Thinkin of a chilean rose

[johnnyboy4783]

How are these Tar. never owned a tar before, and actually i am afraid of arachnids, but thought maybe this could help my fear. how docile are they? and if bitten does if hurt bad?

 

[T&KBrouse]

Rose Hairs are wonderful!
About a year ago, I was driving home and this flash thought came to me, "I need a Tarantula."
Well, being arachniphobic, my next thought was, "What am I thinking?? Yup, I've gone senile. I'm going to forget where I live now and call my children by different names. I've lost my mind!"
Well, I started learning about them and the more I learned, the more intrigued I got. The I started picking the brains of every T expert I could find.
Anyways... I brought home my first T, a G. Rosea, about a month ago. She is so docile and handles so easily. I swear, they're like the Ball Pythons of spiders. Can't say enough great stuff about these guys.

My Little Feet~

They are so low maintenance (they eat one cricket once every week to two weeks) and just a joy to have.:main_thumbsup:

All over a great first T.

K

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

The only reason why I would suggest not getting a G. rosea as a first theraphosid is they can be so very different in temperment. While the one above is described as being very docile, I have also seen plenty of posts on other forums of G. rosea that couldn't ever be picked up and held.

If you're interested in Gramastola, I would suggest G. aureostriata. In contrast to the G. rosea's very random temperment, I've never seen anyone mention this species being agressive. As a matter of fact, I owned one and it was a real joy to keep. I believe they are also the largest species in the genus, with the females maxing out at about 8" in legspan! The ease in keeping these is equal to that of G. rosea. Here's a link to a picture. Whichever of the two you do choose, they make great and fascinating pets! Best of Luck!

 

[T&KBrouse]

Oh that one is very pretty..
Adding that one to my wish list, right next to a stunning B. smithi I've got my eye on.
Now, what about pink toes? What are their dispositions normally like?

 

[techgirl]

I had both rosehairs and pink toes in college and I loved them both. Pink toes are faster than you expect them to be. I would pick rosehairs as a first time T because I believe they are more laid back than most. I would love to get T's again but I am allergic and my bf doesn't want them in the house until our child is much older and more responsible. I was bitten a long time ago and it did smart. As for the reaction part, I am deathly allergic to bees so it was more than what most people will experience. I had to go to the hospital and get steroids and antihistamines after my epi pen didn't waive the initial reactions. Most people will get pain from the bite, no more than a bee sting, and some swelling at the site. Good luck finding the T for you. I have a wish list about a page long of what I want to get when my kid turns 12(8 years from now).

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

Just as G. rosea is a very common first "terrestrial" terantula, Pink Toes (specificlly Avicularia avicularia) are a very common first "arboreal" terantula. They aren't at all agressive, but very skittish and flighty. And they can climb furniture or walls like it's nobody's business. But in spite of this, I would HIGHLY recommend them as an addition to your collection. :main_yes:

Probably the most important thing to stay on top of with any of the Avicularia species is humidity. They Will Not tolerate humidity levels much under about 70% for any extended period of time. But they too are very popular and interesting. I think for any very basic terantula collection, Pink Toes are a MUST! :main_thumbsup:

 

[T&KBrouse]

So Rose Hairs need dry conditions, but Pink Toes need high humidity. Would somewhat saturated eco-earth be alright? Should they be misted daily? How would one keep their humidity at or above that 70% level without getting the "rainforest effect" in their enclosure?

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

Yep, misting at least once a day or maybe even twice. Some of us seal up say 2/3 of a screen cover to help lessen the airflow and hold the humidity in. Eco-earth actually holds humidity very well, so it's a great substrate for inverts of all types.

The difference is, Pink Toes actually do live in the rain forest. G. rosea and G. aureostriata on the other hand come from less humid forested environments and are "burrow-dwellers". And the Brachypelma smithi you mentioned comes from even slightly dryer areas in Mexico.

John - I'm sorry the thread got a little off topic, but I do hope you find at least some of the info helpfull as well.

 

[T&KBrouse]

My bad...
Sorry 'bout that, John.

 

[ReptileMan27]

Just get a scorp instead

 

[T&KBrouse]

Jason...

You're KILLIN' me, Smalls!

 

[ReptileMan27]

LOL, so when are you getting your P. imperator that you said you were getting?

 

[T&KBrouse]

I know, I'm avoiding the inevitable.
After the $190 dr bill for the recluse bite, he's going to have to wait another week for his scorp.

 

[ReptileMan27]

I know, I'm avoiding the inevitable.
After the $190 dr bill for the recluse bite, he's going to have to wait another week for his scorp.

LOL remember a SPIDER did that,NOT a scorp

 

[T&KBrouse]

I know, I know...
Well, we still aren't completely sure. It could have been one of the little wild scorps around here. But I doubt seriously it would have done as much damage, you know?

 

[ReptileMan27]

I know, I know...
Well, we still aren't completely sure. It could have been one of the little wild scorps around here. But I doubt seriously it would have done as much damage, you know?

I doubt it unless he had a allergic reaction to the venom..