New in Moscow!

[Matts]

Hey everybody! As a kid I had a cautious curiosity towards spiders which turned into a fear, that I think I must have learned from my parents. It was almost like a car accident haha. I would want to get as close as I could without actually seeing or feeling 'anything gross'.

However over the past month or so I have been researching Ts obsessively and I really want to take small steps into the hobby! I've settled on either a Pink Zebra, Curly hair, or Chaco Gold Knee. I want a docile 'pet rock' for my first T, and would like to eventually work my way up to handling it, though not often. I think 5 to 10 mins every two or three months would be plenty.

However I have a question!

I stumbled upon a captive bred two inch female Grammastola pulchripes for 40 bucks, and I really want it, however I'm wondering if transporting it back to the USA would cause any problems? I'm asking more about the legal aspect than logistical. I understand that a very large proportion of Ts are bought over the Internet, and frequently make overnight plane rides. The flight would be about 12, 13 hours, so if I pack her up carefully and put the package in with my socks, I think she should be ok.

I plan on leaving Russia after already spending five years here within 6 to 10 months or so. I'm a very committed pet owner and would hate to adopt a beautiful T only to have to give it away later.

I'm more concerned over the legal aspects. Would I need to be a licensed breeder or importer to take it with my in my luggage? Or is there nothing to worry about? Or should I wait until I'm back in the States?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Ghost]

Hi and welcome to the forum,the three T's that you have mentioned would be fine for a first T.However I think you would be better waiting untill you return to the States as it would probably cost quite a bit to legally import the T back to the States with you,I live in the UK and can get T's from all over Europe without any problems but when it comes to Russia that would be a totally different issue and would cost more than the T's by the time I got all the relevant permits for import and I really can't see it being any different for you trying to get them back to the States.

What I would suggest is that you use the time asking questions on the forum and doing research on the T's you want then you will be ready by the time you return to the States..

 

[Matts]

Ghost,

Thank you for the thoughtful and truthful answer. It is what I was pretty much expecting. I checked the Center for Disease Control website and they have almost every animal under the sun listed, except for spiders. Well, I will take your advice then and hold off for a few more months.

Good things come to those who wait

 

[Ghost]

Ghost,

Thank you for the thoughtful and truthful answer. It is what I was pretty much expecting. I checked the Center for Disease Control website and they have almost every animal under the sun listed, except for spiders. Well, I will take your advice then and hold off for a few more months.

Good things come to those who wait

You could have a look at the department of fisheries and wildlife website as I'm pretty sure that these are the guys that you would have to go through to get any permits needed to import T's into the U.S,But as I said I think it would more than likely cost an arm and leg....

 

[Therasoid]

Personally, I would wait til getting into the states. All the Ts that you listed are easily purchased after you return. I would like to suggest looking at a Paraphysa scrofa, not a pet rock, but mine is very docile and inquisitive. Plus they reach about 4-4 1/2" when grown.

 

[Matts]

Thanks everybody for the replies! The level of knowledge and the courtesy towards newcomers is very refreshing in this hobby! Also, it seems that almost everyday I 'discover' a new species that I would be interested in. Yesterday it was Aphonapelma sp New River. Today the P. Scrofa.

Now I understand why its so hard to have just one! Going to have to start making a list