Poecilotheria metallica "Gooty ornamental" Notes

An update/husbandry video on my female Poecilotheria metallica.

[@Dovietail]

This is literally the fastest sling I've ever seen, let alone owned. It moves so fast, that my eyes cannot keep up with it as it darts around it's little mayonnaise jar habitat. It's like trying to watch a hockey puck changing directions. I live in fear that it'll dart out sometime while I'm feeding it and I won't notice!

[@View-sc8wf]

Dario Stojanovski it’s like my obt, they just teleport

[@spikesfamily]

I’ve actually had my sling run out onto my hand and then back into its enclosure before I could even react!

[@ProbableHobbit]

I agree with your assessment and observations, especially the inconsistency in feeding. People tend to glorify these spiders as “aggressive badasses,” and I’ve never once seen that in this species. All the ones I’ve dealt with have been very shy. Love, love, love your vids, Tom. ❤️

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Jodi! It drives me nuts when folks refer to them as aggressive and dangerous. Obviously, the POTENTIAL for a nasty bite is there, but I don't that it's likely at all if folks are careful. I find mine to quite shy as well, Thanks so much!!!

[@heydiahrea]

This is the first tarantula I’ve ever kept seriously, I’ve kept my native Socal species for a little then release them and a zebra leg that was a penultimate male from a friend. Mine was about an inch across and ate really well and molts pretty often and eats anything. It was a gift from my sister luckily I have a lot of hot scorpion and giant centipede experience because these things are fast I’d say maybe quicker than scolopendra dehaani

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They are definitely quite fast. I have 9 at the moment, and the good thing is that they would much rather hide than bolt. I try to keep them calm during rehousings so that I can avoid that speed!

[@heydiahrea]

@@TomsBigSpiders Yeah, I’ve never seen mine be defensive. It just moves around like a blue blur or when you point a light on it, it really makes a point to get out of the light.

[@JJasperPaperCo.]

Only been in the hobby 2 months and went right into Poecilotheria's! It just molted and is about 2 inches. I currently have it in a medium treehouse from Tarantula Cribs. I hope to not have to rehouse it again for a while but plan to purchase an Exo-Terra Mini Tall with a C&M lid, per your recommendation. Thanks Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They are such amazing spiders! And thank you for commenting!

[@edgufler1122]

Awesome Video Tom. I like the way you show examples of Enclosures to choose for them.

[@oldpop788]

Can't wait mine ships the 27th from fear not. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into the hobby you're truly an asset.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much...I truly appreciate it. :) And congrats!

[@sammckee2836]

Another great and informative video!

[@tonicoffin7706]

Great video as usual. Perfect blend of beauty and valuable info.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Toni!

[@SDoS21]

Beautiful spider, great video. Thanks Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Fish Balls! :)

[@Ottedikkie]

Awsome, beautiful spider. Love the colors. 👍🏻

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Moi! :)

[@Martinstanktalk]

I received an adult Metallica about a week ago, more of a rescue. The person who had it did not take good care of it. I am new in the Tarantula keeping hobby and I did hear all the horror stories associated with this species. I was thrilled to get a metallica as they are extremely expensive even as slings. To get an adult for next to nothing was an opportunity that I could not let slip by. First thing that I did was to re-house the spider into a bigger enclosure. Knowing all the stories did make me quite nervous to move this guy. To make a long story short. The move wet well. No hassles. I must also add, it was a relatively cold day when I did move it. So that could also have helped. Great video Tom. I do enjoy watching your videos and learned a lot from the,. Thank you. Keep up the great work.😀😀👍

[@Evan_Schaefering]

I definitely wouldn't have recommended you to get a Pokie so soon but if the rehousing went well you should be fine :) That is the part of tarantula keeping where the Old Worlds really show their speed and tempers. Congrats on getting such an expensive species for so cheap!

[@Philboi28]

Amazing as ever tom I’m working my way up to this beauty I have 4 ts now

[@HipsterEnte]

I got my P..metallica sling 2 years ago (2nd molt when i got it) first thing it did after unboxing was making a run under the table.. which had ridges 😂 Right now she (possibly female) sits at a 6cm bodylength. As youve said, really skittish, nervous and fast.. Still one of the greatest Tarantulas ever

[@tedmyers8005]

Thanks for another informative video Tom! I just ordered a sling through my local exotic shop as my first arboreal. I know, quite a big step up, but I got a C. lividus as my 4th T a few months back, and I’m still alive! After watching your vids on Pokies, I know I’ll be prepared :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Ted! You should be fine if you've worked with C. lividus! They are more shy than anything. :) Congrats!

