Tarantulas make me happy. :)

[Allthingsterrarium]

I guess you could say any terrarium animal is my hobby, I love them all. I am a reptile fanatic especially and even though I'm still learning about them I think I could tell any newcomer a lot about them. Reptiles are by no means my only passion though. I've only become particularly interested in tarantulas recently and I got my first one, a male mexican fireleg (brachypelma boehmei) I named October a couple months ago. I'm still learning a lot about tarantulas and I'm asking a lot of questions but it didn't take long for them to really grow on me and now they will always have a special place in my heart. I just don't get why so many people find them terrifying.

I tell you, among many things, their lifespans shock me, especially for invertebrates. Females of many species can live well into their 20s and even 40s which is at least twice as long as most reptiles and amphibians. Males seem a little under appreciated by some enthusiasts but the fact that even they live between 5 and 15 years is astounding, especially when you consider the common house spider only lives about a year at most.

Another thing I've noticed about tarantulas is that they really seem to have personalities. Many people say they have primitive brains and aren't really capable of emotion or affection. I disagree 100%, I've seen so many videos of surprisingly tame and even somewhat trained tarantulas. I've seen others that seem to recognize and even show affection or at least high tolerance to their keepers even after some time apart. I've even seen October run up to my side of the enclosure to see me and believe me he doesn't move much. Sometimes I swear he knows it's feeding time. The fact that some tarantulas within the same species are more skittish or mellow than others or are more aggressive or timid just highlights individuality to me. And I'm not a tarantula, how am I supposed to know how his brain works? Even if he isn't particularly sentient I make it a point when I interact with him to treat him like he does have emotions and feelings.

 

[Chubbs]

I guess you could say any terrarium animal is my hobby, I love them all. I am a reptile fanatic especially and even though I'm still learning about them I think I could tell any newcomer a lot about them. Reptiles are by no means my only passion though. I've only become particularly interested in tarantulas recently and I got my first one, a male mexican fireleg (brachypelma boehmei) I named October a couple months ago. I'm still learning a lot about tarantulas and I'm asking a lot of questions but it didn't take long for them to really grow on me and now they will always have a special place in my heart. I just don't get why so many people find them terrifying.

I tell you, among many things, their lifespans shock me, especially for invertebrates. Females of many species can live well into their 20s and even 40s which is at least twice as long as most reptiles and amphibians. Males seem a little under appreciated by some enthusiasts but the fact that even they live between 5 and 15 years is astounding, especially when you consider the common house spider only lives about a year at most.

Another thing I've noticed about tarantulas is that they really seem to have personalities. Many people say they have primitive brains and aren't really capable of emotion or affection. I disagree 100%, I've seen so many videos of surprisingly tame and even somewhat trained tarantulas. I've seen others that seem to recognize and even show affection or at least high tolerance to their keepers even after some time apart. I've even seen October run up to my side of the enclosure to see me and believe me he doesn't move much. Sometimes I swear he knows it's feeding time. The fact that some tarantulas within the same species are more skittish or mellow than others or are more aggressive or timid just highlights individuality to me. And I'm not a tarantula, how am I supposed to know how his brain works? Even if he isn't particularly sentient I make it a point when I interact with him to treat him like he does have emotions and feelings.

They aren't really capable of emotion or affection. Many noobs I've noticed will mistake a certain behavior for something that resembles emotion or affection, but they really don't bond with humans the way a cat or dog or even a reptile would. People like to give them human attributes, but due to their primitive biology I cannot agree with this. They definitely do have a variety of personalities, but that's not a personality in the sense that some may think. Personally I like them because of the fact that they're so primitive and have remained unchanged for millions of years.

 

[Allthingsterrarium]

They aren't really capable of emotion or affection. Many noobs I've noticed will mistake a certain behavior for something that resembles emotion or affection, but they really don't bond with humans the way a cat or dog or even a reptile would. People like to give them human attributes, but due to their primitive biology I cannot agree with this. They definitely do have a variety of personalities, but that's not a personality in the sense that some may think. Personally I like them because of the fact that they're so primitive and have remained unchanged for millions of years.

Thats a great way to look at them too. Whatever the case, they are born survivors.

 

[Kymura]

I think most of us tend to anthropomorphize things we like and enjoy, whether it be a cat canine or arachnid.
I do it and I know full well they don't feel any affection......
On the other hand, I speak for my old chi cross as well and tell the others in my household what he just said to them in dog...(Uncomplimentary things for the most part lol)

 

[Scoolman]

 

[MassExodus]

Don't know what all this anthropomorphizing mumbo jumbo is..my dog is human. She also has magical powers.You see? She knows she's not to get on my bed, yet she appeared there. Magic.

 

[micheldied]

They aren't really capable of emotion or affection. Many noobs I've noticed will mistake a certain behavior for something that resembles emotion or affection, but they really don't bond with humans the way a cat or dog or even a reptile would. People like to give them human attributes, but due to their primitive biology I cannot agree with this. They definitely do have a variety of personalities, but that's not a personality in the sense that some may think. Personally I like them because of the fact that they're so primitive and have remained unchanged for millions of years.

