So, after mentioning Andrew Smith's AMAZING documentary Theraphosa & Ephebopus: Suriname's Giant Forest Floor Tarantulas, it became clear that many folks weren't familiar with Andrew and his incredible work. In this episode, I discuss why folks should be drooling over these DVDs and how we can help crowdfund the next video in the series.

Then, we spend a bit of time discussing why folks can find a lot to love with fossorial tarantulas.

SUPPORT Andrew Smith's Tarantulas of Costa Rica by clicking here!

Check out Andrew's other amazing docmentaries by clicking here! 

LoveTarantulas on YouTube!

Although I've addressed this topic before, it's an important one. I've received quite a few messages over the past year from folks who are concerned over their tarantulas who have seemingly been burrowed for way too long and who have asked for advice for what to do. In this episode, I'll discuss the species I've had this issue with and explain what to do if you encounter this behavior.

Then, it's on to listener comments and spiders in the news!

Read the National Geographic Article Here! 

And, we're back on Sundays!

First, we discuss a new species of Aphonopelma recently described.

Then, I take some listener feedback.

And, for the main topic, we'll discuss some reasons why hobbyists shouldn't overlook arboreal tarantula species. 

First off, we'll discuss a new study on the "Jorō spider" that explains why it is doing so well in urban environments (and why it shouldn't be feared).

Then, we'll discuss a comment I got about a tarantula park that perpetuates negative stereotypes about these animals.

Then, for our main topic, I'll discuss 6 species or genera of tarantulas that get undeserved bad reputations and break down where these notions came from. 

Now that the last four Phormictopus species I acquired have put on some size and are showing some adult color, it's time to do an update on the 16 "species" that I keep. In this episode, I'll discuss age, colorations, and behaviors as I take you on a tour of my Phormictopus collection. For those interested, I'll also be posting up a video version on YouTube later this week. 

NOTE: Many of these "species" are likely just regional variants of P. cancerides, but we won't know for sure until this genus is studied further.

Well, it's been over two years since I got my Ephebopus slings, and it's finally time for a proper genus review! In this episode, I'll talk about the care and set up of E. murinus (The Skeleton Tarantula), E. uatuman (The Emerald Skeleton Tarantula), E. refescens (The Red Skeleton Tarantula), and E. cyanognathus (The Blue Fang…Skeleton Tarantula)!

First, we'll discuss some listener comments from last week's episode.

Then, we've all been there. You're at work or having company over, and suddenly you find yourself giving an impromptu presentation about tarantulas to folks who may be terrified of them. Or, perhaps you're someone who is planning to present about spiders at a school or library. It can be difficult to stay focused on the fly, which is why it's prudent to plan out one of these presentations ahead of time. In this episode, I share some strategies and topics that I use when this happens to me.

Also, check out Andrew Smith's amazing tarantula documentaries HERE!

In this episode, I will talk about seven tarantula species that defied the expectations that I had for them after I did my research. 

Recently, I did a podcast about some of my terrestrial spiders that appreciated room to dig as adults. Since then, I've received questions about fossorial spiders that seem to want to live terrestrially, and even arboreal spiders that prefer to burrow a bit. Is this behavior cause for worry? In this episode, I'll break down why it is not and explain why we should expect a spectrum of behavior when it comes to our spiders.

I first covered this topic back in December of 2021. However, as the years have passed, I have encountered some new issues troubling hobbyists. In this episode, I'll break down ten of them.

A few years ago, I started keeping several Heteropoda (Huntsman) species, and it was quite the learning curve in many ways. In this episode, I'll discuss the care, as well as tips, for raising huntsman spiders. 

When setting up a tarantula habitat, there are usually four main "ingredients": substrate, a hide, a water dish, and plants. However, when putting plants in an enclosure, is it better to use real or fake plants? In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of both types.

For those interested in check out my story in the Horror Over the Handlebars: A Yankee Scares Connecticut Horror Anthology, here is the LINK. 

After doing a video featuring a rainbow of different spiders, I thought that it might be fun to do an "extended commentary" in which I cover even more species.  My hope is that people might listen to this list and discover some colorful spiders they weren't initially aware of.

For years, tarantulas designated as "terrestrial" were given a couple inches of substrate and a hide for a setup. Now, although this isn't necessarily wrong, I've found that many of my so-called "terrestrial" species will continue to burrow right on through adulthood if given the substrate depth to do so. In this episode, I'll discuss how I'm changing how I keep many of my terrestrial species and list off some of the ones that currently burrow as adults. 

In this episode, we break away from talking about spiders for a bit and instead discuss the care for T. stigmurus. This amazing little scorpion can produce asexually and can be kept communally.  I started with only one specimen back in October of 2016, and have kept dozens since! 

First, we discuss some listener feedback from last episode.

Then, I've had a bunch of folks ask me to cover this over the years, and I honestly thought that I had already done so! In this episode, I go over a dozen species of spiders I keep that love blanketing their enclosures in webbing.

Happy Mother's Day to all!

First off, we discuss last week's episode and some of the feedback I received (a HUGE thank you to all who took the time to comment!).

Then, it's the battle of the orangey/black dwarfs as Davus pentaloris "The Tiger Rump" takes on Hapalopus formosus "The Pumpkin Patch"! 

If someone would have told me back in early 2018 that this podcast experiment would continue for over 300 episodes, I would have laughed. But here we are, in our seventh year, still churning out shows. That said, I always worry that the program will eventually jump the shark and overstay its welcome. To kick this one off, we’ll discuss the fine line I try to walk producing shows that will appeal to both beginners and more advanced keepers alike and how you can all help as we move ahead.

Then, my old adult female Harpactira pulchripes passed this week after a bizarre occurrence that had happened only once before. This will lead into a discussion about signs that your old tarantula is dying.

As I've spent more time keeping tarantulas, I've realized that questions "what is a good beginner species?" and "what is a good species to raise as a first time sling? have two very different answers.  Just because a species is easier to care for as an adult does not always make it an easy one to raise up. In this episode, I'll discuss the species I tend to recommend when asked what species make for good first-time slings. 

How do you know when you’re getting too many tarantulas? How can you tell when you’re reaching what should be your limit?

In this episode, we’ll discuss the importance of establishing routines and setting boundaries early on to avoid having your collection turn into a hoard. 

In this episode, I talk about my experiences with the three Theraphosa species: Theraphosa stirmi (the Burgundy Goliath Birdeater), Theraphosa blondi (the Goliath Birdeater), and Theraphosa apophysis (Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater). 

To start this one off, I share some of the feedback I got from last week's episode and respond to a couple comments.

Then, at 21:25,  it's been five years to the day when I last covered some tips for ordering tarantulas online. In this episode, we will review the dos and don't as well as discuss some new issues that have presented themselves over the last five years. 

A couple of years ago, I stumbled on an article about the "inadvertent domestication" of animals raised for the sole purpose of being released back into the wild. This is when, despite our best efforts, captive animals were becoming inadvertently domesticated by temporarily or even permanently adapting to a captive environment , which was making them less fit to survive in the wild. This could often occur within a single generation of captive-reared animals.

And that got me thinking...

Many species of tarantulas have been actively bred in captivity for decades, so is it possible (or likely, even) that the animals in our collections have adapted over multi-generational captive breeding to be better suited to being kept in our home? 

In essence, is there a fundamental difference between our captive bred spiders and their wild counterparts? Is human selection making allowing them to thrive in our care?

In this episode, we will explore the theory of tarantula domestication and why I think that it’s important to consider that the spiders in our collections might not necessarily be true wild animals.

NOTE: I am NOT talking about them becoming tame, like dogs or cats. Spiders are not and never will be tame animals. We are specifically asking if they could have been changed by years of being bred and kept by humans. 

I've been doing this a while now, and there is one occurrence that I will never understand...when keepers ask for advice and then ignore it.  Luckily, it doesn't happen often, but when it does, the results can be quite tragic. In this episode, we'll discuss a few of the more egregious experiences I've had with this type of behavior.

Over the years, I've continued to constantly switch up what I use for substrate when it comes to housing my tarantulas. In this episode, I review what I've used in the past and share an inexpensive "recipe" I'm currently using that yields a LOT of substrate for very little money. 

In this episode, we discuss some instances where folks have lost large parts or all of their collection due to mishap or an overlooked environmental hazard. 

Within the past couple weeks, I spoke with two teenagers who were interested in getting their first tarantula. Both had many questions about where they should start and what they should prepare for. In this episode, I lay out several things anyone thinking about getting a tarantula should do...and some things that they shouldn't. 

First, we discuss the "controversy" a recent episode caused. Then, I field a question from a long-time YouTube subscriber about changes that I've made in how I set up fossorial tarantula enclosures. 