[@62millwood]

i love these guys. I have finally gotten mine in it's adult home. like you stated Tom mine eats like she's starving one feeding and the next she won't even act like she is going to eat. mine is doing great now. and if not for your other Gooty video Tom, i may not have gotten mine. your videos really help me out. Thanks

[@thenorwegiantarantulakeeper]

Awesome Tom! Love these videos of yours!😊👌👍

[@thenorwegiantarantulakeeper]

And close to 10k subs! Awesomeness!👌👍👍👍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, bud! I have a great time doing them. :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm getting there! haha

[@benny3428]

What a beautiful spider! I love poecilotheria species very much (mostly thanks to you), and I even have the super large Poecilotheria genus poster from arachnogear up above my bed. I was very fortunate that I got to see one of these in person at my local reptile store. I think their adult female was being sold at $500!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I HAVE to get one of those posters. :) $500??? Wow!

[@ryanmack423]

Great footage brother your girl is super chill :)

[@whiterosetarantulas3150]

Hey Tom, awesome informative clip as usual, I have 3 x P. metallica and all 3 eat like machines, grow like weeds and are always out, just goes to show how tarantulas can be so different even in the same species, I wonder if environmental factors make a difference, ie mine are in dark cabinets that I use a torch to see into them, I find this brings even the most reclusive species out into the open!

[@fincloser1230]

Great video! Informative as usual.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Tony! :)

[@CHRISmartialARTIST]

Getting my first old world on the 24th, a P.Metallica, so ive been watching all your vids on them. I think Im ready. Anything else you would add tips wise for this species if you were to remake this video?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats, Chris...that's awesome! I love this species. They tend to be more shy than anything. :) Well, I now have the communal setup going, so it's been interesting to see that most of them grow MUCH faster in that environment. :)

[@spydeyvee4858]

Fantastic footage Tom..

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, bud! :)

[@boxingboa]

Thank you so much for all the real info. I learned so much.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, bud! Always a pleasure!

[@debbiemcclure2874]

She's a beauty Tom. Tyfs God bless you

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Debbie!

[@BillPerryBCPythons]

Great species tips and info. Beautiful P Metallica you got there!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, BC! Love that girl. :) One of the best birthday gifts ever. haha

[@imranaboo433]

very useful video the best I found for this species thanks

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much!

[@tennesseetarantulas5129]

Great information. As always Tom. Both of mine are still slings. And one isn't afraid at all. It comes to me when I talk to it. Or feed it. Lol I made a little vid of it. She is Definitely beautiful thanks.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! :) I have to get another sling...I enjoyed growing this one up. :) I'll go check it out! :)

[@rkhnd51]

I love the colors on this T but I'll stay clear as I'm just a beginner. I can appreciate them through videos. Thank you for yours.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! Yeah, this one can be intimidating to those just getting into the hobby. Maybe one to look forward to in the future, though? :)

[@donk_the_bushranger9556]

Great vid Beautiful coloured T 🕷

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Dan! There's just nothing like a blue tarantula! :)

[@davescott4327]

Great video buddy..with great advice..she's stunning thanks for sharing..🖒's up ☺

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Dave! We still have to do that collaboration! I'm going to start my summer break in three weeks, so I'll have plenty of time. You can shoot me an email at [e-mail] if you want (not sure you saw the other message).

[@davescott4327]

Tom Moran hey buddy ..yes I got ur last message iv been crazy busy sorry for not getting Back to u ... and I was thinking this summer would be a good time as I know u r busy with teaching and would have the summer off ..I'm still wanting to do this with u ...i will send u a email soon ....hope u and ur family r well 🙂

[@ztesch04]

Wow awesome footage bro.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you! I'm so glad that she tolerated this. :)

[@stevef810]

I don’t care what you think! I’m getting a Gooty Sapphire as my first tarantula.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Do whatever you want, Steve. I honestly don't care. Hahaha I'm just giving my opinion on the matter. Enjoy your P. metallica!

[@stevef810]

@@TomsBigSpiders Thank you!!! I’m very excited to have a blue baby. All your expertise was very much appreciated. Great video!!!

