Tarantulas: To Handle or Not To Handle?

[Alexandra V]

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!

[grits]

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.

[JLC]

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

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.

[BbyBoa]

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

[MissDixie]

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

[gp_dragsandballs]

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

[Boanerges]

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.

[DMTWI]

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.

[PrettyInInk87]

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! 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.

[Michelle.C]

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.