Well, it had to be done! In this episode, two popular genera of giant tarantulas will duke it out for hobby superiority! Okay, that's a bit dramatic; in reality, we will compare the two genera and talk about the similarities and differences.

To start this one off, we'll discuss some feedback to last week's episode.

Then, after reflecting on 10 years of doing the TBS stuff, I realized that there is one major issue that I will never overcome. 

Recently, I've received some comments on my YouTube videos with folks saying that my tarantulas are "skinny" or "underfed", which left me a bit confused. However, after speaking with a hobby friend, I realized that, through social media, many folks new to the hobby may be exposed to photos of chubby Ts. For many, a spider with a bloated abdomen is the norm.

In this episode, we'll discuss overfeeding tarantulas and feeding schedules. 

A huge thank you to Charlotte for the awesome topic idea!

Happy New Year! In this episode, I give my take on whether or not it's appropriate to say that tarantulas have "personalities." We will also discuss whether tarantulas need enrichment to avoid boredom.

In this episode, we compare two very similar species: the A. geniculata or "Brazilian Black and White" and the N. chromatus or "Brazilian Red and White." Both are awesome species and, in my opinion, hobby staples. But which has more to offer?

First, I have an important message from the US Tarantula Sustainment Project.

Then, we're going to have a little fun. In this episode, we'll compare and break down two species that are often confused for each other, the C. cyaneopubescens (GBB) and the D. diamantinensis (Brazilian Blue Beauty). Which spider is the "best"? Who knows! But we will attempt to find out!

Be sure to chime in with your vote on either Spotify or tomsbigspiderspodcast.com! 

In this episode, I'll talk a bit about the tarantula species that I've raised that buck the old "keep 'em moist" rule for slings. 

Having just rehoused my juvenile Eresus walckenaeri (Velvet Spider), I figured that it was time to talk a bit about how I care for it.

Also in this episode, is the current Jumping Spider and Velvet Spider social media fad and rampant anthropomorphization leading to decline in overall appropriate husbandry in the spider hobby? I'll discuss what I feel are the realistic pros and cons of the attention these "cute" spiders are currently receiving. 

In this episode, I'll go through all of the types of tarantula enclosures I've used, from cheap to pemium, and share my pros and cons of each.

I've been asked to do this one many times over the years, but there is honestly no way for me to scientifically prove which ones are faster. However, in this episode, I will share the ones that I think are fastest based on my own personal experience. 

What are YOUR fastest spiders? 

First, I read a listener question and talk about last week's episode. Then, I get a lot of emails and comments from panicked keepers who are alarmed to discover that their arboreal slings and juveniles are actually burrowing.  The fact is, MANY arboreal species will do some burrowing as slings and juveniles, and the correct setup should allow for and encourage this behavior. Unfortunately, many folks don't do enough research, and some of the "sling" and "juvenile" tarantula enclosures being sold do not permit for an appropriate setup. In this episode, we discuss how to keep these species correctly, why it's important to have the correct setup, and why this issue has become so prevalent. 

Deaths can really rattle a tarantula keeper and cause them to second guess their tarantula care. In this episode, I speak about a few recent instances I had where my fear of deaths led me to do some pretty stupid things. 

In this episode, I'll discuss some of the perks to keeping "true" spiders and Mygalomorphs and why tarantula keepers may want to one day give them a try. 

I have it on pretty good authority that Eupalaestrus campestratus or "Pink Zebra Beauties" will be available in the US hobby again very soon. As I'm sure that many folks will be scrambling to add a sling to their collections, I figure that this would be the perfect time to revisit the husbandry for this amazing species. 

We've all experienced it. You post a picture of your beloved spider only to have some cretin respond with, "EWWW...KILL IT WITH FIRE."  As people who love these animals, it can be quite infuriating to have someone suggest that they would burn our pets to death. Where does this vitriol come from? Is there a way for us to turn these types of comments into a positive? In this episode, we'll discuss the issue. 

In this episode, I'll walk you through how I care for and set up my Poecilotheria ornatas, the largest Pokie species available in the hobby. I'll also share some frustrations about an annoying comment someone left on my latest video.

Check out the Tarantula Sustainment Project!

In this episode, I answer three listener questions: How do I research new tarantula species; how to keep mature male tarantulas comfortable; and do I take into consideration my dogs getting haired?

Thanks to the Tarantula Talk forum and Cody Barton, Carrie Hollister, and Martin Shelby for the questions!

Resources:

Mike's Basic Tarantulas
Arachnoboards
World Spider Catalog
Tarantula Talk 

I've spoken often over the years about how hobby stigmas keep some folks from trying out Old World tarantula species. However, there is actually a flip side to this issue. Sadly, some hobbyists will ignore so called "beginner species" due to stigmatization. In this episode, we'll discuss how the hobby accidentally renders some species unappealing to experienced keepers. 

In this episode, I'll discuss the species I keep that really bring the fun during feeding time. We'll also talk how to safely work with a tarantula that has a particularly lively feeding response. A huge thank you to Jennifer Thomas for the podcast topic suggestion!

Interested in spider taxonomy? Check out Arácnido.

In today's episode, I'll discuss the care and share my experiences with three species of Nhandu: N. chromatus, N. tripepii, and N. coloratovillosus. 

In this episode, I talk about how Billie and I set up and keep our B. dubia and B. lateralis roach colonies. I'll also talk a bit about how I manage to keep my crickets alive.

A huge thanks to Matthew Kołodziejski for the topic suggestion! Be sure to check out the Tarantula Talk Facebook group for all things tarantulas! 

After posting up my video and podcast about Old World tarantulas, I received some interesting comments and questions about  ways to reduce the risks of keeping them. In this episode, I'll discuss some of the more common ideas and weigh in on whether they make sense or are mearly overkill. 

The impetus for this podcast is two-fold: first off, I’ve had a LOT of folks over the years ask me to cover urticating setae more thoroughly. Secondly, after posting my video on Old World species, several folks commented that they avoid New Worlds because of the hairs. Many have pointed out that, as a hobby, we spend so much time talking about venom potency and bites, that we never adequately address the issues posed by urticating hairs. In this episode, we take a look at urticating setae, the risks, and how to prevent exposure.  

Recently, I was chatting with a fellow keeper about some of the almost "foolproof" slings that are easy to raise to adulthood. These are the species that don't start off too tiny, eat great, grow fairly quickly, and are quite hardy overall.  After giving it some thought, I realized that there are several species that fit this bill. In this episode, I'll discuss 10 tarantula species that are easy to grow up from spiderlings! 

Every once in a while, someone will get the wrong idea from something I've said. Unfortunately, I don't always draw a hard line when it comes to many topics, which can apparently leave my personal view on some subjects up to interpretation. In this episode, I’ll discuss my thoughts on two topics that have come up quite a bit recently and try to clarify my views on them. 

Tarantulas may be very easy to keep and low maintenance, but they sure have a tendency to do things slowly and on their own schedules. In this episode, we talk about some common hobby situations that require that keepers show patience.

Well, since we spent a previous episode talking about some of the more diminutive species I keep, I figured that it would be fun to talk about the giants in this episode! What are the biggest tarantulas in my collection? In this episode, you'll find out. 

First, I talk a bit about a recent mishap that I had involving one of my slings. 

Then, although I've created a few sling guides, I've had a lot of folks ask me for specific advice on how to raise the tinies of slings. In this episode, I share some of the tips and tricks I use when growing up the wee ones. 

I take a lot of ribbing for saying that every species of tarantula I talk about is "one of my favorites." The truth is, I've enjoyed keeping every species I've ever raised. However, over the years, many folks have asked if there is any species that I don't like, and the answer is...complicated. In this podcast, I talk about the species that I failed to appreciate at first but that I grew to love. 

I often get folks asking me to do a podcast or video on the many dwarf tarantulas out there. Well for years I struggled to put one together because a) there are so many out there that I haven't kept and b) there is a lot of debate over what constitutes a "dwarf" tarantula. In this episode, I talk about the smaller species of spiders that I've kept and my experience with them. 

Yes, I think that all tarantulas should be given water dishes. However, in the great debate over whether they are "needed" or not, some important points are often overlooked. In this episode, we talk about creating a system to keep your tarantulas adequately hydrated. 

Way back in November of 2018, I decided to make a list of the top 15 favorite tarantulas in my collection. At that time, I freely admitted that the list would likely change as time went on (heck, I wanted to change it shortly after posting it!). Well, in this episode, I revisit the question "which are your favorite tarantulas" and put together another list of my current 15 current favorites! 

We've all been there...after discovering an unwanted pest, you recognize that the time has come to treat for it. Whether it be roaches, fleas, lice, or even ants, we all panic at the thought of an exterminator coming in and spraying chemicals that could kill our pets. In this episode, Billie joins us to discuss her experience as a pest control company manager treating various critters as safely as possible. 

