FAQ #1 - What´s a Good Beginner Tarantula?

FAQ #1 

What´s a Good Beginner Tarantula?

So, I get this question from time to time and I always address it when asked, but I thought that I could elaborate a bit further here :)

So what qualifies a tarantula to be called a good beginner species?

For me it´s a couple of things:

• Temperament
• Requirements 
• Speed (in some cases)

So for me when I got my first tarantula I was still really afraid of spiders and I wanted to get a tarantula to get over my fears, along with the fact that I found them to be absolutely fascinating.

That´s where temperament came in, I didn't want to get a super skittish tarantula that would possibly freak me out even more when it bolted away.

This is also why I wrote "speed, in some cases", for me it was a lot easier to start out with a tarantula that had a calmer disposition.

I also wanted a tarantula that sat out in the open a lot to allow me to "interact" with it on a daily basis as a part of getting over my fear.  

And with requirements I mean that some tarantulas are more "basic" and some are very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity
Now if you have previous experience with reptile, frogs and such then you might be more used to what it takes to upkeep humidity and temperature and so on.
So you might feel that you can get a more advanced tarantula as a beginner tarantula.

I would say that the most important thing to think about when you´re getting a tarantula, or any pet for that matter is - find a pet that match your knowledge and comfort level.
In the end it´s you that will be responsible for the pet you buy :)

But I´m still gonna go over a few species that I feel are great beginner species.
But remember these are just my opinions :D


Grammostola pulchra:

The Grammostola pulchra or the Brazilian Black as it´s commonly called is a stunning species.
They are very easy to care for, they are docile and friendly.
They are good eaters, mine only refuse food when she´s close to a molt.

Now the downside to the Grammostola pulchra is that they can be very expensive and not everyone wants to start out with an expensive tarantula.


Brachypelma hamorii:

This was my beginner tarantula but back then they were sold as Brachypelma smithi (this was long before the revision).
Anyway, the Brachypelma hamorii is a fairly large species, mine sits out in the open for the most part.
I've never gotten a threat posture from this tarantula, she´s always docile and friendly.
The food response is great unless they are close to a molt.

The Brachypelma species are usually pretty easy to come by and they are not that expensive as slings/juveniles.


Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens:

If you want a colorful tarantula that build beautiful webs, this is definitely the tarantula for you.
The Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is fairly easy to maintain, they are friendly but they can be a bit skittish and fast moving at times, so that´s something to take into consideration.

They have an amazing food response and they usually hunt after their prey which is a pretty amazing sight.
Mine spends most of his time out in his web so I definitely get to admire him a lot.


Avicularia avicularia:

So maybe you want to start out with an arboreal (tree living) tarantula.
The Avicularia avicularia is a great choice, now they can be a bit sensitive as slings so I would definitely recommend that you study up on their husbandry before you decide to get one.

But they are extremely cute, they are out in the open a lot, they have a really good food response as well.
Now they can however move really fast (when they want to).


Grammostola rosea/porteri:

So what about the rose hairs?
The Grammostola rosea and Grammostola porteri used to be among the most common beginner tarantulas in the hobby.

They are easy to find, they are not expensive and they are very easy to care for.

Now personally I have never had any issue at all with my Grammostola porteri, she is super friendly and docile.
Not every keeper would agree with me though, some rosea/porteri´s can be quite moody but that´s not something I have experienced myself.

The one thing to think about with these species is that they can refuse food for a long time!
Mine went over a year without eating, but this is common and absolutely nothing to worry about.


** Last but definitely not least, let´s add one of the giants to the mix **

Lasiodora parahybana:

So what if you want to start out with one of the larger species of tarantulas?

I would say go with the Lasiodora parahybana.
The T. stirmi and T. blondi are absolutely gorgeous, but they are both a lot more expensive and a bit harder to care for.

The Lasiodora parahybana gets massive as well, but it´s very easy to care for.
They can be a bit moody when they are younger but they will calm down with age.
My large mature male is truly a gentle giant.

And there´s something special with seeing a tarantula that size taking off after their prey.

But this might not be the best choice if you are like I was in the beginning, a bit wary of spiders in general.

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So these where just a few of the species that I would consider good beginner species.
There are plenty others that are easy to care for as well, but I though I could give you a few examples of what you might want to look out for when choosing a tarantula.

I will add more information and care guides to all the species I keep on this site as soon as I get some spare time to do so.

Until then if you have any questions feel free to ask :D


Take Care Guys!