Originally Posted by
Sammy756
HOW DO YOU HOLD TARANTULAS??
WAT HAPPENS IF U GET BIT
Hey Sammy
It's good to have you here!
'How do you hold Tarantulas' depends a lot on what kind of
tarantulas you have. Most of the 'pet rock' genera (
Brachypelma,
Grammostola, etc) are very docile and can either be coaxed up onto your flattened hand, or simply carefully, scooped up between thumb and fingers. This latter method is useful for a 'ventral view'.
'What happens if you get bit' also depends on the kind of tarantula you have. Most of the 'pet rock' genera have a fairly mild venom that will result in very minor pain and short-lived localized (if any ) swelling.
It's very important to mention that if you happen to be allergic to tarantula venom, the results of a bite could be much more involved,
allergic reactions could involve something called 'anaphylactic shock' which might involve difficulty in breathing, among other things.
But....that's only if you have an allergic reaction to tarantula venom.
Most of the commonly kept 'pet rock' genera that are suitable for beginners aren't really likely to bite at all in the first place if they are carefully handled and not frightened.
There are a number of tarantulas that are quite popular and quite commonly kept that are not really so much suited for a beginner because they are not only capable of a bite with a more serious affect, they also are more high-strung and more likely to become defensive at being handled and therefore more likely to bite. The various 'Baboon' spiders
are for example usually kept as 'display' spiders, and not usually
handled at all unless necessary. The genera
Pterinochilus which includes the very pretty and very popular 'OBT' ( Orange Bitey Thing)
is a good example as are all of the genera
Poecilotheria, which are very pretty and fairly high-strung and defensive and therefore more or less quick to bite..their fans call them simply 'Pokies' and they are definitely a 'look but don't handle' genus...their venom is fairly potent and being bitten by an OBT or a Pokie is an experience that you'd really rather avoid. Mexican Redkneed Tarantulas (Brachypelma) Chilean Rose Tarantulas( Grammostola) are good choices for a beginner.
The really big genera of tarantulas, such as
Theraphosa and
Lasiodora will get bigger than your hand, and on top of that are usually not of a good disposition to be easily, safely handled. These spiders are so big that even if they didn't have venom, they're still capable of putting some pretty big holes in you if they bite. It's worth mentioning also, that a number of Tarantulas, esp the really big ones,
are covered in specialized 'hair' ( setae) that is very itchy. Even if it
it's tame and won't bite,if you handle it, you may find that your hands itch
REALLY badly afterward.
Having said all o'that...Tarantulas are a lot of fun...it's just a good idea to know what you're getting into before you start
GMB
Bookmarks