01/25/2012 21:49:26

I have been fortunate to not have any severe reactions so far. I have not noticed any increase in sensitivity over time, but I do feel some species hairs are more irritating. It's that or I just grind them in better or get more at once, kinda hard to tell. The worst I have had is about two days of bad itching at the base of one thumb and a couple of days of irritation after getting it in the corner of my right eye (at least I think that is what it must have been). The eye got really red and felt like it was completely dry in the one corner; I had to use eye drops for the first time in my life to make it feel better. Of course I still remove my glasses to see better up close and don't wear gloves even when I touch the substrates. I also often stick my hand right in the container of my cobalt blue to clean which may one day get me bit, but for some reason I feel I can read her well enough. If your itching is that bad I would wear some neoprene or latex gloves for tank cleanings.

[quote="Philibugman"]

Tarantula,

I guess you are right, each one is just special in its own way, not better or worst just different.

Have you become more allergic to the urticating cetae after time, or you have not noticed any significant changes. I personaly believe it gets worst with time. I get the worts reaction with the Goliath. Each year when I change her substrate. The last time the itching lasted almost 2 weeks.

01/24/2012 22:08:48

If only I had a favorite T, my life would be so much easier. Started with one, a day later another and then a couple more. Now I'm maxed out at 22, all I have space and time to care for properly. Really the thing I love about them is their differences, not just physical but temperment as well. I am just in awe of all their subtle behaviors, truly remarkable creatures. I suppose the same could be said for many other animal species, but not many people could own that many dogs, horses etc. I like the four you have chosen for your zoo, all are great display tarantulas. If you are able to add in the future, I would recommend a Brachypelma sp. and an Avicularia sp. Variety of ones readily available and low priced in each genus. Beautiful red and orange hues to choose from with the Brachys, but many can be a little annoying with the hair flicking. But this can be a good for a teaching point about adaptations and behaviors. The arboreal sp., like the Avics are very interesting as well. They can build some impressive web dwellings and are safer to handle if one is so inclined because they are normally less likely to bite and are rarely hurt in a fall should one be mishandled. Your bug zoo is a nice idea, I hope you get to share it with many people.

Philibugman wrote: Tarantula...Tarantulo! Tarantulophilac!! I am the curator for a small bug zoo, only 4 tarantulas in the collection: Chilean Rose, Brazilian Salmon, Indian Ornamental, and Goliath; all girls. Then roaches, mantds, beetles, scorpions, other spiders (seasonals), and other seasonal insects. Which T that you have or had is your favorite? If you had to recomend four tarantulas as the best candidates for a bug zoo exhibit, what would they be.