. We're still new to this so these included sling enclosures work for us. I plan on building enclosures for them when they're mature.

What do you use for the geniculata substrate?

 

[MassExodus]

I use jungle mix, its fir and coco peat. I'm getting some vermiculite to mix with tomorrow. I hear it's good stuff for moisture lovers, I've just never tried it.

 

[Fuzzball79]

I just use normal unfertilized topsoil.
I have to agree with ME about Genics preferring moisture. Mine's always up for having her enclosure sprayed and often sits on top or inside her water dish. She also uses it to clean any remaining food off her fangs and mouth, dipping her front legs in and wiping herself. It's too cute and I've never seen any other tarantula do this.

 

[Nicolas C]

A geniculata are kind of hardy, they will tolerate some "mistakes" then don't worry too much. Mine also likes it a little more moist than dry. They are spectacular, grow rather fast, and have a splendid feeding response: they almost jump on their prey as soon as it has touched the ground. I use peat ("blonde peat", I don't know how to say it in english), but it's not ecologically friendly, so you better use topsoil or coco peat, as have been said.

The three tarantulas you are talking about are great display spiders, it's great to get them for your son and you.