In this episode, we discuss ten hazards keepers should be aware of when keeping tarantulas. 

I often get asked how long a certain species of tarantula lives for, and I sometimes struggle with the response as there are many variables that can lead to longer or shorter lifespans. I also think that some hobbyists set themselves up for disappointment when they assume that their spider will live to the older estimates given online. In this episode, I discuss my feeding regimes over the years as well as the lifespans of some of the tarantulas I've raised from slings to death from "old age." It's my hope that this will kickstart a discussion over what realistic lifespans are in captivity. 

Back in 2019, I was a guest on the Animals at Home Podcast, and I had an absolute blast talking to the host, Dillon, about the tarantula hobby. At the end of the interview, we agreed that should Dillon ever decide to get his first tarantula, we should get back together to answer some of his questions.

Well, a full pandemic later, and that time has come!

In this episode, Dillion and I discuss some of the questions that he has before he makes the big jump.

You can find Animals at Home on YouTube , The Animals at Home Network, or anywhere you listen to your podcasts.  

The third part of the Tarantula exam series is here! This time around, we have some scenarios about tarantula care as well as some involving other aspects of the tarantula hobby. Enjoy! 

Okay, so I'm not really going to try to sell folks on keeping curtain-web spiders, but I do think that many tarantula keepers would find a lot to love about these huge, heavily-webbing spiders. In this episode, I discuss their care, setup, and temperament and explain why I think that they make awesome spiders to keep.

Dipluridae feeding compilation

Old World tarantulas - they're "aggressive", they're "dangerous", and they're "deadly"...right?

WRONG. 

In this episode, we'll discuss Old World tarantulas and their bad reputation.  I will share my experiences with keeping Old Worlds as well as some tips for minimizing any risk when working with this misunderstood an unfairly villianized group of spiders. 

In this episode, we talk about care for the genus Brachypelma and I share my observations on the species that I currrently keep. 

Part two of my discussion with veterinarian Dr. Andy Anderson. In this episode, he discusses:

• Injuries that he's treated
• The "Tarantula ICU"
• Tarantula Euthanasia 
• The state of veterinary medicine in the US
• How to find a vet for your spider

Well, it has FINALLY happened. Dr. Andy Anderson and I were finally able to connect to chat about tarantula care, and man it was well worth the wait. In this episode, Dr. Anderson talks about tarantula medical topics like:

• DKS symptoms and causes
• Dehydration 
• Impaction 
• Molt issues
• Nematodes

In part 2 next week, Dr. Anderson will discuss injuries he's treated and their causes, tarantula ICUs, and the state of invert veterinary medicine in the US.

You can find Dr. Andy Anderson at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital!

First, we start off by discussing listener comments from last week's fossorial episode. Then, I go through some of the changes that I've made in my husbandry and setups and explain why I made these changes. 

It's a fossorial blow out! Well, not quite...but in this episode, I talk about the care, setup, and maintenance for our beloved "pet holes". 

What are some ways to organize and manage the expenses of a growing tarantula collection? How can you ensure that caring for your animals doesn't become a burden? In this episode, suggested by listener EarthsGeomancer, I discuss the following points.

• Labeling T enclosures
• Record keeping
• Scheduling
• Being time efficient and making time for other hobbies
• Tracking and inventorying feeders, substrate, containers, and other supplies
• Avoiding burnout due to the more repetitive requirements of the hobby

A huge thanks to EarthsGeomancer for the Suggestion!

Note: The tarantula keeper collection aps. discussed in this podcast are ExotiKeeper and Arachnifiles. 

...or, my creative way of trying to answer a bunch of common questions in an entertaining year-in-review format!

Seriously, while trying to figure out a fun way to answer some of the questions I get about my favorite, or largest, or shyest, or WHATEVER tarantulas, I came up with the idea of a fake award show! Hopefully, folks find this entertaining (and not too embarrassing), and it becomes an annual tradition. Awards to be given are:

1. Tiny Diamond Award (Most Gorgeous Slings)
2. The Queen Memorial Award for Pet Rock of the Year
3. Webber of the Year (To the Spider with the Most Webbing)
4. Pet Dirt Award for The Most Shy and Elusive Spider
5. The “Better Put Me in Your Will” Award for Slowest Growing Spider
6. Enclosure of the Year Award
7. Biggest Surprise of the Year
8. In Memoriam - The Spiders We Lost This Year
9. The Pitbull Award for Most Aggressive Spider
10. The “Hey, Wait…That’s Not a Tarantula” Award for Favorite Non-Spider Critter
11. The Tarantula Titan Award for Largest Spider
12. Eight-Legged Jewel Award (Most Beautiful Spider)
13. Spider of the Year

Feel free to share your own!

First, I read and discuss some comments from listeners about last week's episode. Then, I give some updates on my Ephebopus species. 

To start the New Year, I got to thinking about what aspects of the hobby tend to give new tarantula keepers the most trouble. In this episode, I share five points that would make the hobby easier and less stressful for those just starting it. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope that everyone had a safe holiday season. To begin this episode, I'll talk about the mysterious case of my dying E. murinus juvenile. Then, we'll discuss the care for Pseudhapalopus sp. blue. 

We've all been there. When people find out that we choose to keep tarantulas as pets, the questions inevitably start flying. Some of them are good questions. Others? Not so much. In this episode, we talk about the questions tarantula keepers are most commonly asked. 

One of the reasons tarantulas are such easy pets is because they are relatively clean animals. That said, there are times when a cleaning, either partial or in full, is warranted. In this episode, we'll discuss the when and how to clean our spiders' enclosures when needed. I also share some tips about how to clean up those delicate acrylics without scratching them all up. 

In this this episode, I share some observations on three species of Thrixopelma, a very underrated genus. 

Well, it was "recently" made public that another once popular tarantula dealer has disappeared after taking a WHOLE lot of money from unsuspecting customers.  While some folks seemed to be surprised by the fact that this individual was shady, they shouldn't have been. There was evidence 18 months ago that this dealer was trying to skirt the law by selling so-called "hybrid" Sri Lankan Poecilotheria species, and after I did a podcast about it, even more info came out. In this episode, talk about how these bad vendors manage to operate so long even after word starts to leak out that they may not be as reputable as they seem. We also discuss some tips to protect yourself when shopping online for tarantulas.

Have you been impacted? Find more info about the Facebook group HERE.

Well, it's 34 degrees out and the heat has kicked on, so it's that time of year again! With temperatures dropping, tarantula keepers have a few new things to worry about when it comes to their animals. In this episode, we discuss 10 issues keepers might encounter during wintertime. 

In this episode, we discuss care for the genus Aphonopelma. 

In this episode, I share all of the info and tips I can think of when it comes to buying and raising tarantula slings.

So, last week's episode certainly made some waves! To kick this one off, I'll share some comments I received about tarantula sales laws in other countries. Then, we'll tackle some questions and comments on last week's episode, including one by a very angry breeder.  Sadly, it wasn't the only one that I received. In this episode, I use this negative feedback to clarify and to better articulate the message that I'm trying to get out there.

Note: To clarify a point, when Brazil declared to USFWS that they had not allowed the legal exportation of any species of tarantulas from their country, by letter of law from the Lacey Act, this made any species endemic only to Brazil illegal to own in the US.  However, the USFWS has yet to enforce that part of the law and is being VERY reasonable in recognizing that many of these species have been bought and traded for years. However, if we continue to ignore the laws they ARE currently enforcing, that could all change. 

After the last podcast, I had several folks email me about the legalities of ordering Sri Lankan Poecilotheria species across state lines. In this episode, we will examine some of the other legal issues folks in the US need to be aware of so that they are not tricked into breaking the law by unscrupulous dealers. 

Then, we disuss feeding schedules and why it is never one-size-fits-all. 

In this episode, Erin Cashel and Emile Weber join me to talk about the Tarantula Sustainment Project, a new initiative to grow breeding in the US and to ensure all species remain available from state to state.

Want to take part? Just click this link!

First, we talk about the new "Tarantula Capital of the World", La Junta, Colorado where citizens are embracing their local tarantula population in an amazing way.

Then, it's International Poecilotheria Appreciation Day! Okay, I might have made that up... However, I've made it very well known how much I adore this genus, and it bothers me that so many folks have been completely turned off to ever keeping one due to their bad reputation. In this episode, I share some tips to make the first time pokie keeper's experience a bit less intimidating.

Click here to read the article about La Junta! 

Tarantulas are some of the easiest and most low-maintainance pets a person can keep.  However, for those used to spending more time caring for more domestic animals, this aspect of the hobby can be the cause of some anxiety. In this episode, we discuss some situations that lead stressed out keepers to "over care" for their spiders. 

