Big Deep Breath..

[Jessicat]

After about 24 hours of research I am dead set on acquiring a Tarantula. **lets out held breath*

JenC, I took a great interest in the post about your Rosehair, looking with fascination at your pictures and repeatedly reading all the information given on the Northwest Invertebrates website. Yesterday I was at Petco buying bedding for my rabbits and after taking the obligatory look at their reptile section I was pleased to notice a Chilean rose and Pinktoe. I asked to view the Rose and after awhile of staring awestruck I gently nudged her only my hand.
Wow

I rushed to the library and rented a book specializing on Tarantulas and finished it within the course of the night. I've also been researching off and on today, trying to soak up all the information I can. Everything I read makes me more excited! I'm fairly sure I'd like to purchase a Chilean Rose, probably the one I handled the other day. I felt very comfortable handling it and wow, he/she was definitely easy on the eyes!

I've run into a few conflicting things though, there is a lot of information out there and I'm not sure which is the most accurate.

1) Substrait. In the book I devoured, Tarantulas and Other Arachnids among suitable substraits sand is mentioned. While searching this site I read that sand is not acceptable for Tarantulas. I will most likely use Repti-bark substrait but I'm curious about the sand issue.

2) UTH. Necessary? A few sources I checked said that specifically Rosehairs will be comfortable in the same room temperature as humans and actually warn against too much heat. Others suggest UTH.

3) Misting. When I did specific searches on Rosehair Tarantulas I read that the Rose will get enough moisture from its water source and that misting the cage is not necessary. The book I read and other sources advised misting, but was that more general advice for different species?

4) Source. I will probably head back to petco to pick up a critter keeper enclosure, extra repti-bark and a half log shelter. I will be very tempted to also pick up the Rosehair I handled yesterday. Is there anything I should check for to make sure the Tarantula is indeed in good health? I've read some bad things about Petco on this site particularly but I really like the fact that I was able to handle the Tarantula before purchasing. hm. I guess that's something I will have to decide for myself.

Thanks for reading, I realize I probably wrote too much because I'm really excited! Although my boyfriend has been a very sweet listener, smiling and nodding along, I figured this forum would be a great place where I might get some enthusiasm to match mine!

All other Tarantula keepers please feel free to share your pets and stories!

 

[Jessicat]

Oh one more question, Do Tarantulas like/mind rocks? I enjoy picking up rocks and I was thinking of decorating the habitat with a few rocks. Would a Tarantula like or even notice this?

 

[Drizzt80]

1) Substrait.
I use unfertilized potting soil. I found an awesome mixture at Lowe's which is already premixed with sand, mulch, peat, and soil.

2) UTH.
Necessary if your winter ambient temps are too low. How low is too low? Not 100% sure, but I'd anticipate under 70-75 would be too low.

3) Misting.
I PM'ed you a care sheet for Rose Hairs that should explain this one to you.

4) Source.
Make sure it has all it's legs. Isn't too skinny or too bald.

I PM'ed you the address to a great site with loads of information. Taceas turned me on to it. I also very briefly answered some of your questions above within the quote.

With rocks, you have to be careful. From my reading, they are quite fragile, and if a terrestrial T (which a rose hair is) should happen to fall against a rock, they'll have a greater chance of injuring themselves and/or busting open.

Hope some of this helps. I don't know why you're holding your breath . . . I've had some of my T's for over 3 years now and haven't held a one . . . you're light years ahead of me! :eek1:
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38755

D80