Forums
New posts
Search forums
What's new
New posts
New media
New articles
New media comments
New article comments
New profile posts
Latest activity
Articles
New articles
New comments
Search articles
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Members
Current visitors
New profile posts
Search profile posts
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
New posts
Search forums
Menu
Log in
Register
Navigation
Install the app
Install
More options
Dark Theme
Contact us
Close Menu
Are you a Tarantula hobbyist? If so, we invite you to join our community! Once you join you'll be able to post messages, upload pictures of your pets and enclosures and chat with other Tarantula enthusiasts.
Sign up today!
Forums
Tarantula Forum Topics
General Tarantula Discussion
Serious questions from an arachnophobe- about species, enclosures etc.
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="SwedishArachnophobe84" data-source="post: 173648" data-attributes="member: 31783"><p>Hello again!</p><p></p><p>Earlier, I wrote that I would let it take time and that I would not rush into anything and I do not believe I have rushed my decision. However, I at first believed I would have to wait a bit longer before making my final decision.</p><p></p><p>I have continued to do research; through YouTube, podcasts and through reading about tarantulas (on this forum and in other places). Anything I have found have been looked into with great interest.</p><p></p><p>Not too long ago I started really wanting to get one myself, despite the fear still being there.</p><p></p><p>I felt that I would likely not get any further without actually interacting (as in taking care of, not as in handling) with a tarantula in “person”. With the current situation in the world, going to stores or expos is obviously not a possibility; and I personally believe that I need to live with and care for one to make more progress regarding my phobia.</p><p></p><p>Also, as with every animal I have ever been interested in getting; I came to the point of longing to getting my very own tarantula. Naturally my phobia complicates things and I am still very nervous about having my first ever pet spider in my home; yet I am extremely excited at the same time.</p><p></p><p>Recently I happen to “stumble over” the perfect specimen for me (a young B. hamorii) and I finally decided to order one of my favorite species despite my fear.</p><p></p><p>She (it is a female according to the seller) is about 2.2-2.4 inches (5,5-6 cm) and very beautiful (for being a scary tarantula, he he). She was supposed to arrive this week, but the seller recently told me that she seems to be in premolt, so for her safety I will have to wait a little longer for her to arrive.</p><p></p><p>I thought I had everything that I need for her at home…and I was just about to set up her new home when I (naturally) found some horror stories mentioning tarantulas easily chewing their way through the lids (I was going to use a critter keeper)…so now I need to find something else that will keep my little lady contained. I have seen plenty of people using critter keepers…so I thought it would be a good option (until she´s all grown up) …but now I am a lot less confident in my choice being a good one…unless the horror stories are not true? If they would be a good (and escape proof) option; which size would you recommend? I am not sure which specific brand I have, but they seem to be equivalent to these two in size: Medium <a href="https://www.leesaqpet.com/index.php/shop/small-animals/kritter-keepers/kritter-keeper-,-medium-rectangle-detail" target="_blank">https://www.leesaqpet.com/index.php/shop/small-animals/kritter-keepers/kritter-keeper-,-medium-rectangle-detail</a> and Large <a href="https://www.leesaqpet.com/index.php/shop/small-animals/kritter-keepers/kritter-keeper-,-large-rectangle-detail" target="_blank">https://www.leesaqpet.com/index.php/shop/small-animals/kritter-keepers/kritter-keeper-,-large-rectangle-detail</a></p><p></p><p>I have finally decided to get my first tarantula but I am in no way, shape or form free from my phobia so she has to stay put. I would not be able to handle a “free roaming” spider in my apartment.</p><p></p><p>Would a plastic box of this type be suitable? Smartstore, <a href="https://images.clasohlson.com/medias/sys_master/9494679322654.jpg" target="_blank">https://images.clasohlson.com/medias/sys_master/9494679322654.jpg</a> <a href="https://images.clasohlson.com/medias/sys_master/ha6/h7b/9674744102942.jpg" target="_blank">https://images.clasohlson.com/medias/sys_master/ha6/h7b/9674744102942.jpg</a> I have the following sizes readily available at home: nr 12, 28x28x17 cm (around 11.2x11.2x6.8 inches), nr 3, 21x17x15 cm (around 8.4x6.8x6 inches), nr 15, 40x30x19 cm (around 16x12x7.6 inches). Some already have ventilation made with a soldering iron (in the top and on the sides for ample cross ventilation). I have used a few of them for some of my feeder insects and some to transport my pets in (when I was moving in to my apartment). When it comes to the larger ones (nr 15) I have both boxes with ventilation and boxes without. The size of the ventilation holes varies, but they are all quite small and easily holds for example smaller crickets inside (with no escapes). Naturally I could order some new ones If a size would work, but for example it would be too much ventilation or something. It would however, be nice to be able to use what I already have available; so that I can finally start decorating her new home.</p><p></p><p>I have thought about using one of these (10.6 liters) food containers from IKEA <a href="https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/ikea-365-food-container-with-lid-rectangular-plastic-s79276760/" target="_blank">https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/ikea-365-food-container-with-lid-rectangular-plastic-s79276760/</a> …but as previously stated, I would (if possible) prefer to use something I already have at home; because I am eager to start decorating for my little lady.