To kick this episode off, we will discuss some listener comments from last week's episode that reveal another potentially overlooked threat to our pets.

Then, we talk about the pros and cons involved with keeping pet tarantulas as we try to explain why we are so captivated by this hobby.

Want to comment on this episode? Click here to go to the new podcast website! 

First, we're going to start off this episode by talking about some comments on the All Male Review episode.

Then, we all make mistakes. However, when an error leads to the death of one of our spiders, how do we get over it?

Want to comment on this episode? Click here to go to the new podcast website! 

In this episode, we discuss mature males and whether or not it's okay to be picky about who you send your males to and whether it's okay to keep your mature males.

Want to comment and upvote this podcast? Then join me at Onpodium. 

First off, we go back to last week's podcast about the slowest growing species and find out which species listeners named as thier slowest.

Then, we talk about enclosure sizes for various stages of tarantulas.

Want to comment and upvote this podcast? Then join me at Onpodium. 

In this episode, I talk about the species that I've raised that seemed to take forever to grow up.

We've all been there; we've done the reasearch, set up our tarantula the supposed "correct way", and now it's doing something that we've never seen before. Is it injured? Is it stressed? Is it dead? Are you doing something wrong? 

In this episode, we take a look at some common tarantula behaviors that tend to stress out keepers and discuss if there are times where we should be concerned with these behaviors. 

Dehydration, mites, DKS, nematodes, impaction, bad molts: these are the words and phrases that keep tarantula hobbyists up at night. In this episode, we'll discuss these maladies, how common they really are, and what to do if you should encounter them.  

To kick this one off, we'll talk a bit about my thoughts on when sellers send advanced species to unprepared  beginners. Then, I have to vent a bit about my recent discovery of "free range" tarantula keeping. Finally, I review the Barbarous Growth critter tank. 

Well, the title pretty much spells it out! In this episode, we'll be discussing why it's likely better to use multiple hides, why we sometimes skimp on cross ventilation, and Critter Keepers as tarantula enclosures. 

First off, I talk about a couple recent deaths in my collection. Then, it's onto the Tarantula Hobby Sustainment Project. Finally, when is it okay for newer keepers to start doling out advice to others? 

I've been asked many times over the years if there are certain species of tarantulas that are more difficult to raise up to adulthood than others. Although there were certainly a few species that I get contacted about quite a bit, I wanted to hear from other keepers as well. So, I reached out and asked which spiders folks struggled with. In this episode, we discuss which species keepers had difficulty raising up and try to figure out why.

Oftentimes, I find myself in need of a certain type of enclosure for a rehousing in relative hurry, and I resort to hopping on Amazon to see what I can find. As a result, I've tried out a bunch of enclosure possibilities, both inexpensive and more pricey, over the years that work pretty well for our eight-legged friends. In this episode, I review some of the ones that I've tried. 

Unfortunately, I'm fighting off the 'rona right now, so this episode will be a bit shorter. This time around, I talk a bit about my recent video on hobby staple tarantulas. Then, I answer questions about tarantulas and bright lights, which species of spiders I would never keep, and how often to clean away webbing. 

First, I talk a bit about the Ephebopus slings that I recently acquired. Then...sure, spiders can bite, have venom, and can put a hurting on anyone foolish enough to trifle with them. However, there are some spiders available in the trade that have been the victim of over exaggeration and hyperbole to the point where many will refuse to keep them. In this episode, we take a look at 5 spiders that receive this dubious distinction. 

First, we take some listener comments from last episode. Then we discuss why it's always important to consider your living situation before you start a tarantula collection. 

First, we discuss how to tell when a spider is truly dead, and I share a story about my Psalmopoeus Langenbucheri sling.

Then, if you're older and in the hobby, should you continue to buy long-lived species? Should you pass away, what will become of your collection? In this second part of the podcast, we talk about how you should prepare in the event that you leave your tarantula collection behind. 

This one has been a long time coming. There is a lot out there about the physiological and behavioral difference between these two classifications of tarantulas. However, much of it takes a very superficial and exaggerated stance when it comes to the comparisons. In this episode, I break down the differences between these two types of spiders and explain how these differences can impact the hobbyist keeping them. 

Hot off of "What Makes an Expert Species", this topic covers what skills, traits, or "tools" the "expert" keeper should possess. Thanks to ProfessorChani for the topic suggestion! 

After having a discussion with a fellow keeper about arachnophobia, I got to thinking about how spiders are presented in media and how much some of those depictions strengthened my own fear of these animals. In this episode, I talk a bit about spiders in media. 

Happy Mother's Day 2022! In this episode, we discuss how we designate which tarantula species are "advanced" (and why these designations aren't always accurate). 

First off, a heads up that the first half of the podcast is mostly responding to some emails about the last episode. Then, we get into some of those pesky hobby myths that seem to never go away. 

What if we were all able to come up with some basic rules that we wanted all tarantula hobbyists to live by? What would our "10 Commandments" of keeping be? In this episode, I offer up my list of 10 rules that I think all serious tarantula hobbyists should abide by. 

First, we talk about a few comments I got after last week's episode about tarantula stress. Then, we revisit the topic of tarantula temperament and why these eight-legged wonders are seemingly so inconsitent from specimen to specimen when it comes to their overall mood. 

We often throw the word around when discussing husbandry practices and setups, but what does it really mean? How much stress can our spiders take? In this episode, we break down the types of stress our tarantulas can and can't feel. 

First, Billie and I ventured out to the Show Me Reptiles Expo in West Warwick Rhode Island this weekend, and I talk a bit about the experience. Then, my mention of semi-arboreal setups (and their controversial nature) drew an excellent email about the topic as it pertains to the C. cyaneopubescens.  In this episode, I will discuss the idea of setting GBBs up in "semi arboreal" enclosures and what I mean by that designation.

For more info on the dealers mentioned in this podcast, check out the links below!

KFInverts
Wicked Webz

In this episode, we address the most popular tarantula-focused topics and concepts hobbyists love to argue over on forums and social media groups. 

As the first Tarantula Exam was quite a hit, I decided that it would be fun to return to the classroom to try a part two. This time around, the questions are a little more difficult and feature 15 short scenarios that ask listeners to determine what the keeper is doing wrong. Again, this is all just for fun and an entertaining way to discuss some common missteps in the hobby. Enjoy and good luck! 

I get asked this question a couple times a week, and I have a quick goto list of vendors that I've used over the years. In this episode, I go over the folks that I have had great experiences with in hopes of spreading the word. 

Four years ago, I did an early podcast on the state of the hobby in the United States. In this episode, we'll revisit the topic. In many ways, it's a great time to be a tarantula hobbyist, with more species and dealers around than ever. However, with increased exposure bringing negative attention to our little pasttime, could we be in for a much darker future? 

First, we revisit last week's episode. Then, I give an update on my Poecilotheria formosa, who was recovering from a bad molt. Finally, I just rehoused my sub-adult Xenesthis sp. blue and thought that it would be a good time to update my care notes on that species. 

In this episode, I talk about 5 tarantula species that I would like to see more readily-available (and inexpensive!) in the hobby. 

Well, the US Government is at it again. A new bill titled America Competes Act of 2022 has amendments added that could decimate the exotic animals hobbies.  In this episode, we discuss what this means and what can be done.

PLEASE CHECK OUT USARK and be sure to write your local senators!

In this episode, we take a look at some of the signs that point to a hobbyist not being as informed and knowledgeable as he or she should be. 

In this episode, we discuss three recent news articles featuring tarantulas. 

It's one of the touchiest subjects in the hobby. In this episode, I break down why tarantula hybridization is so frowned upon. 

First, I talk a bit about last week's episode on handling. Then, I review some of the Tarantula Crib sling enclosures I just received before segueing into our main topic, "Enclosure Snobbery." . 

With a lot of beginners contacting me lately for my opinion of the best tarantulas to get for handling, I thought that it was time to revisit this controversial topic from a new angle. 

To kick this episode off, I share an amazing story about an M. balfouri communal that a subscriber shared with me. Then, there are apparently folks out there keeping all of their slings dry? We talk a bit about why that is a pretty dangerous practice. 

Now that I've been keeping more true spiders and trap doors, I've had some folks asking me about the differences between these types eight-legged predators. In this episode, I discuss some of my early findings and thoughts. 

Okay, to make up for no podcast last week, we now have a 75 minute episode about the most common mistakes hobbyists make! 

First, I vent for about 15 minutes about some issues with my theme music. At about the 16 minute mark, we start the main topic...namely, are lists that rank tarantulas as "best beginner" or "best starter old worlds" really useful? 

With the cold weather upon us, here are some things to think about as we get ready for winter. 

In this episode, we discuss three of the worst and most misguided reasons folks get into the hobby for. 