This. I've never understood people getting pets and then giving them human attributes and treating them like humans. I mean, isn't that the point of owning a species that's nothing like us?

 

[Kymura]

This. I've never understood people getting pets and then giving them human attributes and treating them like humans. I mean, isn't that the point of owning a species that's nothing like us?

Treating them like humans...? what exactly does that entail....food, water, shelter affection?
I kind of feel like, its my house, paid in full, I pay the bills, if I want them sitting at the table eating pizza off china while my spiders do the tango on the table for entertainment, that's my right. No one else has to approve understand or like it.
I have my T's because they are beautiful and I enjoy watching them be spiders and all that it entails.
as far as the rest, I have them because I love them, they provide me love and affection in return, they aren't a status symbol, they aren't a yard decoration, they are an integral part of our family.
I have rescued and rehabbed animals for a lot of years. For the most part I like them far better then the majority of humans. And yes, I have average intelligence and I know full well that my animals aren't truly human. Considering how most humans treat one another, I'm thankful for that.
I've never understood anyone getting an animal that they weren't prepared to treat as well as a family member, They are living feeling thinking creatures, and yes they have emotional responses.

@MassExodus Copa says MissPiggy is purty ​

 

[MassExodus]

Treating them like humans...? what exactly does that entail....food, water, shelter affection?
I kind of feel like, its my house, paid in full, I pay the bills, if I want them sitting at the table eating pizza off china while my spiders do the tango on the table for entertainment, that's my right. No one else has to approve understand or like it.
I have my T's because they are beautiful and I enjoy watching them be spiders and all that it entails.
as far as the rest, I have them because I love them, they provide me love and affection in return, they aren't a status symbol, they aren't a yard decoration, they are an integral part of our family.
I have rescued and rehabbed animals for a lot of years. For the most part I like them far better then the majority of humans. And yes, I have average intelligence and I know full well that my animals aren't truly human. Considering how most humans treat one another, I'm thankful for that.
I've never understood anyone getting an animal that they weren't prepared to treat as well as a family member, They are living feeling thinking creatures, and yes they have emotional responses.

@MassExodus Copa says MissPiggy is purty ​

You know, I've often wondered exactly how "simple" a tarantula's brain is..none of us really know what goes on in their carapaces(lol). When they get defensive, do they feel a spider's equivalent of fear and rage? Is it instinct? Don't we equate emotional response with instinct? Their "simple" brain looks like a nerve cluster, so of course, the experts equate it to one, and call it just as simple, but they don't know. Who knows what goes on in it? Look up the invertebrate brain platform..read the theory about their brain function. It's kind of interesting. and like most theories, there's a few holes in it..Btw, Kymura, Copa has good taste.. he must be a true gentleman

 

[Allthingsterrarium]

Well of course they aren't human, no animal is. But like humans, animals can certainly be individuals I think.

 

[Allthingsterrarium]

You know, I've often wondered exactly how "simple" a tarantula's brain is..none of us really know what goes on in their carapaces(lol). When they get defensive, do they feel a spider's equivalent of fear and rage? Is it instinct? Don't we equate emotional response with instinct? Their "simple" brain looks like a nerve cluster, so of course, the experts equate it to one, and call it just as simple, but they don't know. Who knows what goes on in it? Look up the invertebrate brain platform..read the theory about their brain function. It's kind of interesting. and like most theories, there's a few holes in it..Btw, Kymura, Copa has good taste.. he must be a true gentleman

Exactly, it's generally believed that jellyfish for instance don't even have brains and aren't capable of knowing anything, making decisions, feeling anything or even instinct, they just drift with the current. However there was a recent study that suggested that the jellyfish in the experiment seemed to have some vague understanding of it's surroundings and was capable of limited movement to respond to those surroundings. Who knows? Maybe a jellyfish does have a brain but it looks a lot different and we don't recognize it as a brain. A tarantula is certainly far beyond a jellyfish mentally.

 

[Chubbs]

Treating them like humans...? what exactly does that entail....food, water, shelter affection?
I kind of feel like, its my house, paid in full, I pay the bills, if I want them sitting at the table eating pizza off china while my spiders do the tango on the table for entertainment, that's my right. No one else has to approve understand or like it.
I have my T's because they are beautiful and I enjoy watching them be spiders and all that it entails.
as far as the rest, I have them because I love them, they provide me love and affection in return, they aren't a status symbol, they aren't a yard decoration, they are an integral part of our family.
I have rescued and rehabbed animals for a lot of years. For the most part I like them far better then the majority of humans. And yes, I have average intelligence and I know full well that my animals aren't truly human. Considering how most humans treat one another, I'm thankful for that.
I've never understood anyone getting an animal that they weren't prepared to treat as well as a family member, They are living feeling thinking creatures, and yes they have emotional responses.