[@myblasphemouslife9052]

My Poecilotheria Metallica molted a few weeks ago and is now the size of my thumb. He/she is living in a 16 oz deli cup, I went to Michael’s to pick up fake leaves and flowers, for the juvenile enclosure that I got from Jamie’s Tarantulas and it looks like a real habitat.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You can really do up some beautiful enclosures with those Michael's leaves. They look great! :)

[@spydeyvee4858]

Hey Tom. Yup it is very striking with those Blues - But I must say that the Regalis is my favourite of the Poecilotheria species. There's something special about the black and silver spider, with the bright yellow leg chevrons. Really beautiful.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I actually like the black and white pokies better myself. My P. regalis is one of the most stunning spiders in my collection, as is my P. vittata. I know folks LOVE the blue ones, but in this genus, it's not the prettiest! :)

[@spydeyvee4858]

I m inclined to agree with you on that last statement Tom. I also Love Jumping Spiders - - THey are also very fascinating - I have two at the moment - But I plan on growing that number - But I need to go on another bug hunt to get some more.. LOL.

[@danieledwards4274]

Good stuff man! I have no clue why I don'y have one yet. They always keep them around the shops in Virginia Beach... the Fear Not team that is. My next trip maybe!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You definitely should grab one...they are gorgeous. I know Tanya has a bunch of them as I may be getting some from her soon... :)

[@reptilehutch7500]

Another great video man!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much! :)

[@ZahaMage]

beautiful, my female just molted and she is so pretty

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud! They really are gorgeous and so regal. :)

[@alexduesling4263]

Thank you for the video! I just got a 10 cm breeding pair. You always have fantastic info :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Alex! And thank you!

[@nedriley6991]

My favourite species

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They are just gorgeous. :)

[@nedriley6991]

Tom Moran I heard they are very expensive is that true

[@karolinastarantulas6244]

Awesome video, the P. metallica is such a gorgeous tarantula. 😀👍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Karolina! :)

[@ChantalsCritters]

Love the Video's 🇨🇦

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you! :)

[@Evan_Schaefering]

I come to the realization over the past year or so that the Poecilotheria genus isn't nearly as bad as people have labeled them. Sure, they are big and fast with some no-nonsense venom, and are definitely not beginner tarantulas, but I've found that mine are either quite calm or super secretive. None of mine are what I would call defensive. I've only ever received a threat posture once from any of my Pokies and it was when I first got my big female Rufilata and I was getting her out of the packaging she came in.

[@webbrowser6454]

Evan Schaefering the venoms the only real issue honestly. All of mine are, as you said, skittish and reclusive but rarely defensive and certainly not aggressive, in my experience. My rufilata is prolly the laxest of the bunch tho. Ornata is pretty sketchy, unpredictable. But I can usually count on metallica to just turn and bolt; regalis and subfusca similarly.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Evan! Yup, I've come to the same conclusion as well. I did a Poecilotheria genus review last year in which I addressed this. They tend to be demonized for the POTENTIAL of a nasty bite. Mine are much calmer and more predictable than many of my New World species. I think that folks have to be aware of the venom and prepared to deal with mishaps, but they are NOT particularly defensive or nasty tarantulas. I will admit, a threat posture from a large rufi would probably make me pee a bit. hahaha

[@danieledwards4274]

I never get myself in a situation with my 2 regalis' to find out. Maybe all the hype is doing good and keeping my senses sharp! :)

[@JaneSmith-rx6kx]

Daniel Edwards We got our Regalis out of bad keeping,allegedly highly aggressive and had bitten the former owner ... we have no problems whatsoever,she is a peach. I guess we have to keep informing folks,and rant about paintbrushes and tong tongs. With these simple tools you have no bite risk,and can take out the trash or whatever without danger,and no stress for the pokie.

[@jerseycasull4546]

Mine is very kool and calm,sure it will move to the bottom and back of it's enclosure when i open it's door to feed and water but if one is not looking for a critter to handle unlike a Brachypelma Albopelosum i don't understand why it's not for the beginner,sure i'll handle mine when it gets older but this species is way to stunning not to have it even if your new to keeping Arachnids. I hate calling them a hobby, their my pets. Any comments are welcome and thanks Tom for all you do

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I talk to a lot of beginners, and many are not at all used to fast tarantulas. The speed and the venom combination make this species a bit overwhelming for some. They certainly are stunning, though! Thanks for commenting.