In this episode, we discuss what happens when your attempts to lure others into the hobby attracts the wrong type of people. 

In this episode, we discuss some of the tarantulas that sport those festive orange tones. Happy Halloween! 

I've had several requests for updated Pamphobeteus care lately, so I decided to focus a podcast on it. As I was recording it, I got the sneaking suspicion that I had talked about this topic before, but I was on a roll, so I kept going. Well, I DID cover it this year as it turns out...oh well! Here are my updated notes on Pampho care (next week, I'll make sure that it's a totally fresh topic!). 

Anyone who has listened to me for any length of time knows how much I HATE when folks use their social media platforms to feed into the idea that spiders are dangerous and aggressive creatures. The way I see it, they are already feared and even loathed by so many that we shouldn't be helping to fuel that hatred. Now that I've moved into keeping some true spiders, I'm noticing that some of the ignorant hyperboly has intensified, and I'm being asked more often why I have such a "dangerous" hobby. In today's episode, we have a fun conversation about how truly blown out of proportion the idea of spiders being particularly dangerous creatures truly is. 

To kick it off, I talk a bit about my recent huntsman spider buying spree. Then, we tackle a topic I get asked about all of the time; what do you do if you HAVE to heat your spiders? In this episode, we'll talk about what "too cold" is and discuss the best ways to provide extra heat should it be warranted. 

After being asked how one ends up with 220 tarantulas, I sat down to give some thought as to why this hobby is so addictive. 

Looking to buy your tarantulas online? In this podcast, we'll discuss some advice for spider shopping as well as some as tips on what to expect. 

First, we talk a bit about the perception that C. versicolor is a fragile spider. Then, we discuss why tarantula prices are so high in the United States. 

In this episode, we discuss whether or not children should have tarantulas as pets and whether or not these amazing arachnids pose any threat to the little ones in your home. 

In this episode, we talk about hazards in our home that could prove dangerous or lethal to our spiders. 

Well, I'm back to school and prepping for my new classes, which has me in full teacher mode. While taking a break, I thought that it would be fun to design an assessment for all the tarantula hobbyists listening. In this episode, I present The Tarantula Care 101 Exam, a test with 33 tarantula care specific questions. Can you get an A?  

As luck would have it, the day after posting my podcast featuring some communal updates, I caught an amazing interaction in my M. balfouri communal enclosure. In this podcast, we discuss the significance of this behavior.

Also, I talk about the care for O. violaceopes.

In this episode, I share some updates on the M. balfouris, the P. metallicas, and my O. violoceopes. 

Over the years, I've heard some crazy stories from people about their tarantulas and tarantula care. In this episode, I go through some of the strangest things I've heard from other keepers. 

Recently, I did an unboxing video for an order from Swift's Inverts, and the two spiders I bought gave Billie and I quite the hard time during the rehousing. In this podcast, I talk about my awesome experience buying from Swift's and then critique what went wrong during the rehouse. 

To kick it off, we'll talk a bit about misinformation surrounding feeder insects. Then, we answer a listener's question about if it's a bad thing to have no fear of OW tarantulas. 

After Googling some tarantula topics the other day, it dawned on my why what I believe is a very simple hobby appears to be so darned complicate at times. 

To kick this one off, I talk a bit about the passing of my adult H. chilensis. Then, it's off to the main topic in which we discuss some of the measurements of my "giant" tarantula species and how they compare to supposed max size numbers. 

Well, Phormictopus species seem to be the new "it" tarantulas, which should be awesome. However, in this episode, I discuss my mixed feelings about their newfound popularity.

Also, in this episode I share the story of my P. formosa's terrible molt. 

And the FINAL part of this marathon discussion!  

In the second part of this feature, I discuss the spiders in my collection G-0 (yes, there will be a part 3!).

With the collection tour video now live, the only real criticism that I've received on it is that people missed my commentary. Unfortunately, I didn't feel like I could do any of the spiders justice in the short time I had for each clip, so I went with soothing ambient music instead. However, I thought that it would be fun to supply my "director's commentary" in the form of a podcast! This is the first part featuring some thoughts and anecdotes on species A-E.
 
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE! 

First, I talk a bit about the full collection video I'm putting together. Then, it's on to the main topic in which we discuss the controversy around beginner lists or people jumping in with old worlds. 

In this episode, we'll revisit the topic of substrate and review some of the popular choices as well as discuss some additives and mixtures. 

After attempting to make a video featuring my top 5 favorite old world tarantulas back in 2017, I figured that it would be fun to revisit the topic again now that I've added more to my collection. As always, this is just a list of some of MY favorites, and not a list of ones I think are the "best." Enjoy! 

What do you do when you suddenly feel like you're second-guessing your ability to care for your animals?

In this episode, we discuss some scenarios that lead to folks losing their confidence in their ability to care for their tarantulas as well as some ways to avoid these situations. 

Well, after years of admiring them, I finally picked up a couple Linothele species from Eresus Spider Shop. My first impressions? I'm enamored with them. In this episode, I talk about how I set them up and my early observations.

Eresus Spider Shop:

In this episode, we talk about the care for a  hobby staple...the "Singapore Blue".

In this episode, we look at some of the hobby activities that come with risks and talk about how people decide which ones are worth the potential "reward." 

In this episode, Luis Roque (creator of the Arácnido Facebook group) and I discuss a myriad of topics  that center around the theme of being a more informed hobbyist.  Luis has not only been a friend of mine for years, but he has been an invaluable resource for me when it comes to taxonomical changes and getting a hold of new spider-related papers. Covered in this podcast are such topics as the importance of scientific names, why name "changes" are a good thing, and why the hobby bears some responsibility for dwindling tarantula populations in the wild. A HUGE thank you to Luis for joining me on this discussion! 

Who needs Godzilla vs. Kong when we have another age-old battle to settle? Seriously, though, I get a lot of folks who argue that one group of tarantulas is better than the other, so I thought that it would be fun to break down the arguments. 

Is it okay to put your collection in a high traffic room? In this episode, we talk about whether a busy room is okay for tarantulas. Also, is it okay to reuse substrate? Finally, I vent a bit about social media toxicity in the hobby.  

Have you ever considered who would take care of your prized pets should you be unable to? In this episode, we brainstorm some ways to prepare for such an emergency. 

I just rehoused my adult female P. murinus or OBT (Orange Baboon Tarantula), and I figured that it would be a great time to update folks on my spider and to discuss this oft maligned species. 

First, I talk about some awesome European tarantula enclosures that I just received from ARACHNOsys. Then, I just received some custom vented replacement tops for Exo Terra Nano tanks that are a cool alternative to ripping out the screens. Finally, I discuss why I don't measure humidity in my tarantula enclosures (and why I think that doing so can be dangerous for those new to the hobby). 

I've had many people request this one over the years, so I've finally decided to give it a shot! Here are some tips for folks looking to have smoother tarantula transfers. 

We've all experienced it: You're on social media, and you see pics from a keeper who is not practicing correct husbandry with his spiders. Maybe it's the old sponge in the water dish or an arboreal species in a terrestrial enclosure. Or, it might be a moisture dependent species kept too dry or a death trap enclosure filled with sharp decorations. Whatever the case, you want to offer advice, but you don't want to come across as a know-it-all. In this episode, we'll discuss some tips for offering unsolicited tarantula advice in a way that doesn't offend. 

Although she's always offscreen, Billie plays a crucial role in all of my Tom's Big Spiders endeavors. In this episode, Billie answers some questions from listeners and viewers. 

Well, after 25 years in my care, The Queen has finally died. I spend a little time talking about the spider that started it all. Also, I discuss Pamphobeteus care. 

First, I talk about some very recent deaths in the collection, Then, it's on to discuss E. campestratus (Pink Zebra Beauty) care. 

In this episode, I address the care for my Nhandu tripepii, chromatus, and coloratovillosus.  Also, I talk a bit about why you shouldn't expect to get a sexed female when ordering an unsexed sling. 

I've avoided this topic for some time, but figured that it was time to give it a shot. Here are the 12 fastest-growing tarantula species that I've kept so far. 

Happy New Year to everyone! As the weather is once again chilly, it's that time of year to discuss some winter considerations for those of us keeping tarantulas. 

In this episode, I discuss why I don't believe that a tarantula bite is inevitable, and why this line of thinking can actually be negative. 

In this episode, I talk a bit about some of the mistakes I've made in my tarantula keeping journey. 

Okay, to kick this one off,  I talk a bit about the move and an exciting Kickstarter campaign. At the 14 minute mark, I talk about some of the more uncommon tarantulas in my collection.

Support Andrew Smith's Kickstarter here!

This episode features everyone's favorite blue-footed baboon, I. mira! 