</p><p></p><p>When she is all grown up, I will use some type of glass terrarium for her (I would like to have something that looks nice) but now I do not really care all that much about the esthetics. I just want to find something to keep her nice and safe (and prevent having to deal with an escaped tarantula).</p><p></p><p>I really have to find something as soon as possible, because I would prefer to know that I have everything ready for her when she will finally arrive.</p><p></p><p>When it comes to substrate, I have a few options as well, I am thinking of mixing it or some of it together but I am not sure if that would be the best option. I have (at the moment) the following substrates at home: peat moss, Exo terra plantation soil, Komodo Invertebed and some sphagnum moss. Is it a good idea to purchase some vermiculite to mix in, despite the fact that she is not a moisture depending species or should I skip that altogether?</p><p></p><p>Apart from the substrates mentioned above, I also have some oak leaves and dried wood (oak as well I am guessing) that I found in a small park. I have rinsed them and “dried them in the oven” to get any “nasties” of. I am planning on using that mixture with some sun beetles I am going to get in the future…but thought they may be used for my spider as well (unless of course it could be harmful to her in any way)?</p><p></p><p>What do you think is the best substrate for a tarantula that likes a dry environment?</p><p></p><p>As previously stated, I am crazy exited and super nervous…but if all goes well; I am pretty sure this will not be my last tarantula (I know myself a little too well, he he). I will not become a collector with about a million tarantulas (I have some space issues and about a billion other animals to care for…so that will not be possible) but I would like to have a few. I keep finding more and more species to add to my list over potential species to get (now, soon or in the more distant future).</p><p></p><p>Recently these have made it on to my list:</p><p></p><p><strong>Green Bottle Blue "GBB" (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens)</strong> - I find this one very beautiful and I like the fact that they are heavy webbers. This makes them a bit different from my other favorite species, and I like to have some variety since I am not going to get that many tarantulas. It will probably not be one of the first because of the speed and possibly defensive behavior.</p><p></p><p><strong>Martinique Pinkto (Caribena versicolor)</strong> – The only one on my list that is not terrestrial, I understand that the arboreal species are rather fast. This will because of the speed not be one of the first tarantulas that I will get, but I might possibly get one in the future. The fact that they tend to jump does however scare the living daylights out of me, he he.</p><p></p><p><strong>Mexican Golden Red Rump (Brachypelma albiceps)</strong> – The newest addition to my list of interesting species; a very nice-looking spider and seem (as far as I have found so far) to be a docile and beginner friendly species.</p><p></p><p>/SwedishArachnophobe84</p><p></p><p>Ps. I actually (strangely enough?) feel some love (regardless of the phobia) for my new pet. She is beautiful and kind of…cute (almost) and despite asking myself once in a while “what have you done?” and “have you lost your mind?” he he; I am very excited for her to arrive. I am not going to lie…I am actually quite worried about her and hope she will get trough her molt ok and not get too stressed out, when being shipped here eventually. I want only the best for my animals and she is no exception…despite being a terrifying creature with eight legs<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" />… Ds.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="SwedishArachnophobe84, post: 173648, member: 31783"] Hello again! Earlier, I wrote that I would let it take time and that I would not rush into anything and I do not believe I have rushed my decision. However, I at first believed I would have to wait a bit longer before making my final decision. I have continued to do research; through YouTube, podcasts and through reading about tarantulas (on this forum and in other places). Anything I have found have been looked into with great interest. Not too long ago I started really wanting to get one myself, despite the fear still being there. I felt that I would likely not get any further without actually interacting (as in taking care of, not as in handling) with a tarantula in “person”. With the current situation in the world, going to stores or expos is obviously not a possibility; and I personally believe that I need to live with and care for one to make more progress regarding my phobia. Also, as with every animal I have ever been interested in getting; I came to the point of longing to getting my very own tarantula. Naturally my phobia complicates things and I am still very nervous about having my first ever pet spider in my home; yet I am extremely excited at the same time. Recently I happen to “stumble over” the perfect specimen for me (a young B. hamorii) and I finally decided to order one of my favorite species despite my fear. She (it is a female according to the seller) is about 2.2-2.4 inches (5,5-6 cm) and very beautiful (for being a scary tarantula, he he). She was supposed to arrive this week, but the seller recently told me that she seems to be in premolt, so for her safety I will have to wait a little longer for her to arrive. I thought I had everything that I need for her at home…and I was just about to set up her new home when I (naturally) found some horror stories mentioning tarantulas easily chewing their way through the lids (I was going to use a critter keeper)…so now I need to find something else that will keep my little lady contained. I have seen plenty of people using critter keepers…so I thought it would