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Message: <blockquote data-quote="timc" data-source="post: 199836" data-attributes="member: 4054">[USER=3872]@octanejunkie[/USER] this is an outstanding thread, sir, and thank you for putting in all the effort. I think it should be expanded to include Avicularia behavior as well, that way readers, especially new keepers, will get an even better idea of what to expect. And I think the fun part can be, since we all have our own experiences this can become a living thread that all of us can add to over time.So, I’ve noticed over the years on this forum, the unspoken forum, YouTube and other resources, that Avicularia sp. have a reputation as cute, fuzzy, almost friendly pets. While they are cute and fuzzy, they’re still tarantulas that need to be respected just as a Poecilotheria or Pslamopeous. While I’ve never been bitten, I have experienced or observed other defense mechanisms they deploy. In another recent thread I mentioned my Avicularia sp. peru purple (or juruensis M6 or whatever ridiculous thing at this point) shot poop at me. And he did. Twice. With little warning and remarkable accuracy. What’s interesting about this is actually the “threat posture” he gave (of which I regrettably have no pictures). He flattened his carapace, raised his abdomen straight up, spread his legs and chelicerae, but his fangs were still underneath him. Well I learned that means he’s about to shoot poop at you after the second time he did it. What can I say? I’m a slow learner lol. Both times he hit me…yeah, in the face. Not my proudest moments, but undeniably outstanding for a tarantula, an animal that is basically blind! How he did it, I’ll never know but it’s definitely something for Avicularia keepers to be aware of.I also had some years ago a Y. Diversipes that was downright mean. OBT mean. Cyriopagopus mean. Smallest spider I ever got a threat posture from, at roughly 3/4”. And it got worse as she got older. Angry as all get out. Rehousing her, the two times I did, was an absolute nightmare. Sure, she was cupped easy enough, but getting here out took time, effort, a lot of patience, and most assuredly, a drink or two after. Slaps, bites, you name it. Poor thing passed to a bad molt for which I’ve never forgiven myself actually…I have only one “true” Avicularia remaining, A aurantiaca, who is actually do for a rehouse this week, her first. I’ll be glad to share what happens with the community here when all is said and done. Hoping for something more manageable than the diversipes lol. I really don’t mention any of this to scare people off or tarnish the reputation Avicularia have, they’re outstanding tarantulas every keeper should at least try. I just want to put out there that they are capable of defending themselves, and will absolutely do so. On the flip side, I have kept Avicularia avicularia, whatever Avicularia metallica is now and Caribena versicolor specimens that are total sweet hearts that wouldn’t hurt a fly. Well, they would totally hurt a fly but that’s besides the point. I’d really like to hear from the community here their experience of Avicularia behavior, not just defensive, but also during feeding rehoming, watering, and all the aspects of keeping them. Thanks again OJ for starting this thread, we can and should make it into a compete Avicularia care thread that will help and inform anyone interested in keeping this outstanding group of spiders.</blockquote>

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