Tarantulas: To Handle or Not To Handle?

[cinderbird]

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.

[Lucas339]

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.

[Alexandra V]

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

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

[bengalfan]

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.

[jmugleston]

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.

[JNballs]

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,...

[Bp_Lee_2011]

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. (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!

[nor_cal1980]

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...