First, some updates and feedback on last week's episode about euthanizing tarantulas. Then, we discuss why we should avoid knowingly purchasing wild caught tarantulas.

Just to be very clear, this podcast is NOT a comprehensive guide to how to euthanize a sick tarantula (although I am now working on an article about that). This is a bit of a reaction to a recent video in which a keeper used a rather bizarre and controversial method to kill a dying tarantula. After being contacted by several people, many of them disturbed by what they saw, I felt compelled to comment. 

Also, I go over some tips for those who have recently picked up Aphonopelma slings.

*NOTE: After this podcast was complete, I heard back from veterinarian Andy Anderson who offered his very thoughtful opinion on tarantula euthanasia methods. I will share this information in next week's podcast. 

Many of us refer to the numerous tarantulas we keep as our "collections." However, does the use of this term insinuate that we regard our pets as nothing more than objects? In this episode, we discuss whether having a tarantula collection is a bad thing. 

A huge thanks to Travis Clinton for the suggestion! 

First, I talk a a bit about the new tarantula Keeper Cards expansion pack. Then, it's off to discuss my husbandry observations for Birupes simoroxigorum.

For those interested, first Keeper Card expansion pack Kickstarter campaign is now live:

Keeper Cards Club!

After years of answering questions from keepers, I decided that it would be fun to review some of the most common inquiries I receive.  

Spoiler Alert! I really don't choose a "best" enclosure, but I do explain why I find this question to be impossible to answer. Also, with a lot of folks now picking up Xenesthis species and asking me for advice, I spend some time talking about how I have them set up and my observations so far.

It's been a while since I focused on one species, so I figured that it time to bring the species husbandry podcasts back. In this episode, we discuss the ever-popular C. versicolor!

To see the enclosure video mentioned in this podcast, click this link! 

Every once in a while, I get an email from a listener that really makes me think about how I phrase things (or makes me reconsider theories that I hold to be true). In this episode, I respond to some recent correspondence involving the topics of tarantula durability as well as "power feeding" and its potential impact on tarantula longevity. 

Thank you do Dani for the topic idea! 

To kick this one off, a new paper FINALLY sheds some light on why some tarantulas are blue. Also, are there species that are at risk of being "extinct" from the hobby? 

A lot of folks stress about feeding their tarantulas, wondering how often, what size, and how much to feed. 

The fact is, there is no real right or wrong answer to the question. In this episode, I discuss my feeding routines as well as some other ways to do it.  

We've all been there...

You've done the research for months, you've carefully selected your first tarantula, and you finally have it set up and on your shelf. It should be time to kick back and enjoy your new pet.

But then the worrying begins...

In this episode, we talk about beginner anxiety.

After JUST telling folks on a livestream that my P. metallica communal was still going well, my son and I made a sad discovery last night. 

I've been getting a lot of questions about the symptoms known as DKS lately, so here are my thoughts on the topic. Also, we discuss cross ventilation in tarantula enclosures.

NOTE: Although I didn't say it in the podcast, DKS is not a disease but a set of symptoms. We are not sure what exactly causes it at this time. 

To kick this episode off, I respond to a comment about last week's episode about those new to the hobby starting with bioactive enclosures. Then, it's off to discuss one of my favorite genera of tarantulas, Psalmopoeus. 

To kick this episode off, we discuss the need to be realistic and open minded when discussing tarantula temperament. Also, a reminder to always put your spider first when selecting enclosures.  

In this episode, I answer questions I received about three different topics. First, we address the possibility of hoarding in the hobby. Next, we examine why folks in the hobby tend to hate pet stores. Finally, my thoughts on protecting male tarantulas revisited. 

"My tarantula buried itself; what should I do?" is probably the most common question I get asked. In this episode, we talk about the burrowers, whether it be slings or full-blown fossorial spiders. 

I've been asked many times if I've considered bringing my tarantulas to the vet when they are ill. In this episode, I talk about my thoughts on the subject. Also, we'll talk about how knowing when to rehouse tarantulas is anything but an exact science. 

To kick this one off, we discuss the care of Sicarius thomisoides, the "Six-eyed Sand Spider." Then, I ramble a bit about about a recent funny anecdote. 

A recent comment on a video got me really thinking about how I present these animals. Although I try to approach each species with only facts, and I steer away from some of the sensationalized descriptors like "dangerous" and "aggressive", some folks believe that I'm downplaying the potential risks. In this episode, I talk about my philosophy on these animals and try to explain how both understating and exaggerating the risks could negatively impact the hobby.

NOTE: In the podcast, I said "South African" at one point instead of "South American." Heads up, and sorry for the confusion! 

After years of not keeping a single Xenesthis species, I now find myself with five different ones. In this episode, I give my first impressions on them and explain how I'm currently keeping them. Also in this episode, we also discuss the recent issue with hobbyists thinking that they have to keep their moisture dependent species in "swampy" conditions. 

We all do it to some extent, and it some cases it's fun and harmless. But what happens when assigning human characteristics to our spiders inhibits our ability to care for them correctly? In this episode, we'll discuss some of the pros and cons when we anthropomorphize our tarantulas. 

I made an unfortunately discovery when I checked on my female O. philippinus this week. Here is the story. Also, we talk a bit about the stigma surrounding male tarantulas. 

To kick this one off, I finally picked up a couple of the Herpcult acrylic enclosures. In this episode, I share my thoughts on them. Also, we discus the care of Megaphobema robustum. 

I've been getting a lot of questions about tarantula communes lately, so I figured that it would be a good time to share some thoughts and reflections on them. In this podcast, we'll talk about some points to consider before you start a tarantula communal and also discuss why many in the hobby are against them.  

After getting three questions about this in one week, I figured that it would make for a good podcast topic. How do you know when your tarantula has settled in? What are some signs that it's not comfortable? How do you know when it's finally comfortable? In this episode, we discuss some things to consider if your tarantula doesn't seem to be adapting to its new surroundings. 

After being asked this question many times, I actually sat down to figure out which tarantulas I would keep if I could only keep 10. I pretty much failed miserably (I didn't quite get it down to 10), but I gave it a good try!

And, for those who want to test out the Quizlet set, click here!

To kick this one off, I answer a couple listener questions. Then, we discuss the husbandry of Theraphosa species.  

I've been reluctant to tackle this one, as I've already spoken to keepers who have been turned off to keeping new world tarantulas after hearing about their hairs. However, I although I get a lot of question like, "how bad is the venom?" on new world videos, it's rare for anyone to ask about the hairs. It seems that many don't find the idea of "getting haired" to be particularly intimidating. In this podcast, I share my opinions on this subject. 

First, a huge thank you to Lexi for chiming in on the isopod topic. For those who ask why I won't use these with tarantulas again, this podcast will pretty much sum it up. Also in this podcast, I've been contacted by several people in the past two months who purchased gravid T. albopilosus at their local pet stores. Here, we'll discuss this disturbing trend and what it means to the hobby. 

After getting a bunch of questions about "ideal temperatures" and "room temperatures" lately, I thought it would be a good idea to revisit the topic. Also, the "golden rule" for choosing the right tarantula enclosure. 

First, I refer to Dolichothele diamantinensis by its old genus name in the podcast.  When I edited the video version, I used old clips labeled with the old genus and apparently had a major brainfart. My apologies for any confusion!

This is NOT a top 10 list, as who the heck am I to tell people which is the "best" blue tarantula? Rather, it's more of a discussion about some of the blue tarantula species and what to expect from them. I also do not cover every single blue species, and I left a couple popular ones off the list. Don't worry, though, as there will likely be a part two in the future. 

Okay, to kick this one off, I rant for a few minutes more about water dishes. Then, I had my first death in my M. balfouri communal. Next, my thoughts on whether Avicularia/Caribena deaths are due to poor husbandry or because these species are a bit more fragile. 

Okay, to kick this one of, I'll talk about the enclosure design I'm using for six adorable little A. avicularia m6 slings I got from my buddy, Andrew, Then, I'm back to mixing substrate again, and I share my latest recipe. Finally, it's off to cover some of the more common missteps new hobbyist make.

In this episode, I continue my crusade to get folks to try out this amazing genus as I talk about the Phormictopus species in my collection. 

So, with pet stores closing in many states, some folks are panicking about how they will find feeders if they are quarantined or ordered to stay put. Here are some things to think about as well as some ideas should you find yourself unable to buy feeders for several weeks.

Also, it's time to visit that old "controversial" topic, water dishes, again!

CRICKETS:

https://buyfeedercrickets.com/pages/live-crickets

AMAZON CRICKETS

https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/19833073011?_encoding=UTF8&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=BASSETT%27S%20CRICKET%20RANCH&ref_=bl_dp_s_web_19833073011

To kick it off, I respond to a keeper who commented on my Moisture Dependent Species video that moisture dependency is a hoax. Then, we talk about how to prepare should an emergency make it impossible for you to care for your tarantulas for a while. 

