Synopsis
A podcast devoted to the proper care and upkeep of tarantulas and other inverts. After keeping a G. porteri for over 16 years, I decided that I wanted to add another tarantula to my collection. Several years later, I now keep over 100 specimens and 90+ different species. Its safe to say that I am now completely addicted to the hobby.Im NOT an expert, and Im currently still learning about keeping these fascinating creatures. In fact, there are so many species, that I suspect that Ill still be learning years from now. This blog is a bit of a journal to track my interest in the hobby and to share some of the information Ive learned. A teacher by trade, I enjoy passing along what Ive information and techniques Ive discovered and helping others in their successful pursuit of this hobby. I enjoy hearing from folks, whether through comments on the blog or email.I have done and continue to do a lot of research, and I will only be discussing animals I personally keep, so the information I present should be current and accurate. I also regularly update older posts with current photos, observations, and information. However, this is an ever-evolving hobby, so I implore anyone interested in keeping these animals to use whatever they find here as a springboard for further research on techniques or species-specific care.
Episodes
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Common Beginner Missteps, Avic Sling Enclosure, and Mixing Dirt
04/04/2020 Duration: 55minOkay, to kick this one of, I'll talk about the enclosure design I'm using for six adorable little A. avicularia m6 slings I got from my buddy, Andrew, Then, I'm back to mixing substrate again, and I share my latest recipe. Finally, it's off to cover some of the more common missteps new hobbyist make.
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Phormictopus Genus Discussion
28/03/2020 Duration: 45minIn this episode, I continue my crusade to get folks to try out this amazing genus as I talk about the Phormictopus species in my collection.
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Feeder Options in Case of Quarantine and Water Dishes (Again!)
22/03/2020 Duration: 46minSo, with pet stores closing in many states, some folks are panicking about how they will find feeders if they are quarantined or ordered to stay put. Here are some things to think about as well as some ideas should you find yourself unable to buy feeders for several weeks.Also, it's time to visit that old "controversial" topic, water dishes, again! CRICKETS:https://buyfeedercrickets.com/pages/live-cricketsAMAZON CRICKETShttps://www.amazon.com/stores/node/19833073011?_encoding=UTF8&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=BASSETT%27S%20CRICKET%20RANCH&ref_=bl_dp_s_web_19833073011
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Moisture Dependency a "Hoax"? And Preparing for an Emergency
15/03/2020 Duration: 44minTo kick it off, I respond to a keeper who commented on my Moisture Dependent Species video that moisture dependency is a hoax. Then, we talk about how to prepare should an emergency make it impossible for you to care for your tarantulas for a while.
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Yes, It Can Happen to You! Mistakes and Mishaps Some Keepers Think Are Myths.
08/03/2020 Duration: 49minIn this episode, we cover some popular mistakes and mishaps that many keepers seem to think are myths. I've been putting this list together from quite some time, and it's time to discuss these "risk vs. reward" situations. The next time someone asks, "But does that really happen?", the answer is often YES.
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Keeping Moisture Dependent Species (and Listener Question)
01/03/2020 Duration: 53minWe kick this one off with a listener question, then we dive into our main topic...moisture dependent species!
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Sexing Tarantulas and Determining Maturity
23/02/2020 Duration: 42minA general discussion about how to sex tarantulas and how to recognize when your specimens are sexually mature.
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Tips for Starting a YouTube Channel and Moving Your Tarantula Collection
17/02/2020 Duration: 48minOkay, these are two topics that I've had a lot of questions about lately, so I figured that I'd tackle them. Truth be told, I might not be the most qualified to answer them!
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The Most Visible Tarantulas in My Collection
09/02/2020 Duration: 53minI've received a lot of requests for a top ten list of most visible tarantula species, but I've been reluctant to put one together. I just don't think that anyone can realistically cover the topic in this manner. Instead, I'm going to talk about some of the tarantulas I have kept that have made good showcase spiders for me due to their visibility. Feel free to join us on Facebook to chime in with your picks!
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Chilobrachys Genus Review
03/02/2020 Duration: 46minWell, the title pretty much says it all. In this episode, we discuss care for Chilobrachys species!
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Mystery Illness and Tarantulas in Entertainment Media
26/01/2020 Duration: 53minOne of my spiders was suffering from a mysterious ailment. Also, some thoughts on how tarantulas are portrayed on TV and in Movies.The species I'm discussing in the first segment is Phormingochilus arboricola . Thanks Tank McCoy for the heads up!
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The EMODE Website and the Importance of Doing Research Before You Buy
20/01/2020 Duration: 49minFirst off, we discuss the EMODE website which proports to tell people which pets should be kept and which should not. From there, we discuss why it's important to do your research BEFORE you buy your next animal. Finally, I offer an update on my S. dehaani.
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The Impact of Fear Mongering YouTube Clickbait on the Hobby
12/01/2020 Duration: 56minTo kick this one off, we discuss how sensationalized, hyperbolic videos that portray tarantulas as scary or dangerous are detrimental to our hobby. Next, we discuss the potential issues that beginners face when they find themselves picking up dozens of spiders in a very short period of time.When you're done, please check out the new podcast Preclarum Theraphosidae !
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Some Housekeeping and Tips on Setting Up Different Types of Enclosures
05/01/2020 Duration: 50minFirst off, I wanted to address some issues with correspondence, breeding loans, and home visits.Next, we move into the guts of the podcast and talk about how to set up terrestrial, arboreal, and fossorial enclosures to ensure that your spiders settle in as quickly as possible. 20% off O. philippinus slings at Fear Not Tarantulas code: tbs20
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The Stigmatization of Old Worlds (and Some Thoughts on the Ladder System)
30/12/2019 Duration: 46minAfter recently having two keepers tell me that they would NEVER get any old world tarantulas because they are "too dangerous", it got me thinking. Have we, as a hobby, gone too far in trying to caution folks against the faster, more venomous species? Are they really that dangerous to keep? Also, some thoughts on the "ladder system", and how it may not work for everyone.
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Using Substrate and Prey from Outside and Wire Mesh - What are the Risks?
23/12/2019 Duration: 40minOkay, so this was supposed to be part of last week's episode, but my voice didn't hold out. Still, as last week dealt more with issues in the home, this one deals more with setups. In this episode, we discuss the risk of using prey or substrate from outside. We also tackle wire mesh in tarantula enclosures.
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Scented Candles, Bright Lights, and Stereo Systems - Are They Harmful to Tarantulas?
15/12/2019 Duration: 31minMany of us like to come home turn on the lights, light some candles, and crank up the music. However, are any of these things harmful to our spiders? In this episode, we break it down.
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Winter Topics, Bioactive Updates, and Full Interview with Animals at Home
08/12/2019 Duration: 01h39minWith winter weather upon us, we'll discuss ordering tarantulas in the winter as well as my trick for "winterizing" my slings. Also, I offer a quick update on my bioactive setups. Finally, Dillon from Animals at Home was kind enough to let me present his entire interview with me.
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Harpactira pulchripes and My Experiences with Cleaner Insects
01/12/2019 Duration: 50minTo kick this one off, I talk about Harpactira pulchripes. Then, I share some of my experiences with springtails and isopods. (NOTE: It's CLEANER insects, not FEEDER insects! Sorry for the confusion!)
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Bonus Episode 2 - Communal Updates
28/11/2019 Duration: 36minHappy Thanksgiving everyone! In this bonus episode, I offer some updates on my communal setups.