Hi so just curious to what experienced tarantula keepers would suggest for a first tarantula for myself I currently have no tarantulas and have never owned one before however I currently own two jumping spiders, two different centipedes and another species of spider I wanted to see suggestions and then would ofc do roughly a month or two of research on the top suggested before purchasing to make sure I can keep up to the best needs of the tarantula any interactions or suggestions would be greatful have a great day 🙏🏼❤️ also I live in the UK ✌🏼
Thank you really appreciate the help 🙂🙏🏼
IME I second checking out Dave's Little Beasties. Anything he doesn't know about tarantulas isn't worth knowing! Tom's Big Spiders is another font of fantastic knowledge. I would say that if you keep centipedes already, you would quite likely be comfortable with more of a challenge than the typical 'beginner' species, if you wanted to. Acanthoscurria geniculata are a fab species. They get pretty big and have a great food response. Mine only ever refuses food whilst in heavy pre-moult. They're slightly spicier than the Brachys, Grammostolas, Tliltocatls and Aphonopelmas without being intimidating.
Would definitely agree with your statement tbh had alot of moments where most would probably run with my centipedes 😅so not scared of abit of a more challenging species for sure ty for you input i really appreciate it
IMO that’s an awesome channel.
Imo G. Pulchra. Was my first T. Amazing species, but veeeery slow growing. Also, they are really beautiful.
Tiltocatl albopilosum! Mine’s going to be 16 in October & she is the sweetest thing ever, amazing temperament, good for handling (if you’re into that), & basically indestructible.. I love how floofy she is too..
Agreeing with curly hair. They're affordable and they're the most docile of a the ones I own
Had a look at your photos she looks amazing 🤩
Maybe the Brachypelma Hamorii or emilia
I'll have a look at both of them as soon as my device has charged and I'll reply back 👍🏼Thank you
IMO New to the hobby, but I will second the B. Hamorii. Though it could potentially differ from T to T, my B. Hamorii has been the most docile and the most on display out of all my T's. Mine hasn't kicked hair yet but Brachypelma are known for it!
It's a little harder to find, but my first T was a b. Klaasi! Great little guys, and stunning colors.
LOL that's my second T and she's a menace haha! A lot faster than I thought but I still love her
Damn my girl is a sweetheart! My t. Vagans on the other hand is a straight up asshole. I love them all so much.
is yours an adult? mine is a pretty small juvie so I'm hoping she'll settle down as she gets larger
She is, though she's always been chill. But it isn't unusual to have personality changes between molts.
well, here's to hoping! she does make for some interesting feedings though
They're always such drama queens :28811:
Add on to my previous comment: how large is your enclosure and your T? They can be grumpier and flightier if they feel they don't have enough space to retreat properly.
Oh she's got a pretty large burrow going on underneath that cork! Basically comes out and back in like a trapdoor spider whenever there's food nearby. (In this pic she had just moulted, she's not that skinny anymore!)
Looks good!
IMO I love brachypelmas so I definitely vote for them
I've had my Brachypelma Boehmei for about 2-3 months now and we're doing great! First time owner as well. I have multiple posts of her if you want to take a look!
i'd say pulchripes since it's cute, unique, quite noticable pattern, great eater. but they sometimes are either aggressive or mistook everything as food.
vagans are also too easy and docile, but the pattern is too calm and doesn't move that much. one of the most docile i've had.
hamorii is quite slow as well as vagans. while being a bit expensive for starting, it is always stunning to look at and eats well. the more it grows the more often it kick hairs, but i've never felt anything from it. mine is 11-12cm now.
here's my own personal criteria if i had to become a beginner once again, ranked in order:
inexpensive initial cost.
looking like a tarantula.
safe to handle. ofcourse i'm going to handle the T because i'm very new, but handleability also gives me piece of mind knowing i'm going to be able to move it or keeping it safe even with bare hands.
okay with your home temp & humidity.
age. i'd like my tarantula to be young and around 4-5cm. that's the sweet spot for starting IMHO. you would always be able to spot where it is, you know you'll always have feeder for it easily, wouldn't get countered by feeder even crickets, but still small enough to not cause you harm when you did something wrong.
new world & terrestrial. just because non terrestrial are oftenly known as skittish or even jumpy. spiders might be okay when they're jumpy. but you never want your tarantula to be running fast or jumping around. you might panic, and they might die from any impact.
heavy webber. the enclosure might look boring by the end, but it sure looks clean and the tarantula would be able to locate the food easier (in my experience).
I appreciate everything you've put 🙏🏼really helped
Avicularia Avicularia, or South American Pink Toe, has hallways been my favorite go-to. They're damn near snuggly.
I recently got my first- got a Chaco golden knee and I’m in love. Mexican red knee is always a real classic though, and Arizona blondes are apparently very beginner friendly. All very good looking tarantulas.
My local pet shop has a few golden knees and red knees for sale which got me looking alot more into Ts originally appreciate you input ❤️
No worries! Here’s a pic of my first T who I got recently, he’s (idk sex yet lol) called Alejandro and he’s a Chaco Golden Knee. Me n my sister are absolutely smitten with the creachure ❤️
I have to say either the Davus pentaloris or the pumpkin patch but I’m super partial to dwarves. Both were incredibly easy to get beyond the sling stage. Both have amazing appetites and both are always out for me!
IME I'm pretty new to the hobby. I started with an A. avicularia, and she's been great, but a bit bolty. My Green Bottle Blue is really cool but MAN does he kick hair... And I cannot recommend a dwarf species as a start because my D. diamantinensis likes to RUN.
Out of my four Ts? I wish I had started off with my Grammostola pulchra, Cecil. He's a bit shy, but he is VERY chill. No hair kicking, no threat posture, no nothing. He tends to bolt when startled but he's nowhere near as fast as my other Ts and he prefers to hide. He also eats like an absolute champion and he's so large and handsome!
Ty for your input I really appreciate it 🙏🏼❤️
Mine first is lasiodora klugi loooll
My curly hair female has been an absolute delight! The only one of my tarantulas so far that has not flung hairs at me (that have hairs to fling). There’s also the added bonus that she looks super fluffy. She’s very chill and has favourite spots in her enclosure which she moves between, so it’s nice to see her.
Basically any species from these genomes are good for beginners
Aphonopelma, Brachypelma, Tiltocatl and Gramostola
Also check out Dave's Little Beasties on YouTube. He's an experienced tarantula breeder from the UK and he's made many videos for beginners.