Thinking about getting a Salmon Pink birdeater

[IMAGINE1391]

I recently got into this hobby this past August when I ordered a GBB and I love it! I wanna add another species that is quite different and would eventually be a large specimen. I also don’t want a T that is super aggressive so all signs point to the LP. Correct me if I am wrong.

So I would like to know what environment best suits them. My house is always around 70-72 degrees so would I need an extra heat source? And how would I keep the habitat from molding since you have to keep an LP in a humid environment?

 

[Arachnoclown]

They can be defensive...not aggressive (except with food).Your temps are fine. They should be kept on dry substrate. So mold will never be an issue. I've got 3 lasiodora parahybana and love them all.

 

[IMAGINE1391]

They can be defensive...not aggressive (except with food).Your temps are fine. They should be kept on dry substrate. So mold will never be an issue. I've got 3 lasiodora parahybana and love them all.View attachment 34113

Will they grow faster if you keep them in damper and warmer conditions? I’ve heard this but I’m not sure.

 

[Arachnoclown]

Will they grow faster if you keep them in damper and warmer conditions? I’ve heard this but I’m not sure.

Dampness does nothing for growth for any species. As a sling you would want it a little damp until a 1" or so. This only aids in molting frequently while a sling. Heat may help a little but mid 70s is plenty. The thing is everyone talks about adding heat and power feeding...it makes them grow faster. It actually will stress the hell out of you. "Whys my T not eating for 3 months now?" Your T can only grow so fast...period. if you jump up the temps and power feed it will only fast and not eat until its growth cycle catches up. Low and slow is the best way. If you want a big spider just shell out the cash and dont wait...you'll still enjoy it for years and years.

 

[Nunua]

I don't understand why people want to ramp up feeding and temperatures trying to make the Ts grow faster. If you want a large specimen, just use a tad more money and buy a sub-adult or an adult?

And I can second @Arachnoclown about the T just fasting until the cycle catches up. I have few slings who are just waiting and fasting at the moment. Their abdomen is plump as heck so it's all about the waiting game for now. A tarantula can't molt before the new exoskeleton is ready - you can't hurry that process.

Anyway, LP is a nice choice for a large terrestrial. I would also recommend Acanthoscurria geniculata - Fast growing, beautiful species. Not aggressive, but has quite ferocious feeding response so thinks that whatever moves is food.
Here's my juvenile genic female, Maisa

 

[Whitelightning777]

Any Lasiodora is a great choice. LPs are the easiest to get but no less awesome then any of the others.

I'd look at other members of the genus. Growth rate and care requirements are identical. Only price and availability differ.

They eat like garbage disposals. Keeping up with the appetite will greatly increase growth versus just feeding the sling once a week or two.

When mine was younger I would feed her 3 times per week. Now it's just once or twice per week but with multiple roaches. Feed more then one type of feeder to add variety to the diet and a wider range of nutrients.

Typically this will be roaches, crickets and mealworms with the occasional hornworm thrown in and maybe also superworms. Mix it up a little.

This was my L klugi when I first got her August 11 2017.

Here she was yesterday. (12-21-18)

They grow pretty fast. When the opportunity presents itself, I'll see if I can get a legspan measured out.

Put it this way, people argue whether Lasiodora species can get to 10" DLS in size or only top out at 9" DLS.

Lasiodora striatepes is considered the largest species in the genus and held the record as the world's biggest tarantula until T blondi was discovered.

All of them are massive!! I just hope my Justina doesn't outgrow her 5 gallon tank!!

So, yes by all means get one!!

 

[Tortoise Tom]

One more vote "yes" here. Lp is a great species, super easy keeper, great feeder, and yes, they get big. The lower price is not a bad thing either.

I house mine on coco coir. I got them as tiny little slings, so I kept the substrate lightly damp. Coco coir does not mold, so its not an issue. Having a little bit of cross ventilation will also prevent any mold issues.

Get one, or a few. You'll be glad you did.

 

[Whitelightning777]

It's never too soon to start shopping for the next cage!!

In all seriousness, once they get to 2.5"or so, just throw them into a 5 gallon tank or something similar. Use a smaller hide closer to the waterdish.

The prey drive is so strong, they'll run clear across the cage to nail a cricket or two.

You can also place a small metal soda bottle cap upside down close to the hide and put just a bit of cricket chow or roach chow inside.

The bait will draw the feeder closer to the hide in the vary unlikely case there are any issues.

 

[MiaWolf42]

This is when my LP was young and fast. A great tarantula to own!