- Messages
- 5,547
- Location
- Outside San Antonio, TX
Easy? Sure, once you get your moisture/ temp /ventilation correct, it will be easy. How often do you soak the substrate though? You don't want it too wet in there, you'll kill your Theraphosa with mold or mites. So you have to pay attention to ventilation, and how moist the substrate is, and whether it's too much or too little...because the spider needs to have good molting/living conditions. If you're using a heat mat you have to tape a thermostat to the mat, because you don't want it getting too hot in there either, or too cool. So then you have to take other things into consideration, like is there too much ventilation to keep the heat/moisture correct? Should you even use a heat mat, or should you heat up the whole room? These are the things that people over think or under think and screw up on, and kill their spiders because of. The only thing that prepares you for it is research and experience with moisture dependent spiders, and there are many of those with less demanding needs that people choose to start with, before they kill a $400 mature female blondie. Blondies are known for having molting issues in captivity. They're known for being on the more touchy end of the care spectrum. That's why we say it's not a starter spider. But as I said, if you really research, and really pay attention to your care, you could conceivably do just fine. I've never owned a blondie by the way, but I had a male stirmi mature and die naturally in my care. Blondies are awesome... It's a $400 dollar gamble though, if you find an adult blondie to buy, and there are plenty of big, pretty spiders that don't require heat mats and special moisture conditions, and could live through noob mistakes much easier. That's why we stress research, with any spider you buy. If you do buy one, I recommend a sling, so you can grow with the spider..it's often the best way to learn, and it won't be such a hit to the wallet if you screw up and lose one. Good luck
