Getting your spider to know you

[ChazJ]

Something that's been on my mind is how to get a spiderling used to you & know who you are w/out handling it.
She's 2 inches & I don't want to handle her, but I would love to every now & then when she gets bigger. Any specific way for her to get used to me w/out handling her? I'm too scared that something'll happen (such as her falling or running off b/c she's a fast little bugger).
Thanks for any tips! Much appreciated.

 

[spiderengineer]

its a debatable topic that has been discuss in length for years. their is two sides of the argument one side claims its not possible and the other side claim in some example that they can get use to you over time. so its unclear if its possible, but if you want to try then the best way I would imagine is to set a schedule ritual like feeding at the exact time on the exact day, why you may being asking. well I have notice some of my T actually move to the edge of the burrow when I open their lids (I am assuming they think I am feeding them, but I can not tell you this is proof in conditioning, because it could be something else). so hopefully over time you T well pick up signals of when it thinks it getting fed and maybe it will start moving in to place or what not.

 

[spiderengineer]

if you are worried about falling what most owner do is add enough substrate so that the if they were to climb the height of the fall would not be fatal. so you could add more substrate in its enclosure. as far as running off its just one of the hazards of the hobby so their is really not a whole lot that can be done with that. just take comfort in that a red knee escape is nothing compared to an OBT escaping

 

[Atx13]

if you are worried about falling what most owner do is add enough substrate so that the if they were to climb the height of the fall would not be fatal. so you could add more substrate in its enclosure. as far as running off its just one of the hazards of the hobby so their is really not a whole lot that can be done with that. just take comfort in that a red knee escape is nothing compared to an OBT escaping

I usually keep obts like an arboreal T more height some cork bark to climb on and what not. Only had one obt escape, and it was during a breeding attempt...

 

[DalilahBlue]

I usually keep obts like an arboreal T more height some cork bark to climb on and what not. Only had one obt escape, and it was during a breeding attempt...

I could just here it...

"Dude you are crazy! I ain't gonna hit that! She got a Brachy butt on avic legs! She's so ugly a harvestman wouldn't have her. I am outta here! Spiderzilla ain't gonna pull a breed and feed on my a@@!!!" *makes a run for it*

 

[Nada]

A spider will not get used to you. They're not like dogs, or cats, or even some reptiles. They're basically fish without the water.

 

[Atx13]

A spider will not get used to you. They're not like dogs, or cats, or even some reptiles. They're basically fish without the water.

That's a topic that needs to be explored more, I do believe.. it seems to me that some of my Ts know when I'm opening their containers to feed them or change their water out, and such.. could just be me.

 

[spiderengineer]

That's a topic that needs to be explored more, I do believe.. it seems to me that some of my Ts know when I'm opening their containers to feed them or change their water out, and such.. could just be me.

the problem is their is no real way to know whether they recognize us or not at least their is nothing as of yet to figure that out. unlike dogs who are famous for being condition and train to follow commands or indicate communication with us. T just don't have signs or tells if you will that can indicate they understand. so I feel it this will never be resolve at least not any time soon.

 

[Nada]

That's a topic that needs to be explored more, I do believe.. it seems to me that some of my Ts know when I'm opening their containers to feed them or change their water out, and such.. could just be me.

That imo is just food association.

 

[harleyqueen]

Fish are ugly crafty and smelly. Spiders rock and eat all the crop destroying pests. Mine ignore me unless there is food on the go.

 

[entomology]

I agree with Kenny on this one!! the risk of the bite is not worth the "reward" of the bite. remember tarantulas also use their fangs for grasping and climbing and over the years ppl claim to be "nailed" by their T's in meantime the spider was using its fangs to assist climbing up the arm.