My 3" female B. smithi is as sweet as they come. She is 6 years old and has clearly had good handling. I've had her just one week and she has never so much as threatened to bite or even kick hairs. I love taking her out, she just sits in the palm of my hand and is totally cool. I'm wondering if there is such a thing as overdoing it when it comes to handling? Is it okay to handle every day or should you give it a break sometimes? Thanks!
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Is it possible to handle a tarantula too much?
- Thread starter Sabeth
- Start date
Touchy subject 'round these parts..
Me personally, I don't handle Ts, but I don't discourage it, if its something you enjoy.. just be careful, read the Ts body language.. don't risk a bite, or injury to the T...
Now as for how often to handle, every once in awhile, is ok.. handling all the time, could lead to falls, or annoying the T and causing a bite.. B.smithis have pretty mild venom, so it wouldn't really hurt you.. but the shock of getting bit, could cause you to jump and drop your T..
Me personally, I don't handle Ts, but I don't discourage it, if its something you enjoy.. just be careful, read the Ts body language.. don't risk a bite, or injury to the T...
Now as for how often to handle, every once in awhile, is ok.. handling all the time, could lead to falls, or annoying the T and causing a bite.. B.smithis have pretty mild venom, so it wouldn't really hurt you.. but the shock of getting bit, could cause you to jump and drop your T..
- Messages
- 399
- Location
- Airdrie, Alberta
I handled my T once, my avic jumped across the room! Haven't handled him since.
- Messages
- 2,364
- Location
- Arizona USA
Yes it is possible. Over handling can easily stress a T out, I don't handle my Ts, but if I did, twice a week would be my limit.
i agree the stress caused is the main thing to worry about . we dont really hold our ts, occasional my husband will slowly move them on to his hand inside the tank & then he can tidy round the tank , mist etc. we have one chilean rose who actually wants to come out , if you side the door open she will come straight to it & then on to your hand. even then though we dont really make a habit of it sort of put her straight back. i would say only maybe holding her once every six weeks or so. inside her tank she is content & has space to move around just likes to come out . also as someone said one of theirs once jumped as did our cobalt sling , jumped out & ran off & we werent really handling it just feeding it. living up to his name Usain, as in Bolt .