be a good option (until she´s all grown up) …but now I am a lot less confident in my choice being a good one…unless the horror stories are not true? If they would be a good (and escape proof) option; which size would you recommend? I am not sure which specific brand I have, but they seem to be equivalent to these two in size: Medium [URL]https://www.leesaqpet.com/index.php/shop/small-animals/kritter-keepers/kritter-keeper-,-medium-rectangle-detail[/URL] and Large [URL]https://www.leesaqpet.com/index.php/shop/small-animals/kritter-keepers/kritter-keeper-,-large-rectangle-detail[/URL] I have finally decided to get my first tarantula but I am in no way, shape or form free from my phobia so she has to stay put. I would not be able to handle a “free roaming” spider in my apartment. Would a plastic box of this type be suitable? Smartstore, [URL]https://images.clasohlson.com/medias/sys_master/9494679322654.jpg[/URL] [URL]https://images.clasohlson.com/medias/sys_master/ha6/h7b/9674744102942.jpg[/URL] I have the following sizes readily available at home: nr 12, 28x28x17 cm (around 11.2x11.2x6.8 inches), nr 3, 21x17x15 cm (around 8.4x6.8x6 inches), nr 15, 40x30x19 cm (around 16x12x7.6 inches). Some already have ventilation made with a soldering iron (in the top and on the sides for ample cross ventilation). I have used a few of them for some of my feeder insects and some to transport my pets in (when I was moving in to my apartment). When it comes to the larger ones (nr 15) I have both boxes with ventilation and boxes without. The size of the ventilation holes varies, but they are all quite small and easily holds for example smaller crickets inside (with no escapes). Naturally I could order some new ones If a size would work, but for example it would be too much ventilation or something. It would however, be nice to be able to use what I already have available; so that I can finally start decorating her new home. I have thought about using one of these (10.6 liters) food containers from IKEA [URL]https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/ikea-365-food-container-with-lid-rectangular-plastic-s79276760/[/URL] …but as previously stated, I would (if possible) prefer to use something I already have at home; because I am eager to start decorating for my little lady. When she is all grown up, I will use some type of glass terrarium for her (I would like to have something that looks nice) but now I do not really care all that much about the esthetics. I just want to find something to keep her nice and safe (and prevent having to deal with an escaped tarantula). I really have to find something as soon as possible, because I would prefer to know that I have everything ready for her when she will finally arrive. When it comes to substrate, I have a few options as well, I am thinking of mixing it or some of it together but I am not sure if that would be the best option. I have (at the moment) the following substrates at home: peat moss, Exo terra plantation soil, Komodo Invertebed and some sphagnum moss. Is it a good idea to purchase some vermiculite to mix in, despite the fact that she is not a moisture depending species or should I skip that altogether? Apart from the substrates mentioned above, I also have some oak leaves and dried wood (oak as well I am guessing) that I found in a small park. I have rinsed them and “dried them in the oven” to get any “nasties” of. I am planning on using that mixture with some sun beetles I am going to get in the future…but thought they may be used for my spider as well (unless of course it could be harmful to her in any way)? What do you think is the best substrate for a tarantula that likes a dry environment? As previously stated, I am crazy exited and super nervous…but if all goes well; I am pretty sure this will not be my last tarantula (I know myself a little too well, he he). I will not become a collector with about a million tarantulas (I have some space issues and about a billion other animals to care for…so that will not be possible) but I would like to have a few. I keep finding more and more species to add to my list over potential species to get (now, soon or in the more distant future). Recently these have made it on to my list: [B]Green Bottle Blue "GBB" (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens)[/B] - I find this one very beautiful and I like the fact that they are heavy webbers. This makes them a bit different from my other favorite species, and I like to have some variety since I am not going to get that many tarantulas. It will probably not be one of the first because of the speed and possibly defensive behavior. [B]Martinique Pinkto (Caribena versicolor)[/B] – The only one on my list that is not terrestrial, I understand that the arboreal species are rather fast. This will because of the speed not be one of the first tarantulas that I will get, but I might possibly get one in the future. The fact that they tend to jump does however scare the living daylights out of me, he he. [B]Mexican Golden Red Rump (Brachypelma albiceps)[/B] – The newest addition to my list of interesting species; a very nice-looking spider and seem (as far as I have found so far) to be a docile and beginner friendly species. /SwedishArachnophobe84 Ps. I actually (strangely enough?) feel some love (regardless of the phobia) for my new pet. She is beautiful and kind of…cute (almost) and despite asking myself once in a while “what have you done?” and “have you lost your mind?” he he; I am very excited for her to arrive. I am not going to lie…I am actually quite worried about her and hope she will get trough her molt ok and not get too stressed out, when being shipped here eventually. I want only the best for my animals and she is no exception…despite being a terrifying creature with eight legs;)… Ds. [/QUOTE]
Verification
Post reply
Forums
Tarantula Forum Topics
General Tarantula Discussion
Serious questions from an arachnophobe- about species, enclosures etc.
Top