How long before you start to see a new T's true personality?

[Sabeth]

Just got a 4" P. parvula on Thursday. She has been settling in just fine. Today I was refilling her water dish and (perhaps foolishly) I decided to toy with her a little in the hopes of getting an idea of her personality. I touched her a few times with a paintbrush and she freaked! I've never seen a spider move so fast. She did sit quietly at one point while I gently stroked her legs and carapace, but a minute later she lunged at the paintbrush and I decided to call it a day.

I named her Arwen but I'm thinking I might change it to Shelob based on her fiery behavior. Is it just too soon? I was told she is very sweet but today she was anything but that! Does it take a little while before you can determine what their real "spider-ality" is or is it pretty much there right when you first get them?

 

[Bast]

I've found with ours that it usually takes them a bit to settle in to really find out how they 'normally' behave. I'd probably say give it a month and you should know better. In that time I would keep disturbances to a minimum and really give your T the time it needs to get comfy and settled.

 

[Sabeth]

That makes sense, thanks a lot!

 

[Bast]

It's so cool once you do get to see their true personalities...even (especially) when they're quirky and unexpected

 

[Jay Ceglia]

I just purchased a PZB and am wondering the same thing.... its been almost 8 hours since ive had her, and im trying to pick her up now, but shes been kicking hairs. So I decided id leave her alone for the rest of the evening. I heard their generally mellow, and while at the store i could hold her and it was no problem. Im new to this whole thing, and just fed her an hour after gettign her. Do they tend to tense up after a meal(been about 3 hours since she ate). Should i just give her some time, she lunged away from me when trying to just pet her right behind her carapace. Is it due to the newness of everything? please let me know! thank you

 

[Jay Ceglia]

Also any tips would be lovely!

 

[harleyqueen]

Yes, give her a bit of time to digest her meal and settle in.

 

[Sabeth]

After bringing a new T home you should give it 1 week to settle in before you feed it anything. In my experience they actually calm down after a meal but your T being in a strange place she is probably anxious and agitated. I'd just give it some time.