Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas And Inverts

A couple recent comments on YouTube have compelled me to revisit the topics of enclosures and handling again. Also, a hobby buddy of mine and YouTuber is putting together a very cool and ambitious video about breeding that I'll be contributing footage to, and it got me thinking a bit about how males are treated during breeding. 

We kick this one off with a discussion of the P. murinus or "OBT". Then, for folks who haven't heard it, I've included a clip of my interview on the Animals At Home podcast!Episode Web page (with links to iTune, Spotify, etc.): https://www.animalsathome.ca/35-toms-big-spiders/

So, how dangerous is it to bring tarantulas (especially old world species) into your home? A discussion of some points to consider. Also, some quick molt and breeding updates! 

First, we talk a bit about my latest attempt at a beginner species list, and some of the issues with lists in general. Then, I'll speak a bit about my recent interview for the podcast Animals at Home. Finally, it's off to talking about one of my favorite species...the G. pulchripes! 

So, after coming up with this idea while working on a book about tarantula care, I decided that it would make a good article/video/podcast. However, I'm sure that I'm missing some important terms (like substrate!). What am I missing? 

Okay, to kick this one off, I'll be talking about my participation in the "Hot Sauce Tarantula Feeding Challenge."Then, I make my attempt at coming up with a list of the best "Showcase" (or most visible) spiders in my collection. 

For those who would like to read the article, click HERE!

By request, some thoughts on the pros and cons of starting with a spidering or an adult tarantula! 

So, I was reluctant to do this one because I don't want people to think that tarantula breeding can be so easily summed up. Truth is, it requires a lot of preparation and work. And, quite frankly, I'm no breeding expert. However, for those interested in pairing their spiders, hopefully this podcast will offer a bit of an outline for you. 

I've been getting a lot of question about how to keep substrate moist, so I figured that it would make a good topic for the podcast! Also, an update on my beginner species feature. Tom's Big Spiders Store: https://teespring.com/stores/toms-big...

In this one, we discuss how important it is to keep your collection from swelling to stressful and unmanageable levels. Second, we discuss how to convince a mate to let you get Old World tarantulas. Thanks to Dan Pompili for the suggestion! 

Well, the title pretty much says it all! I also talk about my latest video collaboration with Predator or Prey's Gar Rees, and touch on the new "Beginner Species" video that I'm working on. Those interested in check out the collab I did with Gar can click here! 

For those of you who like the species specific podcasts, this one is for you. in this episode, we'll talk about C. darlingi (AKA, the Rear Horned Baboon). I've received a ton of requests for husbandry information on this species, so I'm excited to finally focus on this wonderful tarantula. And for those who are interested in tarantula T-shirts, the store is live! https://teespring.com/stores/toms-big-spiders-the-store

On a recent video I posted on the Harpactira pulchripes, a few folks commented that they didn't agree with my statement that they would NOT make good beginner species. Now, this is obviously just a difference of opinion, and I definitely appreciated and understood their perspectives on it. Due to its relatively calm temperament and ease of care, I could see how a hobbyist might recommend it to someone new to the hobby. However, I DID want to take the opportunity to explain why I won't recommend any Old World's as "beginners."

First, we're going to go back to last episode for a bit to talk about the issue with barren enclosures. Then, I have a couple breeding projects that I'd like to discuss. Finally, having received close to a dozen emails about P. metallica slings these past few weeks, I'm going to take some time to discuss their setups. 

Well, the title pretty much says it all! In this episode, I'll answer a couple more listener questions. 

Considering  how many articles, videos, and podcasts I've produced over the years, it was inevitable that some things I have said would be misconstrued, misinterpreted, or misrepresented. Although I always endeavor to be as clear and articulate as possible when speaking about topics, it's come to my attention that some folks might have received the wrong message on a few subjects. So, I'm using this podcast to clear the air a bit!  Visit Arachnoboards!

Continuing with listener questions, we tackle a list of species that are good ones to start with for folks looking to keep their first Old Worlds. 

First, I want to share the awesome experience I had this week with Eric (YouTube channels Scare Theater and Owler) and Regan, who stopped by to help Eric get over his fear of spiders. Then, we move on to the next round of listener questions. 

So I put out the call, and you fine folks answered! A huge THANK YOU to all who took the time to post a question. This is will be part one of likely three parts, as there are a LOT of questions to answer! Thank you also to Anastasija Zeila, Vince Padilla, Jeremiah Strange, Sarah Abery, and Mark Nelson for the questions covered in this episode. My Facebook Page