[@adztube80]

Purchased today for my birthday, thanks for a informative vid.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congratulations...and Happy Birthday! :)

[@webbrowser6454]

Looking good man. Metallica's may get a bit too much credit but they are a true gem nonetheless! I can attest to the 7" female. I have seen them in person though my girls are not yet viable examples. Lovely specimen you have, about the same size mine are at if Im estimating proportions correctly (4.5-5"?). Wonderful as always!

[@sneakysquidgaming916]

I have a little 2 inch sling, and was wondering when to expect a molt from this species?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

It honestly depends on the feeding schedule and temperature. My first grew very slowly and had long premolt periods. At that size, it could take a few months between molts.

[@RogerVicki]

Pokies are my favourite species I have Metallica +ornata and weasels tiger . After being away from tarantula keeping for 5 years Still looking at getting every pokie as nothing better

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Mine, too! :) I'm in the process of getting them all myself. That's my goal. :)

[@RogerVicki]

Tom Moran me too I now have 9 pokies 7 different types

[@halfxdead]

Hi Tom, so i just picked up a 2 inch sling and jumped the gun on the enclosure. I had fist put him/her in one of those tall amac boxes but quickly realized thar feeding was going to be a nightmare in one of those since he/she started webbing up where the box comes apart, so input it in a herpcult 8x8x12 acrylic enclosre. Is that too big for my little guy?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! Well, I wouldn't stat one that size in an 8 x 8 x 12, but it's not wrong to do so. The thing is, you want to make sure that they can easily find food. I would keep an eye on yours for the first few feedings to make sure that it's finding the prey okay.

[@mr.personality7762]

Hey Tom, thank you for the vid. Curious, what if thr sling chooses to perch on the lid of the deli container? Makes things a bit difficult.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

If they don't find cover around the cork bark (fake leaves, for example), they will often climb until they find a corner and huddle up there. Does it have enough cover?

[@mr.personality7762]

@@TomsBigSpiders hey tom i just emailed you. In the same person haha

[@WADE_WORTH]

Hey Tom , quick question when you showed the enclosures . I really love the exo terra nanos 8x8x12 I seen there’s was one on the far right . Just a pros opinion , would that size be sufficient enough for the adult P.Metallica ?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I just spoke to a guy who keeps all of his adult pokies in the 8 x 8 x 12 size. The P. metallicas are a smaller pokie species overall, so it should work fine.

[@Nukamedia]

Perfect timing, I ordered 2 P. met slings yesterday and I'm super excited/also nervous lol. Never dealt with an sp. with this much venom potency before but I have 22 other species (3 OW). Also did you mean the tall 32oz. cups for slings or you really used a 16oz? I thought for arboreals 32 would be shaped more appropriately.

[@Evan_Schaefering]

I use the 32oz cup, or something equivalent, for my Poecilotheria slings which I'm sure Tom was actually referring to unless he was housing a nearly newborn sling. I don't think you will have any problems with your new Pokies since you already have OW experience. They aren't nearly as bad as people have framed them. They are super secretive in my experience and not at all defensive. Sure the venom is pretty strong but as long as you take the precautions that you would with any OW you will be fine.

[@klaskristian1]

Poecilotherias answer to Phormictopus auratus!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha Indeed, bud!

[@sydnosito]

my dumbass got this as my first one not realizing how fast and insane they are. Took me and my two sisters to feed it today, one sister watched it, the other opened the top and I poured small crickets in, came back a few min later with it on the top of the lid wanting out. I’m kind of worried, might not be for me, might give it back to the store I got it from, of course they encouraged me to get it, I did do research and everything but holy shit....

[@TomsBigSpiders]

What size is it? What type of setup do you have it in. Yes, they can be VERY fast if spooked, but most would rather hide if given the chance. Hopefully, it has calmed down for you!

[@sydnosito]

Tom Moran it’s pretty small about an 1.5 inches and I have him/her in a like a pretty medium cup size container with some substrate and a tall log to hide behind/ web on and climb and I’m gonna keep it it’s pretty cool I just need to get used to it. I just wish I would have known more lol

[@derivative7842]

Do an M. Balfouri Communal update.

