Hi! Very new at Spider Facination!

[kassaykat]

I became somewhat obsessed with spiders when I found an Olios Giganteus hanging of the side of my cats water bowl getting a drink. She was probably 2.5”+ across and missing two legs. It surprised even me that instead of being scared I was fascinated with her! And being that I have 10 cats, I feared for her safety. So I put her in a tank and she lived with me even munched a couple of bugs in captivity for a little over 6 weeks I suspect she was towards the end of her lifespan. But I fell in love with her and even though it’s been over a month I’m still heartbroken that she passed. Anyways I’m looking to get a pet Tarantula now that is hardy and lives a long time. I really would prefer a full grown one and not a juvenile. I’ve done some research and decided on the Brazilian Black (Grammostola pulchra) as the best fit. And have been looking. I found one on craigslist (because I’m kind of afraid to have them shipped, and I want a female) that is 10 yrs old and about 5-6 in leg span. They are asking $400. That seems a bit high to me especially when it’s 10 but really have no idea. I’m including a picture that was in the ad. Appreciate any advise. Thanks in advance!

 

[Lentulus]

Hello and welcome to the forum. The G. Pulchra is on my wish list as well. Gorgeous looking critters.

I took a quick look at one of the big online retailers, and they ask $395 for a 2/12-3 inch female.

How comfortable are you sexing these on your own? I‘m pretty new to the hobby myself but there is no way I can tell sex from that photo.

 

[kassaykat]

Hello and welcome to the forum. The G. Pulchra is on my wish list as well. Gorgeous looking critters.

I took a quick look at one of the big online retailers, and they ask $395 for a 2/12-3 inch female.

How comfortable are you sexing these on your own? I‘m pretty new to the hobby myself but there is no way I can tell sex from that photo.

The owner states that it is a confirmed female

 

[kassaykat]

The owner states that it is a confirmed female

I guess what concerns me is the age

 

[Lentulus]

Some of the vets here have kept females for 20+ years. If you feel that you can trust the owner at their word, it may be worth it. I would be paranoid myself of someone I couldn’t reach out and touch spending that kind of money. There’s a lot of great reputable people in this hobby, unfortunately there also a huge financial incentive for the less honest as well.

 

[octanejunkie]

Welcome to the forum and the addiction, @kassaykat

G pulchra is a fine first T and yes, you will pay a premium for an adult female of any species, but if you are okay with the investment then at least you are getting what you want.

Looking forward to your journey

 

[kassaykat]

Thank you!

Welcome to the forum and the addiction, @kassaykat

G pulchra is a fine first T and yes, you will pay a premium for an adult female of any species, but if you are okay with the investment then at least you are getting what you want.

Looking forward to your journey

 

[kassaykat]

So you think that’s an ok price even though it’s 10 years old?

 

[DustyD]

To me that is not a bad price if everything is fine. I've seen females a bit younger advertised for more. It takes a long time for these to grow.

Does the price include the housing?

To be honest, I might ask them for more pictures. It sounds like a somewhat difficult decision, though. Delay and you may miss out on a good spider or save yourself from buying a not so good one.

I have two, both about 3-4 inches and even at that stage they are beautiful.

I am personally glad that I started with my two that were 1.5-2". I learned a lot. And for me it, was like buying a puppy vs an adult dog. You love them both, but with a puppy you are watching it grow.

Sorry, I probably have not made your decision any easier.

 

[Arachnoclown]

Welcome to the group. That spider is well worth $400 even at that age. I've been offered twice that for mine.

 

[kassaykat]

To me that is not a bad price if everything is fine. I've seen females a bit younger advertised for more. It takes a long time for these to grow.

Does the price include the housing?

To be honest, I might ask them for more pictures. It sounds like a somewhat difficult decision, though. Delay and you may miss out on a good spider or save yourself from buying a not so good one.

I have two, both about 3-4 inches and even at that stage they are beautiful.

I am personally glad that I started with my two that were 1.5-2". I learned a lot. And for me it, was like buying a puppy vs an adult dog. You love them both, but with a puppy you are watching it grow.

Sorry, I probably have not made your decision any easier.

Ha ha! No you have not really, but I am 64, so it might not be a bad idea for me to get an older spider. Frankly the thought of raising a small one makes me nervous actually because I am inexperienced. It seems like a larger one would be easier???

 

[DustyD]

An older one may be easier. But it also may be less active. Arachnoclown would be a very good source for this, as well as others.

So I am kind of assuming the enclosure is included, but not sure.

 

[DustyD]

An older one may be easier. But it also may be less active. Arachnoclown would be a very good source for this, as well as others.

So I am kind of assuming the enclosure is included, but not sure.

Lol sorry, did not see Arachnoclown had already chimed in.

 

[kassaykat]

An older one may be easier. But it also may be less active. Arachnoclown would be a very good source for this, as well as others.

So I am kind of assuming the enclosure is included, but not sure.

No it’s not. The enclosure is an additional $100. I have a tank already. That I kept my Crab spider in. It’s 10 gallon. I still need to read up on what is best to put in it.

 

[rapidfire]

Ha ha! No you have not really, but I am 64, so it might not be a bad idea for me to get an older spider. Frankly the thought of raising a small one makes me nervous actually because I am inexperienced. It seems like a larger one would be easier???

Part of the fun is watching them grow. Raising slings is probably my favorite part of the hobby. 2”+ G. pulchra are typically pretty hardy and easy to care for.

 

[DustyD]

There is a variety of substrates that would work, some you can mix yourself ( maybe cheaper) others come premade in many pet stores. Most include coconut fiber but not all.

I have used Creature Soil by Zoo Med and really liked it. I am currently using the Terra Aranea from the Biodude based in Texas, although it is expensive. Reptisoil seems popular too.

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome!

 

[Lawrence b]

Welcome to the forum .

 

[Oursapoil]

Good morning and welcome to the forum/family!

 

[Nurse Ratchet]

Welcome to the forum! That's a lot for me personally to spend, but if you've got the $$$ and it's what you want (and the seller is reputable), I say go for it.
P.S. I may be an enabler