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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Whitelightning777" data-source="post: 157630" data-attributes="member: 26980">Unlike reptiles, tarantulas should never be on any substrate with ceder. It's a natural pesticide.Predator mites and mold can be a problem as well. Inspect the T for injuries and try to find out of it recently molted before feeding it. The best way to tell is a shedded skin or fangs that aren't black.Let it settle in for about 5 days and supply a waterdish. Don't feed, handle or disturb the T during this time.Basically they are pretty low maintenance for most species. If it's a moist spider like P machala, I like to use frog moss kept most drizzled with water rather then misting the substrate directly.Be sure to provide a hide.I'd it's a dry spider like Brachyopelma, just a hide and water dish will do. Dry spiders in many cases hate moist substrate and it will--literally--drive them up the wall of their cage and possibly upside down on the lid as well.Research the exact genus and species. Know the most recent scientific names as well as the common names. Both can change frequently. Avics are a prime example of this.If it's an old world species be especially careful because the bites can be nasty. It's all good provided you know recently what it is.  There is no such thing as a slow tarantula but old world species have lead feet and can teleport at the slightest provocation.Frankly I'd rather be well informed about a "difficult" tarantula instead of ignorant about one considered idiot proof.They aren't THAT difficult as compared to marine tanks or even many reptiles.Be especially careful not to breathe on the tarantula when the cage is open for maintenance.Other then that relax. Life causes problems 100x worse for most people every day.Just do your research. Get the tarantulas keepers guide & another excellent source called The Ultimate Guide to Tasteless which is a little bit more up to date. That one is an online book.Watch lots of YouTube videos which will show you what to do and not to do.Arachnoclown,  Eerie Arachnids, Tarantula Kat, Tarantula heaven, Tarantula haven & the_tarantula_collective are just a few of my favorite channels.</blockquote>

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