[@brotiles1004]

Hey tom good video like always !! Good points !! I have question for you how often to change substrate when it comes to slings? Iknow this is not a video about slings but ill like you to give me your best advice!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud! Most slings, you shouldn't have to change them at all unless you get mold or mites. They aren't particularly dirty, and they usually outgrow their sling enclosures before there is a need to change the substrate.

[@brotiles1004]

Tom Moran got You got you thank u so much !! 👌🏻 and than u for taking u time to answer my question !! Goodluckouthere tom

[@blade9000100]

mine is just like yours ^^ and am a first timer

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Rene! That's awesome!

[@blade9000100]

@@TomsBigSpiders Can you tell me anything about the feeding habits They have:)?

[@chadholpin2201]

What exoterra is that? The size you recommend for an adult? Mines in premolt and is about 2" now and I have a exoterra that is the mini tall. Was thinking to use it after if molts and hardens up.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! That's the Nano tall? It would work for adults on the smaller end. Any pokie that's 7" or over I would put in the larger one.

[@huntermac2386]

Welp. I learned a valuable lesson here as a beginner to the t world...... buddy of mine who appeared to be a veteran in this hobby...... told me this is a great beginning tarantula. And I ordered one. And now I’m Nervous.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

What? Wow, not to be rude, but that's ridiculous. Was it possible that he said "Avicularia metallica", which is another arboreal that CAN make for a good beginner. What size did you order?

[@huntermac2386]

Tom Moran no he helped me pick it out.. but regardless I’m here 😂. I have experience with slings, and this guy is a 1.5 inch sling.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@huntermac2386 Wow, that is in no way a beginner! haha That said, if you're starting with a sling, you should be fine. Just be careful housing it because they are FAST when they get spooked. And, a bite from this species would be very unpleasant.

[@fangsngills2709]

This vid made me sub hehe This man.. Is like a jedi the force of keeping tarantulas

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Je! Thanks so much!

[@AestheticAbe]

Tom, awesome husbandry guide my brother. Picked up one today, hoping it turns out female! I agree it seems much more shy than the other poecilotheria species. I’ll be throwing in pre killed crickets until it puts on some size. I’ve heard mixed opinions about moist/dry substrate with these guys. What do you think they prefer? Thanks again!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Abe! Congrats on getting a lady...that's awesome. I've seen no real preference for moist, but I DID keep part of the substrate moist until mine hit around 3-4" or so. At that point, I didn't worry about it as much and just made sure the water dish was full. In the winter, when it's really dry in my house, I'll soak part down every once in a while.

[@AestheticAbe]

Tom Moran cool sounds good to me! I keep the majority of my slings the same way until they hit a few inches anyway. Thanks for the reply, especially on such an old video haha. 🤘🏻🕷

[@AestheticAbe]

My sling seems super finicky with food, although I did just get it. Seems more shy and won’t accept even pre killed crickets. Did you have this issue with yours? Hoping she eats the one I left in there today.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@AestheticAbe My first was the exact same way, and it was freaking me out. She also had really long premolt periods when compared to the other pokies I raised. There was also one time where she didn't eat for quite a while, so I tried her with a cricket. She ate it, then stopped eating again an molted a few weeks later. She was quite an oddball.

[@AestheticAbe]

Tom Moran well at least I know it’s not just me. Metallica’s seem to have that tendency. As a keeper I freak out but now I’ll try not to lol. Thanks for the feedback! Hope she eats soon unless she’s in premolt :P

[@regiebaguyo6597]

what size of the enclosure should i use for my 3inch p.met? and do i nid many holes for vent?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I use something around a gallon size for my 3" pokies. If you're in the US, Walmart sells a 1-gallon clear canister that works great. And, yes...I would put several ventilation holes all around the enclosure.

[@HVACOG]

They’re sweet and handleable

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Perhaps yours are, but many aren't and the bit would be a deterrent for many.

[@arachnidfacts3427]

Hey I’m trying to think of something new for my collection preferably arboreal because my avicularia avicularia has recently passed away to natural causes and I want something colorful to replace it. Any suggestions?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Are you looking to take a step up in terms of difficulty? If so, perhaps a P. irminia?

[@MrDawg1216]

Question I just got one and she’s not webbing her housing is that something to worry about ?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Not really. I currently have 9 of these guys, and none of them have done a heck of a lot of webbing.

