Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas And Inverts

Although there is obviously a learning curve for this hobby (there is for any hobby), I DO believe that folks oftentimes try to make tarantula keeping sound more difficult than it actually is. In this episode, we discuss how we tend to overcomplicate the husbandry of these very adaptive animals, and what it takes to become an "experienced" keeper.

Reluctantly, I'm going to give my thoughts on the recent fiasco resulting from a seizure of a particular species of tarantulas that were being imported into the US. Since this incident, I've been bombarded by emails and messages from concerned hobbyists worried that there was a ban on all Brazilian species or that the government was going to knock on their doors to seize their prized pets. In short, is it scary? Yes. Is the panic and public outcry warranted? I would say 'no', and that it could even prove to be more damaging. Here are some points for hobbyists to consider before wading into the fray.

A couple of years ago, I sat down to make a list of what I thought were the top beginner species. Part fun, put informational, the article was meant to help those getting into tarantulas choose an appropriate pet to enter the hobby with. A few years later, I created a video version in which I revised my original list to include a couple more species and video footage of all of these guys in my collection. In both cases, these features helped to spur a running dialog between keepers about what truly makes for a good beginner (or even is there such thing as a “beginner” species). It also begged another interesting question; namely, once you become experienced with an entry level tarantula, what's next? This is a discussion of some of the species that could make for smoother transitions to keeping Old Worlds.

This topic seems all the rage lately, and after a recent email discussion with a new hobbyist, I thought that I'd weigh in on the "debate." In this episode, I try to address the purpose of "common names" as well as the importance of serious hobbyists learning the often complicated scientific names.

After recently putting together a retrospective video about my M. balfouri communal, and having just set up communals for two other species, I thought it would be a good time to discuss them. Although they are fascinating for many keepers, there are some things to think about before starting oneNOTE: T. gigas is NOT a communal species. While discussing communal species, I misspoke and said "T. gigas" instead of "H. gigas."

I get asked this quite a bit, and I honestly don't think that there is an easy answer. There is so much involved, including the strength of the relationship. However, I think there are a few things to consider when trying to convince your significant other to allow giant spiders into the house. Thanks to listener, Gina, for the email that finally got me to try to address this issue!

A review of what is probably my favorite genus of tarantula...Poecilotheria.

My apologies in advance, as I do just a little light-hearted venting about some YouTube channel comments to start this one off. Then, we move into an update on my recent substrate issues, including several deaths I'm pretty certain were due to contaminated dirt.

If you spend any time keeping tarantulas, you eventually get that dreaded question: don't you think it's wrong to keep animals like that? Most folks don't understand keeping tarantulas in the first place, and many well-meaning animals lovers look at our setups and can't comprehend how a deli cup could be a good home for a baby spider. In this episode, we discuss how to answer this question constructively.

In this episode, we'll tackle the illegal practice of "brown boxing" tarantulas into the country. What is it? How does it harm the hobby? How can you know if you're buying smuggled tarantulas?

I've had people ask how you can tell if a care guide or sheet is giving good information. In this episode, we search up a random species and see what we find in terms of care sheets (and point out some of the issues to look for).

GNATS! Man, I hate those little buggers. In this episode, I'll be talking about my recent battle with these irritating insects, and some of my resulting thoughts on substrates.

Let's talk about crickets! I get plenty of questions about the different types of feeder insects available for tarantulas, so in this episode I'll discuss some of the ones I've used (including some pros and cons of each).

In this episode, we talk about tarantula ICUs and their effectiveness in treating ailing spiders; what size slings beginners should start with; and some legalities surrounding the shipping of spiders. As usual, those who would like to comment on this podcast are encouraged to check out my Tom's Big Spiders Facebook page.

In this installment, I answer questions posed on my Facebook page about various tarantula topics. Questions include: What is the state of the hobby? Is it growing or in the decline? How can you protect yourself from urticating hairs? How does one recognize good information on tarantula husbandry? A huge thanks to Eddie Marquis, Jennifer Waters Dellinger, and Allen Evans for the questions!

Going on two years ago, I started an M. balfouri communal setup with the intention of documenting it from sling to adulthood. For over a year, I posted monthly video updates on YouTube, and I was able to catch some truly amazing things. Now, my little ones are all grown up, and many folks have been starting M. balfouri communities of their own. I've received a lot of question lately about M. balfouris, so I figured that it would a good time to sum up my thoughts and observations on this incredibly fascinating and rewarding set up.

I've spoken to several people over the years who have just bought their first tarantula yet know literally NOTHING about them or how to correctly keep them. It got me thinking: what do folks need to know when starting the hobby? What do I wish I had known before acquiring my first tarantula? In this podcast, I try to lay out the basics for anyone who has just stumbled into keeping Ts (or anyone currently doing their research before entering the hobby!). As I'm certain that I missed some things, there will likely be a followup.

The inevitability of death is a part of the hobby. Whether it be a mature male on its last legs, an older specimen, or a sick sling, everyone is going suffer a loss at some point. However, when a seemingly healthy specimen suddenly dies, it's important for the diligent keeper to do his or her best to make certain that it wasn't human error or husbandry issues that led to the premature passing of the animal. In this episode, we address deaths in the collection and discuss some important things to think about.

A lot of hobbyists reference "power feeding" their tarantulas. But what exactly is "power feeding"...and does the term even apply to these arachnids? A discussion of the pros an cons of a more aggressive feeding schedule for Ts.

Many of us get into the hobby with aspirations of breeding, and it can be an incredibly rewarding aspect of this pastime. However, breeding is can be a huge investment to time and, in some cases, money. For those looking to breed in the future, here are some things to think about.Also, can Old Word tarantula venom mean a trip to the hospital?