I'm a tarantula AMA (selfie included)

[charabanctrip]

My name is Albie, feel free to ask me any questions

Albie, I've adopted two spiders who like to hang out at night in my utility room. I assume they're ladies - what should I name them?

They should be called Hilda and Margaret.

The smaller spider will have been consumed.

@Albie do spider spray repellent really work? And would they harm you and your friends?

Hmm, I don't like the sound of spider repellant 🤔

Spiders shouldn't be prevented from venturing indoors because they kill flies and other pests. They also need somewhere to live. The spider repellant might be okay if it's a natural, plant based concoction, but harmful chemicals are bad for spiders, humans and pets, so I'd steer clear of those. Don't shut the poor spiders out in the cold because their legs will turn blue and shivery 🥶🕷🥶

Hilda and Margaret suits them well, they are like two ladies chatting over the garden fence.

Poor wee guy, but well done on his hand rubbing beforehand

@Albie thank you for letting us know. My little boy is afraid of you (probably learned from mummy) so I will show him your pictures and read him your stories and maybe he will stop asking for spider spray 💐

@charabanctrip what's the best way to buy a tarantula? As a baby or fully grown? I'm looking into getting one (especially after reading this delightful thread!) and I've seen that babies are incredibly cheap! Also, are there any sellers you would/would not recommend to buy from? I've seen exotic-pets.co.uk send babies in the post next day delivery! I would not have thought that was the best way to transport them is posting them acceptable?

[quote AintNobodyHereButUsChickens]@charabanctrip what's the best way to buy a tarantula? As a baby or fully grown? I'm looking into getting one (especially after reading this delightful thread!) and I've seen that babies are incredibly cheap! Also, are there any sellers you would/would not recommend to buy from? I've seen exotic-pets.co.uk send babies in the post next day delivery! I would not have thought that was the best way to transport them is posting them acceptable?[/quote]
Sorry to chime in, but maybe see if you have any exotic rescues nearby? I'd love a tarantula, but I feel I should try get a rescue rather than buy a mail order one.. it feels a bit unethical to me personally speaking.

@covetingthepreciousthings I can't see any rescues closer to me than 40 odd miles away! I did think it might be unethical but when I consider that we get mail order caterpillars to hatch into butterflies, I'm not too sure

You can buy some tarantulas from your local pet store but posting them is perfectly safe. It’s how I got my jumping spider. They are placed in a vial with some tissue as protection, padded in box and then a heat pad added to keep them warm. They are also posted as a 24 hour priority courier so they get to you nice and quickly.

Things without a spine aren’t protected by the RSPCA which is why things like mealworms, crickets etc can be sold as live food

Tarantulas in the post?!

Why is that so very endearing.

This is now quite old but I’m nominating for Classics so it doesn’t just get lost. Actually not sure how to do that - is it anything beyond just adding this post?