[@blackrain457]

I have a baby one it arrived 5 days ago, I feed it it's first wax worm it was on it like white on rice.... so fast ..... how would I know if its male or female ???

[@MrTomkat030]

Finally getting one of my dream T’s... a Confirmed 3” Female... What’s your experience with P.Met and Dubias?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats, bud...that's awesome! I've had a tough time feeding my dubia. Some won't take them. Also, the dubia will quickly burrow if not snatched up, so the Pokies will miss them. The trick is to smoosh the heads and drop them where the pokies will quickly find them. Hope that helps!

[@MrTomkat030]

Tom Moran ok great thanks for the response... I haven’t tried that method yet because my T’s have so much webbing they can’t burrow... maybe I tong feed her 🤔 nah I don’t want any teleportation 😂

[@sethbasham1388]

So I just got one of these species and I've never had one like it. Is there a run down version of what I need to do to keep one of them?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Seth. Was it a freebie? Give them moist substrate, a hide up top (I use a piece of cork bark leaned at an angle), and some fake foliage. They are fast and can pack a good bite, so be careful.

[@sethbasham1388]

@@TomsBigSpiders yes I won it in a contest. Thank you for the advice!

[@KyleGu3]

Hi Tom! I've had my little P. metallica through two molts so far, everything was going great but after this recent molt (about 3" now) he hasn't eaten in 23 days so far and is looking quite thin. I've seen him drink but he won't eat tiny crickets, wax worm moths, superworms, or dubia whether alive or pre-killed. Any advice? My other pokies have been doing well in my care and i really hope i don't lose this little guy.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Kyle! My first P. metallica did that. I would suddenly be scared of some prey and would take weeks off without eating for no reason. All you can really do is to keep trying. If he doesn't eat, it's possible that he lost his sucking stomach in his last molt.

[@KyleGu3]

@TomsBigSpiders thanks Tom! I believe that's the case...poor fella is submerging himself in his water dish. I've read that there's a chance he could molt out considering he's still pretty young. He finally took some prey but discarded it.. besides mature males, he might be my first loss unfortunately

[@gab3963]

I noticed with mine it doesn’t take live prey compared to other species slings of the same size. Mine is maybe 1.5” and still only eats pre-killed

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Someone else just contacted me with the same issue. Mine was not my best eater and would take down much smaller prey than other similarly sized poeci species.

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

I love the beautiful blue of P. Metallica. It is too bad it is not a beginner T. But I could watch them forever.

[@-Nibbles-]

So would you say most of the difficulty comes from their disposition and speed rather than their husbandry? This is my dream tarantula but I’m keeping in mind that I’m only a beginner and don’t want to rush into something like this. I’d rather get some experience under my belt first both with time and also keeping other faster species that aren’t as risky.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Nibble! The difficulty come for the potential that they will use their speed. If kept calm, they are easy to manage. Folks without a lot of rehousing experience (or folks that are scared of them) can make mistakes that can rile up the spider and make it bolt. Definitely get some experience first, especiall with the rehousings.

[@-Nibbles-]

@@TomsBigSpiders okay, thanks so much

[@ralvepetty3420]

I have a question I plan on getting a p. metallica I am 13 years old but I have experience with fast tarantulas. so should I get one now or wait until I am older?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Personally, I would wait. Do you have brothers and sisters? Other pets?

[@ralvepetty3420]

@@TomsBigSpiders I have an older brother and I do have other pets

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

Tom you often say that some species are more offensive than the ones you keep. I think it is because of your excellent handling of them. They have no need to be afraid. Could it be that fear can be detected by the T's that are more skittish? And if so, perhaps that is why other keepers have more trouble with them.

[@Evan_Schaefering]

Yeah Tom is really good at dealing with tarantulas and knows how to keep them calm. They can be irritated very quickly and Tom is really good at not only reading their body language but also reacting to them in ways that won't rile them up.

