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Newly bitten by the hobby

Silverkita

New Member
Messages
4
Location
Cambridgeshire, UK
Hi all,

I'm pretty new to the hobby, and obviously new to this forum. I got my first tarantula at the end of September. I've wanted one since I was a kid, but I finally picked up my first one at a show after falling in love with a subadult female Davus pentaloris.

Of course, the people at the stall warned me it is an addictive hobby. I chuckled to myself. Sure, maybe that happened when I got into mantises, or isopods, or terrariums, or Pokemon cards. But as cool as tarantulas are, I only really wanted one.

As I started learning more about the various species, that quickly changed. Maybe a second wouldn't be so bad? There's so many cool species to choose from, after all. They aren't exactly demanding in terms of care. And lots of slings are pretty inexpensive...

Anyway, now I own 8.

So, hi! My name is Sam and I'm from the UK. I like animals a lot, as I imagine most do here. Aside from the new tarantulas, I also have a dog, ducks, ferrets, rabbits, herps, mantids, isopods, a jumping spider, and fish (and various feeder insects). I used to keep and breed a variety of rodents too, which I do miss, but ectotherms are a lot less work (and a lot less poop). I am disabled and have pretty bad anxiety, looking after animals helps me a lot, and I couldn't imagine my life without them. My partner puts up with it all and helps out too.

I hope to use this forum to learn as much as I can about this wonderful hobby. :)
 

Tarantula Trooper

Member
3 Year Member
Messages
96
Location
USA
Welcome and watch out! I got 3 T's four years ago and have over fifty or so! I think! Honestly I haven't counted in awhile ..lol Plus a jumping spider I wrangled out of my Xenesthis sp. Blue enclosure (very small one) a Heteropoda sp. David Bowie sling and finally a Lactrodectus species of some sort that's dropped 4 egg sacs.Ohhhh the fun of it all!!
 

Silverkita

New Member
Messages
4
Location
Cambridgeshire, UK
Welcome! I always say my dogs are my comfort but my spiders are my Zen! I’m Oooommmm’ing to the tune of 35 now….

Thanks for the welcome!
I agree, my dog is very comforting, while the inverts (and fish) are very soothing to care for and watch.

Welcome and watch out! I got 3 T's four years ago and have over fifty or so! I think! Honestly I haven't counted in awhile ..lol Plus a jumping spider I wrangled out of my Xenesthis sp. Blue enclosure (very small one) a Heteropoda sp. David Bowie sling and finally a Lactrodectus species of some sort that's dropped 4 egg sacs.Ohhhh the fun of it all!!

Haha thanks for the warning... might already be too late for me!!! My "wishlist" is constantly growing. I keep telling myself that I need to be sensible, and 8 is already a fair few to get in the span of a month or so. But then the other part of my brain says "What's one or two more?" :D (But I must be sensible!!)

They're such fascinating creatures. I regret not starting sooner. I love my mantises but their short lifespan is my least favourite part. I like that my Ts should be with me a good while. They might not care much for me in return but I certainly get attached.

I bet the Heteropoda is cool. I'm not sure I'd be able to handle how quick they supposedly are though!! Beautiful species though.
 

WolfieKate

Member
Messages
61
Location
Bristol, UK
Hi Sam, I researched a lot last year but this year I got my first and now have 16. Mostly new world Terrestrials and one arboreal, different ages and so forth. I love animals. I’m separated but cats were my first passion and I still have three but they’re with the kids. A Havana, a Devon Rex, and a Peterbald cat.
I totally love my spiders.

Welcome!
 
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