Opinions of first tarantula picks

[Egon]

I'm thinking of getting a tarantula, and have read a lot here and elsewhere about their care, and about the different species recommended for beginners. I've read a lot about how my top choices are good beginner tarantulas, are docile and hardy, and are generally slow-moving versus fast and skittish. I also realize that individuals will vary.

I was hoping you all could help me with a few things, which I haven't come across in my research, regarding my top picks, ranked in preference:

E. campestratus
A. calchodes
B. albopilsum
G. pulchra (I really like everything I read about this one, but its sheer size and the thought of what it could do of it chooses to bite gives me pause.)

1/ What is your personal experience with them?
2/ Are any of these species more likely to be out and about versus hiding in a hole? (I keep reading about "pet holes" and wonder if some species are more prone to this than others.)
3/ Are any of these species more likely to be active in their vivarium (for a tarantula) than others?
4/ Any unique traits or behaviors these species possess that you enjoy?

I'm hoping to get a tarantula that won't be afraid to be out and about. I understand that they are still tarantulas and won't be "on" all of the time, but something I can observe and enjoy would be nice. Thanks.

 

[DVirginiana]

Both my grammostola and my brachypelma (I've got a G. rosea and B. smithi, but I assume behaviors are probably pretty similar within a genus) are out a lot. I've seen them both out digging and putting web down pretty often, but mostly at night after lights-out.

 

[sym]

Hi Egon.
I've had tarantulas now for 3 weeks and have 3. I'm also a beginner like yourself the 3 I have gone for are

1.B Emilia
2.G Pulchra
3.GBB

Simon

 

[spidey noob]

go for witch ever spices u like the most, just make shure u no there care requirements & u will be fine

 

[Egon]

Thanks for all the great input !

 

[Tongue Flicker]

Go for E.campestratus!!

 

[Enn49]

I only have one of the Ts you listed and that's the B. albopilosum. It came as a freebie, not a species I would have bought, but I quickly fell in love with it and have just ordered 2 more.

 

[Egon]

I only have one of the Ts you listed and that's the B. albopilosum. It came as a freebie, not a species I would have bought, but I quickly fell in love with it and have just ordered 2 more.

Go for E.campestratus!!

Thanks for the responses. What do you two especially like about those respective tarantulas?

 

[Enn49]

Thanks for the responses. What do you two especially like about those respective tarantulas?

My B. albo has burrowed to the very bottom of its deli making a tunnel from one side to the other so I can always see it. If I shine a torch into the hole it will usually come to the side and show its belly and it always seems to be busy doing something. It's also a great feeder. A great little character.

 

[Egon]

My B. albo has burrowed to the very bottom of its deli making a tunnel from one side to the other so I can always see it. If I shine a torch into the hole it will usually come to the side and show its belly and it always seems to be busy doing something. It's also a great feeder. A great little character.

Great info! Thanks!

 

[Frances Pauli]

I'll second B. albo as a great starter. They are easy to keep, active and visible, gorgeous as adults with their long curls, and not terribly aggressive or fast. I always like to have at least one curly around.

 

[Frances Pauli]

That being said, my G.pulchra is one of my favorites. lol (why not get one of each? )

 

[Egon]

I'll second B. albo as a great starter. They are easy to keep, active and visible, gorgeous as adults with their long curls, and not terribly aggressive or fast. I always like to have at least one curly around.

That being said, my G.pulchra is one of my favorites. lol (why not get one of each? )

Thanks for sharing your experience! I like the sound of a visible, active tarantula.

I'd love one of each but don't have room for more than one, with my two dogs, numerous houseplants and aquarium. I've got to be disciplined!

 

[Edward]

There is so much to choose from but from my experience a Mexican red knee is one of the best. Check out other recommended tarantulas too at www.tarantulapets.com

 

[Egon]

There is so much to choose from but from my experience a Mexican red knee is one of the best. Check out other recommended tarantulas too at www.tarantulapets.com

Thanks for the suggestions, Edward. I'm a little wary of the Mexican red knee because of what I've read about their hair kicking. They are stunning, though.

 

[spidey noob]

i only started keeping Ts in august of this & year my first T was a mexican red knee, they are a stunning spices & docile they can kick hairs but so can most Ts !!! Ts that dont kick hairs tend to have stronger venom & are not suitable for beginers