Starting with 1 vs 3

[Egon]

Ok, so I will probably have to order my T instead of sourcing it locally, and was thinking of going through a well-known site that offers freebies. I was tempted to order both of my ideal first tarantulas -- G. Pulchripes and C. Versicolor -- so I don't have to get a second time months from now when I decide I want both and pay shipping a second time. If I do that, I can get one of many freebies, and was thinking of choosing A. Hentzi.

I've never kept a T before but I do have four garter snakes in two different enclosures. For whatever it's worth, I'm a guy in my 40s who lives alone in a home I own. I've been thinking about getting a tarantula for years and have done plenty of reading and hours of YouTube viewing (of all the well-known characters).

Thoughts, advice, suggestions, concerns, etc. about starting out with three T slings at once instead of one for my very first foray into keeping tarantulas?

Thank you.

 

[Konstantin]

Hi there
Nothing wrong starting with few as long as you have done your research.
You may consider multiple slings of same species to increase your chance for a female.
I often buy 5 slings of each.
Tarantulas are quite inactive pets with low care requirements and often people compensate with numbers.
Its addictive hobby and I really doubt you will stop at 3.lol
Regards Konstantin

 

[Oursapoil]

Hi Egon,

Where are you located? If you are anywhere near the big apple, let me know and I'll be happy to gift you your first T.

 

[Egon]

Hi there
Nothing wrong starting with few as long as you have done your research.
You may consider multiple slings of same species to increase your chance for a female.
I often buy 5 slings of each.
Tarantulas are quite inactive pets with low care requirements and often people compensate with numbers.
Its addictive hobby and I really doubt you will stop at 3.lol
Regards Konstantin

Thank you. I did consider that because it would be great to have a female G. Pulchripes.

 

[Egon]

Hi Egon,

Where are you located? If you are anywhere near the big apple, let me know and I'll be happy to gift you your first T.

Aw, thanks man that's so kind of you to offer. Unfortunately I am in Minneapolis, MN.

 

[DustyD]

Another option is to buy a more established sling or juvenile. Being older they tend to be a little more resilient. They are more expensive, but if it is properly sexed already, then you may be ahead of the game. And with some experience under your belt, it may help with raising little ones. I have done it both sexed and buying multiples.

I have only been doing this for six months and have 7 tarantulas. At first I would only get Ts 1.25 " or larger. But a few months ago I bought two G.rosea slings about 3/4" . I know they come smaller but that was small enough for me.

 

[Egon]

Another option is to buy a more established sling or juvenile. Being older they tend to be a little more resilient. They are more expensive, but if it is properly sexed already, then you may be ahead of the game. And with some experience under your belt, it may help with raising little ones. I have done it both sexed and buying multiples.

I have only been doing this for six months and have 7 tarantulas. At first I would only get Ts 1.25 " or larger. But a few months ago I bought two G.rosea slings about 3/4" . I know they come smaller but that was small enough for me.

Most sites seem to only sell small slings. PM me your recommendations.

 

[octanejunkie]

I have juvenile GBBs and Tlitocatl vagans, male and female, if you are interested, 4" approximately.

I also have 3/4" G pulchripes and C versicolor slings, and can gift you a T albopilosus sling, but unfortunately no A hentzi.

Might I suggest a bit of reading if you are going to get into avicularia as a newb

Keeping Avicularia species - Updated with Pictures

I keep several different arboreal species of tarantula but not all of them require the same care. The general care and keeping of the various avicularia-type arboreal species differs from all other arboreal and terrestrial species; but it's not complicated. A little history I lost my first...

www.tarantulaforum.com

 

[Egon]

I appreciate everyone's great insights and help. I wanted to let you know that I ordered a G. Pulchripes and B. Smithi and added a A. Hentzi as a freebie.

I feel as prepared as possible from all of my research, and understand that growing them out is a slow, years-long process even though of course I won't know what it feels like until I'm in the middle of it.

 

[Konstantin]

Thats great buddy.
If you have any questions in future please don't hesitate to ask.
Also when you have the enclosures ready you can post pics so we can give you some feedback and advice.
With small slings enclosures on the smaller side seems to work better for me as its easier to keep an eye on your little friends and makes it easier for them to find the pray.
Regards Konstantin

 

[Egon]

Thats great buddy.
If you have any questions in future please don't hesitate to ask.
Also when you have the enclosures ready you can post pics so we can give you some feedback and advice.
With small slings enclosures on the smaller side seems to work better for me as its easier to keep an eye on your little friends and makes it easier for them to find the pray.
Regards Konstantin

Appreciate it. I ordered the slings with kits, although I think the freebie doesn't come with one. I'll have to get an enclosure together for that one.

 

[Konstantin]

Think Deli cups or small Amac boxes

 

[DustyD]

Congrats on your purchase. Feel free to post some pictures when you get them/ when they are settled in. As was said above, housing setup pictures would be nice too.

 

[Egon]

Here they are. The small deli cup has ventilation on the top and the sides.