Torn between 2 tarantulas...which one?

gaparicio

Let's Go Bears!
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617
Location
Chicago
I've been doing some research on different species of tarantulas and have narrowed my options down to either a G. auerostriata (Chaco Golden Knee) or a G. Pulchra (Brazillian Black).

Which of the two species kick less urticating hairs? I have never liked seeing a tarantula with a bald but.:( Are these 2 tarantulas slow moving when they're bigger? Both are slow growing but how slow? If I obtained a 2in. one, how long till they reach adulthood?

I've always wanted a tarantula and finally got the ok from the misses.:main_thumbsup::p
 

Sunrise Reptile

SunriseReptile.com
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3,520
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New Haven, IN
First off, Congrats! :main_thumbsup:

Both are really mellow. I've owned one of each and never remember either flicking even once. So the biggest difference is price. G. aureostriata gets bigger and is more interesting to look at IMO (i.e., it has a pattern). Very Underated! That's my suggestion, in case you can't tell.

Yeah, they both move pretty slow. Very handleable. Just keep them close to the floor so if they fall off your hand, they don't injure themselves.

How fast they grow will depend too on what sex you get. The males will mature faster and not get as big as the females. Males also won't be as long lived. You can expect it to take about four years (I believe) until a female reaches adult size. Males will be about half that.
 

T&KBrouse

K, the Crazy Snake Lady
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1,560
I have to agree with Maurice. Chacos are just gorgeous and seem to have very nice dispositions. I have a G.pulchra, and apparently she didn't read the rule book on how she should behave. She tries to kill me every time I have to move her.

I haven't really noticed alot of hair kicking from many of the Grammastolas. Is that just an inexperienced observation? Or has anyone else noticed this?
Now Brachypelma? Thats a different story. I swear Brachypelma is latin for "Crazy hair kicker."
 

gaparicio

Let's Go Bears!
Messages
617
Location
Chicago
Hey, thanks the the info. I'm leaning towards the Chaco. I'd prefer to get a female since they live much longer. I have one more question, when they say a tarantula is 2in. does it mean legs pan? If so, I'll be on the lookout for one between 2-4in.;)
 

Sunrise Reptile

SunriseReptile.com
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3,520
Location
New Haven, IN
Yep, you're right. Tarantulas are referred to in size based on their legspan. And that's the legspan from the tip of a back leg on one side to the tip of a front leg on the other side (i.e., tip of left rear leg to tip of right front leg). In most cases it's a visual estimate.

And yeah, go with the "Chaco"! ;) You're gonna Love her.

Edit: If I may suggest, Krazy 8's is FANTASTIC to work with, and the guy has top notch inverts!
 
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metaldad904

Sideshow Freak
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216
Location
Alpharetta, GA
G. Pulchra all the way, very cool T. As for growth rate, Pulchra's grow rather slow if they're female but worth the wait. 4-5 years typically to become fully mature. As for hair kicking, that depends a lot on the personality of the T, some are very skittish and will kick them at the slightest provacation...others couldn't care less and rarely use it. The Goliath birdeater i used to have would kick hairs pretty often but for some reason it was never enough to make her go bald.
 

MischiefManaged

Painting the roses red...
Messages
165
Location
Orange County, CA
Ahhh...you will start with one but it certainly won't end there. ;)
I would definitely recommend a chaco over a pulchra. My pulchras are pretty skittish, but my Chaco is an absolute kitten. Another T you may want to look into is the A. avicularia. They are very handleable and will jump from hand to hand like a crested gecko... :) They are very cute with their pink toes...one of my favorites.
Oh, and I second the Krazy8s recommendation...Chris is a great guy with quality animals. Good luck and post pics when you get your spider!
 

gaparicio

Let's Go Bears!
Messages
617
Location
Chicago
Ahhh...you will start with one but it certainly won't end there. ;)
I would definitely recommend a chaco over a pulchra. My pulchras are pretty skittish, but my Chaco is an absolute kitten. Another T you may want to look into is the A. avicularia. They are very handleable and will jump from hand to hand like a crested gecko... :) They are very cute with their pink toes...one of my favorites.
Oh, and I second the Krazy8s recommendation...Chris is a great guy with quality animals. Good luck and post pics when you get your spider!

I'm pretty much set on the Chaco now. I'll start looking around for one either online or at my local swap. Pics will come soon after.:main_thumbsup:
 

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