In this episode, we cover some popular mistakes and mishaps that many keepers seem to think are myths. I've been putting this list together from quite some time, and it's time to discuss these "risk vs. reward" situations. The next time someone asks, "But does that really happen?", the answer is often YES. 

We kick this one off with a listener question, then we dive into our main topic...moisture dependent species! 

A general discussion about how to sex tarantulas and how to recognize when your specimens are sexually mature. 

Okay, these are two topics that I've had a lot of questions about lately, so I figured that I'd tackle them. Truth be told, I might not be the most qualified to answer them! 

I've received a lot of requests for a top ten list of most visible tarantula species, but I've been reluctant to put one together. I just don't think that anyone can realistically cover the topic in this manner. Instead, I'm going to talk about some of the tarantulas I have kept that have made good showcase spiders for me due to their visibility. Feel free to join us on Facebook to chime in with your picks! 

Well, the title pretty much says it all. In this episode, we discuss care for Chilobrachys species!

One of my spiders was suffering from a mysterious ailment. Also, some thoughts on how tarantulas are portrayed on TV and in Movies.

The species I'm discussing in the first segment is Phormingochilus arboricola . Thanks Tank McCoy for the heads up! 

First off, we discuss the EMODE website which proports to tell people which pets should be kept and which should not. From there, we discuss why it's important to do your research BEFORE you buy your next animal. Finally, I offer an update on my S. dehaani.

To kick this one off, we discuss how sensationalized, hyperbolic videos that portray tarantulas as scary or dangerous are detrimental to our hobby.

Next, we discuss the potential issues that beginners face when they find themselves picking up dozens of spiders in a very short period of time.

When you're done, please check out the new podcast Preclarum Theraphosidae ! 

First off, I wanted to address some issues with correspondence, breeding loans, and home visits.

Next, we move into the guts of the podcast and talk about how to set up terrestrial, arboreal, and fossorial enclosures to ensure that your spiders settle in as quickly as possible.

20% off O. philippinus slings at Fear Not Tarantulas code: tbs20

After recently having two keepers tell me that they would NEVER get any old world tarantulas because they are "too dangerous", it got me thinking. Have we, as a hobby, gone too far in trying to caution folks against the faster, more venomous species? Are they really that dangerous to keep? Also, some thoughts on the "ladder system", and how it may not work for everyone. 

Okay, so this was supposed to be part of last week's episode, but my voice didn't hold out. Still, as last week dealt more with issues in the home, this one deals more with setups. In this episode, we discuss the risk of using prey or substrate from outside. We also tackle wire mesh in tarantula enclosures. 

Many of us like to come home turn on the lights, light some candles, and crank up the music. However, are any of these things harmful to our spiders? In this episode, we break it down. 

With winter weather upon us, we'll discuss ordering tarantulas in the winter as well as my trick for "winterizing" my slings. Also, I offer a quick update on my bioactive setups. Finally, Dillon from Animals at Home was kind enough to let me present his entire interview with me. 

To kick this one off, I talk about Harpactira pulchripes. Then, I share some of my experiences with springtails and isopods. (NOTE: It's CLEANER insects, not FEEDER insects! Sorry for the confusion!)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! In this bonus episode, I offer some updates on my communal setups. 

A couple recent comments on YouTube have compelled me to revisit the topics of enclosures and handling again. 

Also, a hobby buddy of mine and YouTuber is putting together a very cool and ambitious video about breeding that I'll be contributing footage to, and it got me thinking a bit about how males are treated during breeding. 

We kick this one off with a discussion of the P. murinus or "OBT". Then, for folks who haven't heard it, I've included a clip of my interview on the Animals At Home podcast!

Episode Web page (with links to iTune, Spotify, etc.): https://www.animalsathome.ca/35-toms-big-spiders/

So, how dangerous is it to bring tarantulas (especially old world species) into your home? A discussion of some points to consider. 

Also, some quick molt and breeding updates! 

First, we talk a bit about my latest attempt at a beginner species list, and some of the issues with lists in general. Then, I'll speak a bit about my recent interview for the podcast Animals at Home. Finally, it's off to talking about one of my favorite species...the G. pulchripes! 

So, after coming up with this idea while working on a book about tarantula care, I decided that it would make a good article/video/podcast. However, I'm sure that I'm missing some important terms (like substrate!). What am I missing? 

Okay, to kick this one off, I'll be talking about my participation in the "Hot Sauce Tarantula Feeding Challenge."

Then, I make my attempt at coming up with a list of the best "Showcase" (or most visible) spiders in my collection. 

For those who would like to read the article, click HERE!

By request, some thoughts on the pros and cons of starting with a spidering or an adult tarantula! 

So, I was reluctant to do this one because I don't want people to think that tarantula breeding can be so easily summed up. Truth is, it requires a lot of preparation and work. And, quite frankly, I'm no breeding expert. However, for those interested in pairing their spiders, hopefully this podcast will offer a bit of an outline for you. 

I've been getting a lot of question about how to keep substrate moist, so I figured that it would make a good topic for the podcast! Also, an update on my beginner species feature.

Tom's Big Spiders Store: https://teespring.com/stores/toms-big...

In this one, we discuss how important it is to keep your collection from swelling to stressful and unmanageable levels. Second, we discuss how to convince a mate to let you get Old World tarantulas. Thanks to Dan Pompili for the suggestion! 

Well, the title pretty much says it all! I also talk about my latest video collaboration with Predator or Prey's Gar Rees, and touch on the new "Beginner Species" video that I'm working on.

Those interested in check out the collab I did with Gar can click here! 

For those of you who like the species specific podcasts, this one is for you. in this episode, we'll talk about C. darlingi (AKA, the Rear Horned Baboon). I've received a ton of requests for husbandry information on this species, so I'm excited to finally focus on this wonderful tarantula.

And for those who are interested in tarantula T-shirts, the store is live! https://teespring.com/stores/toms-big-spiders-the-store

On a recent video I posted on the Harpactira pulchripes, a few folks commented that they didn't agree with my statement that they would NOT make good beginner species. Now, this is obviously just a difference of opinion, and I definitely appreciated and understood their perspectives on it. Due to its relatively calm temperament and ease of care, I could see how a hobbyist might recommend it to someone new to the hobby. However, I DID want to take the opportunity to explain why I won't recommend any Old World's as "beginners."

First, we're going to go back to last episode for a bit to talk about the issue with barren enclosures. Then, I have a couple breeding projects that I'd like to discuss. Finally, having received close to a dozen emails about P. metallica slings these past few weeks, I'm going to take some time to discuss their setups. 

Well, the title pretty much says it all! In this episode, I'll answer a couple more listener questions. 

Considering  how many articles, videos, and podcasts I've produced over the years, it was inevitable that some things I have said would be misconstrued, misinterpreted, or misrepresented. Although I always endeavor to be as clear and articulate as possible when speaking about topics, it's come to my attention that some folks might have received the wrong message on a few subjects. So, I'm using this podcast to clear the air a bit! 

Visit Arachnoboards!

Continuing with listener questions, we tackle a list of species that are good ones to start with for folks looking to keep their first Old Worlds. 

First, I want to share the awesome experience I had this week with Eric (YouTube channels Scare Theater and Owler) and Regan, who stopped by to help Eric get over his fear of spiders. Then, we move on to the next round of listener questions. 

So I put out the call, and you fine folks answered! A huge THANK YOU to all who took the time to post a question. This is will be part one of likely three parts, as there are a LOT of questions to answer! Thank you also to Anastasija Zeila, Vince Padilla, Jeremiah Strange, Sarah Abery, and Mark Nelson for the questions covered in this episode. 

My Facebook Page

Okay, to kick this one off, we will actually be continuing our discussion from last week by discussing what a keeper can do when threat postures scare him.

Then, there's a brief update on my A. avicularia ("Metallica"), who hasn't been doing very well.

And, finally, I've had a few advanced keepers ask what they should be doing to keep the hobby fresh after they've been in the hobby for a while.

Around 23 years ago, I got my first tarantula in part to help me to get over a life-long fear of spiders. Although it took many years (and eventually, MANY more tarantulas), I finally kicked my irrational fear of these animals. Since then, I've spoken to many keepers who were drawn to the hobby for the same reasons. In this episode, I'll discuss my experiences with getting over my fear, as well as some tips for those trying put their arachnophobia behind them. 

First, I talk a bit about my recent Rainbow of Tarantulas Video. Then, I discus my list of my top 10 personal favorite tarantulas. 

I've had a lot of folks talking about "aggressive" tarantula species lately. In this episode, we discuss why people may confuse "aggressive" and "defensive", and how to reduce this type of behavior.