@MassExodus Copa says MissPiggy is purty ​

That's not what he/she meant Kymura. Food, water, and shelter are just basic parts of caring for any animal. Affection is debatable, as many of us don't believe they can feel it nor show it, and it likely makes no difference to them. When Micheldied said "Treating them like humans" they meant anthropomorphizing them, making it seem as if they are able to understand the purpose of such actions. A dog, cat, bird, reptile, etc. knows who is responsible for providing it with such things. It can make the connection between the food it eats and the "thing" that gives it the food. Many of these animals will attempt to show gratitude, loyalty, etc. by showing affection to their owners and in doing so, will bond with them. I don't believe invertebrates are really capable of that. So I must disagree with you there. This has nothing to do with physical needs, providing the animal with things that it needs to stay alive (food, water, etc.). That right there is just common sense and responsibility. Tarantulas may have responses, but they are probably not emotionally driven.

This does not make them any less fascinating. Personally, I feel that when people compare these creatures to more common things like cats and dogs or any mammal really, it makes them less fascinating. This here is all just my opinion, but tarantulas are interesting BECAUSE they are different, because they are so alien-like. What many people find repulsive/creepy/unsettling about them, I find so unique and captivating.

 

[Nicolas C]

I'm with Chubbs on this question. But in the same time I can recognize myself in the OP "Tarantulas make me happy" statement.

I wish my tarantulas would be able to give me some kinds of bond, but I must admit that they are absolutely not thankful in any way when I'm giving them a fat juicy and lovingly fed roach... I do appreciate a lot their difference, as I do like my cats for other reasons (I must admit they are not thankful either... it's more like an interested relationship full of scheme!!!).

That being said, I'm really fond of them tarantulas, have given them names (yes I have!), was almost crying when one died or when our first male left home for another female enclosure (ahhh....)... It's like a one way relationship: I consider them in my human ways and am building a bond, but they aren't in return. Help me to learn humility or something like that... But I really do wish they were able to sit on my shoulder waiting for a hug while I'm watching "Kingdom of the spiders" by the great late John Cardos.

 

[Chubbs]

I've always been a bigger fan of Arachnophobia It doesn't take itself too seriously, which makes it more enjoyable. Oddly enough, it's the only killer spider movie I genuinely enjoy.

 

[micheldied]

Treating them like humans...? what exactly does that entail....food, water, shelter affection?
I kind of feel like, its my house, paid in full, I pay the bills, if I want them sitting at the table eating pizza off china while my spiders do the tango on the table for entertainment, that's my right. No one else has to approve understand or like it.
I have my T's because they are beautiful and I enjoy watching them be spiders and all that it entails.
as far as the rest, I have them because I love them, they provide me love and affection in return, they aren't a status symbol, they aren't a yard decoration, they are an integral part of our family.
I have rescued and rehabbed animals for a lot of years. For the most part I like them far better then the majority of humans. And yes, I have average intelligence and I know full well that my animals aren't truly human. Considering how most humans treat one another, I'm thankful for that.
I've never understood anyone getting an animal that they weren't prepared to treat as well as a family member, They are living feeling thinking creatures, and yes they have emotional responses.

@MassExodus Copa says MissPiggy is purty ​

I was halfway through my response, but what Chubbs said was exactly what I was going to say.
I highly doubt that tarantulas are capable of emotion as we are. I believe every animal I own is a part of my family, but only because they completely rely on me. They're only around for my pleasure, I really don't think they(the invertebrates) appreciate me being around at all.

 

[Allthingsterrarium]

I was halfway through my response, but what Chubbs said was exactly what I was going to say.
I highly doubt that tarantulas are capable of emotion as we are. I believe every animal I own is a part of my family, but only because they completely rely on me. They're only around for my pleasure, I really don't think they(the invertebrates) appreciate me being around at all.

Absolutely. Whether he loves me or not always up for debate but it doesn't matter because in the end I love him

 

[MassExodus]

I think for the most part, the docile ones are just tolerable of us. I won't pretend to even guess at what they "think or feel" I honestly don't have an opinion..I do believe they recognize us, as in, there's that big creature that always messes with me..this is what I find most fascinating about whipspiders..they can recognize family units from strangers.. That means those long feelers should be able to imprint our chemical "taste" and trigger recognition..I find that very cool..

 

[sym]

T's make me happy but I'm selling all my collection cause something is going to make me more happy

 

[Allthingsterrarium]

I think for the most part, the docile ones are just tolerable of us. I won't pretend to even guess at what they "think or feel" I honestly don't have an opinion..I do believe they recognize us, as in, there's that big creature that always messes with me..this is what I find most fascinating about whipspiders..they can recognize family units from strangers.. That means those long feelers should be able to imprint our chemical "taste" and trigger recognition..I find that very cool..

Oh yeah! Those things are crazy looking! You ever seen a camel spider? Due to it's potent flesh dissolving venom I have to say that's gotta be the scariest invertebrate period!

 

[MassExodus]

Absolutely. Whether he loves me or not always up for debate but it doesn't matter because in the end I love him

That simply shows character, nothing wrong with caring for your pets.