Tarantulas: To Handle or Not To Handle?

Not saying I have any opinion on this, just pure interest in seeing what others have to say. Please, don't bash handling, and vice versa!

If the spider takes to it well and you are very carefull with it I dont see whats wrong with it. I handle ours all the time. If they are hand tame it make cleaning the cage so much easier.

I would say NO....but that is because spiders are near the top of my No-Touchy List! :rofl:

Seriously though....my thoughts are that if a keeper knows what they are doing and they know their T's are well cared for and not stressed...then I don't have any issues with them handling as they please.

I voted no, just on the fact that spiders make me turn and run screaming like a little girl :D

I'd have to say yes, as long as it does not stress the T (or yourself). I handle mine, they don't mind :)

I handle mine from time to time. Just have to use good judgment and not handle extremely skittish or defensive ones.

This was a tough one for me but I ended up voting yes because I have handled mine occasionally. I do think it is in the best interest of the keeper and the tarantula not to handle them though.

I do handle some of mine, sometimes. It does make cage cleaning and re-housing a little simpler if you can just pic up the little buggers. I'm more concerned with the spiders saftey though, wouldn't want to hurt one of my little monsters. :P

I agree with the above posts... I am against handling my T's but of course because I don't feel I am experienced enough to do so. Yes they are pretty docile but all that goes through my mind are those HUGE hollow fangs!:O Again, if the T is okay with handling then it should be okay. I think every T owner should AT LEAST practice coraling them in and out of their tanks so that when tank cleaning time comes, you know how that one T will react to the process. Out of my 6 T's, I only handle my tiny A. avicularia sling (s/he is a sweet heart) and i'm not afraid of his or her fangs just yet. :D

I have to say, I voted No; but it was a hard decision. I don't really agree with pleasure handling as they are quite fragile and things can go wrong. Imagine for a moment, the Tarantula becomes afraid and bites it's keeper, well..it's only natural, but most people will send the little guy flying or squish it.

So, I mean if you are an advanced keeper and setting with a pillow on your lap or something and you are confident, can it be done? Yes. I'd just use caution and be aware of the species and it's medical significance and temperament before even thinking about it.

I voted no.. Mostly because I've seen what happens when people put their faces too close to a T and they spring their hairs... If you want pain, get something embedded in your cornea.

IF you know your animal, and know it wont spook, i suppose i could see handling one. Its not for me though.

i didnt vote yes or no. i think it depends on the species you are dealing with. i have handled some when i was keeping them but only avics. it was a wierd feeling! i could feel its hooks dig into my skin. very strange. i would never hold anything like pokie or a OBT but have know people who have.

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Originally Posted by Lucas339

i would never hold anything like pokie or a OBT but have know people who have.

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LOL yeah I'd avoid OBT's too, I get what you mean!

The 2 I keep now I dont handle at all in 20 some years of keeping them I havent handled them much. I am allergic to bees though found out a few years back. I think you can if you want but it isnt nessecary.

Which Ts? With around 1000 species it is somewhat of a broad question. It could be compared to: "Should you handle snakes?" Much of that decision will rest upon the species in question and the keepers experience.

Definitly NO. An animal, which explores everything through "feeling" (some spiders can feel how big the insect is, that went around 1 m above them, if they are in a cave) will have to much impressions on an underground they don`t know. heartbeat, sweat,...
there are some more reasons which are har for me to explain in english, but the stated one is the biggest issue on hanlding spiders,...

Definitly NO! Anything with eight legs, beedy little eyeballs, and large fangs gives me the HEEBIE-JEEBIES! I freak out from a pinky sized spider to the point i pull over my truck jump out and find it before i get back in even if i am driving. :O (Of course I also call my hubby in to save me from ones in the shower too LOL)

....But I had to save him from a bat!

I don't own a T but I think they're amazing little critters and there's definitely one on my wish list. I've handled friends T's and T's at the reptile shop. I think it's ok with species that aren't really jumpy and flighty and should be done w/ extreme care since a short fall could be fatal. It's also a good idea to sit on the floor while handling so if the little guy or girl does fall it won't be a long drop...