Although not common, there are instances where a keeper buys a sling of one species only to discover years later that it is, in fact, another species. And then there are the spiders sold in pet stores under the wrong common or scientific names. In this episode, we discuss this disappointing and potentially dangerous issues.

Also, an update on my H. chilensis and my P. metallica communal setup. 

It looks like it's going to be a bad spring for pests, and I'm already getting emails from concerned folks who are dealing with ants. Heck, I've already found a couple of them around my house. In this podcast, we go over what to do if you find ants around your tarantulas.

Also, a quick update on my Poecilotheria metallica communal. 

First, my A. avicularia ("Metallica" form) is not doing too well. Second, I discuss some notes and observations on my H. devamatha juvenile. Finally, some updates on the bioactive enclosures! 

We'll kick this one off with a quick update on my H. chilensis female. Then, we'll discuss one of my favorite spiders, Sericopelma sp. Santa Catalina. Finally, it's on to a discussion of Pseudhapalopus sp. blue. 

A discussion of some odd fasting and molting behavior I've noticed with my H. chilensis adult females. 

I've been getting a LOT of questions about substrate lately, so I briefly review some of my thoughts on the various types. Then, we discuss the husbandry for Theraphosa blondi. 

First off, a HUGE, heartfelt thank you to some folks who truly deserve it. Then, we talk about bioactive enclosures and the Nhandu tripepii.

To kick this one off, we discuss an obscure species...Crypsidromus sp. Costa Rica.  Then, we address why folks tend to experience more sling deaths in the winter months. Finally, an update on my Patreon page. 

We kick this one off with an update on my bioactives (Spoiler alert: I lost another plant!). Then, we'll discuss the C. cyaneopubescens as a beginner species. 

Also, some thoughts on Patreon, my Facebook absence, and breeding. 

Moving ahead, I'll be doing a series of husbandry podcasts, and my plan is to cover all the species I've kept alphabetically. And, what better way to kick this off than with an Aphonopelma review! 

It's that time again! It seems like every few months, the the age old debate over whether or not tarantulas "need" water dishes heats up. Long a proponent of giving Ts water dishes, I discuss my take on it. Also, some updates on my bioactive enclosures as well as a close call. 

This weekend, Billie and I rehoused the 10 P. metallica in my communal setup. What better way to calm down than to record a podcast minutes later! Also, some mysterious scorpion deaths...

CLICK HERE to watch the video! 

Buying tarantulas online is easy, safe, and convenient. But ordering live animals isn't exactly the same as shopping on Amazon. Here are some things every tarantula shopper needs to be aware of. 

I'm getting a lot of questions about Poecilotheria lately, so I figure that it would be good time to discuss this stunning (and often unfairly vilified) genus. 

When I first got into the hobby, the list of species that most keepers would deem "moisture dependent" was probably quite a bit longer than it would be today. As people have kept more and more species and experimented with some of the care, we've discovered that these creatures are much more adaptable than we sometimes give them credit for. That said, there are still several species that are all but universally recognized as needing moist substrate. In this episode, we discuss some of the species that used to be considered moisture dependent that no longer warrant this label, and identify some of the species still thought to like it damp. 

So, I've finally done it. After being sent several bioactive kits by Josh Halter, The Bio Dude, I've gone ahead and set up my first naturalistic enclosure. To say I'm excited to embark upon this new facet of the hobby would be an understatement. Here are some of my initial thoughts.

The Bio Dude:  https://www.thebiodude.com/

This podcast thing is still pretty new to me, so I guess it's inevitable that I produce some stinkers. A recent email from a listener confirmed that last week's episode might have been a bit much. To kick this one off, I want to explain where I was coming from producing a particularly negative episode. Secondly, I discuss what's going on with my two communal setups. 

First off, I'll soon be creating my first bioactive enclosures thanks to Josh Halter from Biodude. Josh and his company have just released Terra Aranea, their first substrate exclusively for use with inverts, and I'll be trying some out. I've had a LOT of folks ask me about bioactive enclosures over the years, so I'll be documenting my attempts at setting some up. This week, I received full kits for five different species, and I'm excited to try them out.

Secondly, I've been asked many times if there are any good tarantula guides out there for new hobbyists. With that in mind, I'll be reviewing "Tarantula Spiders as Pets" by Lolly Brown. Strap in, as this one is a humdinger!

CHECK OUT BIO DUDE HERE.

Continuing with the Facebook Q & A, we'll talk about how to select the right cage size for your tarantula.

Also, there is a new digital magazine for tarantula enthusiasts available now. Those interested can find a copy of The Spinnerette magazine here.

For those of us who have large collections, it can be difficult to explain why we need so many tarantulas to coworkers, friends, and family. How do we convince them that we are not candidates for the next season of Hoarders? In this episode, we discuss some talking points to start with. 

Continuing with the listener requests, this episode is a discussion of the pros and cons of glass, acrylic, and plastic bin tarantula enclosures. 

Glass Enclosure Build by White Rose Tarantulas

Once again, a huge thank you to all who asked questions on my Facebook page! This episode includes:

• Do loud noises and loud music stress tarantulas?
• Which genus is better: Phormictopus, Pamphobeteus, or Xenesthis?
• Could communal "failures" just be nature at work?
• Do you bring your tarantulas to school?

I recently asked my listeners on Facebook for questions and suggested topics, and the response was amazing. In this episode, I answer the first batch of questions. Topics include:

• How to Remove Uneaten Prey
• My Biggest Challenge as a Keeper
• Tips on Feeding Arboreal Slings
• Do Mature Males Start to Lose Their Minds?
• Best Classroom Tarantula Species
• Can Stacking Sling Enclosures Stress Ts?
• Why I Won't Do Patreon

Leading off this episode, we'll discuss whether or not it's okay to put a tarantula spiderling in an adult enclosure. Next, we'll cover the confusion around Avicularia juruensis and it's two morphs. Finally, we'll tackle some questions listeners posted on Facebook.

Want to comment on this podcast? Please join me on my Tom's Big Spiders Facebook page!

With winter officially upon us, and many folks asking about shipping spiders in the wintertime, I figured that it would be a good time to discuss the topic. Happy Holidays! 

I've had a lot of folks advising me lately on how to make my YouTube channel more "fun" and approachable to folks who may not already be in the hobby. Others get frustrated because I refuse to do any promotion for it. The fact is, I'm not in this to be a YouTube "famous"; my purpose is to educate. Although I certainly don't strive to be boring, my only real hope for my channel (or any of this stuff) is that people get good information.

Now, does that mean that I have something against those channels that are meant to be more entertaining and fun? Absolutely not. Personally, I feel that there is a place for both types of channels, and each can serve an integral role in growing the hobby. 

In this episode, I discuss my thoughts on both the importance and potential issues with tarantula YouTube channels.  

Next week, we're back to specifically talking about tarantulas. Promise. 

This episode features updates on my M. balfouri, N. incei, and P. metallica communal setups. Also included is the latest on my Tityus stigmurus scorpion communal! 

To kick this one off, we revisit episode 41 and address some comments listeners had about "winterizing tarantulas." Then we move into the meat of this podcast and explain why some folks think that the tarantula sold as G. pulchra in the hobby for years might actually be a similar but different species. 

The title says it all! Back in February, I covered some of the topics and facts I wish I had known before getting into the hobby. Well, here are some more! For the beginners, I hope you find this informative. For the those who have been in the hobby for a while, perhaps it'll be fun to think back on a time where this was all new!

For some amazing information on tarantulas, check out Arachnoboards! 

For this episode, we address some ways a tarantula keeper can get her or his spiders ready for the winter.

These are just some tips and practices that I've picked up over the years. If you have more, please feel free to comment on my Facebook page. I would love to get a dialog going.

TOM'S BIG SPIDERS FACEBOOK 

Okay, here is my attempt at a top 15 favorite tarantula species list! Please keep in mind that if a species you like isn't on it, it does NOT mean that I don't like that species. I've kept well over 100 different species, and I've honestly liked them all. It is VERY difficult narrowing a list down to just a handful of spiders. Even now I'm totally second-guessing myself on several that did not make it to the list. Enjoy! 

On Halloween (of course), National Geographic published the article, "The Illegal Market for Tarantulas Is Hairy Business." Despite the hokey title and annoying attempt to market these creatures as terrifying Halloween monsters, the article made for quite an interesting read. This podcast includes some of my thoughts on the article.

A huge thanks to Eddie Marquis for sending me the link!

READ THE ARTICLE HERE!

In this episode, we'll break down the recent "name changes" for Euathlus sp. red as well as several species of Tapinauchenius (SPOILER: Your "T. gigas" is now "P. gigas!") We'll also talk a bit about some of the rehousing techniques available to hobbyists.