[@diesalot1837]

Ah yes the Indian blue beauty, at least it doesn’t have the cobalt blue’s temper. Also that price tag, ouch. To the butterfly question. I believe it is a Campaea margaritata but here is a picture I took to help visualize: imgur.com/gallery/WUDTIkc

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Eric! Nope, thankfully these guys are just skittish. Someone was just telling me that in the Philippines you can get a female for $30. I'm so jealous! Oh, man...what a beauty! :)

[@diesalot1837]

@Tom Moran this actually started a bit of a crazy since my younger sister is now also interested in them and now has her own larvae she keeps. It is always so exciting to see what colors they are going to get

[@aidangomes6892]

Hello tom great video! Its my birthday on monday and i was wondering if i could get a happy birthday from you?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Happy early birthday! I think we can probably do something... :)

[@aidangomes6892]

Tom Moran do something as maybe say happy birthday to me in one of your videos!!!! It would be amaizing sadly im from south africa so im a long way away

[@youngangelito22]

Beautiful gooty saphire sad their speicies is endangered in the gooty forest in India u have a beautiful rare spider

[@ralvepetty3420]

I really want an ornata

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I have to rehouse mine soon. I'll try to get some footage of it. :)

[@Briandotmiller]

Hi Tom I know you are a busy guy and congrats on the new house! I just ordered a 1in p Metallica sling from fear not. Just one question for you when you have the time. This is my first arboreal and I am concerned about the enclosure options out there. I know you have mentioned before that wire mesh isn’t good for tarantulas as they can get caught up in it. A lot of the arboreal enclosures I have looked at have those circular wire mesh vents that look super dangerous for a climbing spider. But I see them even on Jaime’s enclosures designed specifically for arboreal spiders. (I have also seen those kind of vents on some of your enclosures and other reputable you tubers enclosures) Are they some larger weave mesh that’s tarantula safe or should they be avoided? Also when it get larger I am thinking of a exo terra for its eventual adult enclosure but they have wire mesh tops as well. I have never been near one of these enclosures how easy is it to replace the top. And can the top be removed without opening the front doors? I am taking your advice about liking to work from above with these to heart! Unfortunately I am a sucker for the nice glass or acrylic enclosures are there any others along those guidelines you would recommend that have top access? Again love the podcast and everything else you do!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Great question! I've found that the mesh vents are more of an issue for terrestrials than arboreals. Also, they don't seem to pose much of a threat to smaller slings. I've used those little vented Jamie's enclosures before with slings with no issues. The issue with slings is that they sometimes let in too much air, and the enclosures will dry out very quickly (which can be an issue for tiny slings). I HAVE had a spider get it's toe claws caught in an exo terra top before, though, so I now replace all of the screen as a precaution.

[@laurabaumeister1826]

I am grateful for videos like this. As much as I admire this species...it is too much T for me. The combination of "skittish, very fast, and medically significant venom" does not go well with a new collector, blind in one eye, with medium paced reflexes. I'll just appreciate them on videos 😉

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Laura! I totally understand. At least you can enjoy videos of them! :) Thank you!

[@tarantulasontheweb6492]

I have one of these. It scares the hell out of me 😂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha! Oh, dear! I have a communal setup with 8 sub adults in it that I have to rehouse soon. lol

[@tarantulasontheweb6492]

Tom Moran oh my god! 😂 where abouts are you? I’d love to come and see that in person! 😍

[@rawegg8880]

Do you have a poecilotheria smithi

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I do! :)

[@rawegg8880]

Tom Moran Can you make a care vid on them pls 😀 I am getting a juvenile soon haha

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I sure can! :)

[@rawegg8880]

Tom Moran thanks!!

[@smokeyredbear3022]

I have only a male Arizona blonde 😔

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's a gorgeous species! :)

[@jasonpatrickdeleon4701]

in the Philippines Pmet Sling is now only $12 bec so much over breeding :( Mf $30-35 way back before 2014 its about $25-30 per sling

[@sethb1629]

Jason Patrick De Leon how awful, getting beautiful spiders for next to nothing :p

[@jasonpatrickdeleon4701]

yeAH so sad :( like sample Albopilosum and Chaco is now $2-3 only per 1inch , way back before $7-8 :(

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Jason. In the States we often pay higher prices as many of our slings are imported from Europe. To folks over here, a$30 female sounds amazing. :)

[@sethb1629]

Tom Moran even in europe a 1 inch P. metallica sling will set you back £25 (about 35 dollars)

[@Evan_Schaefering]

I was at an expo today and one of the vendors was selling 1-1.5" P. Metallica slings for $85 and he said he had already sold about 5 of them less than an hour into the expo.

[@goldpieceleo]

Too bad it's too cheap now in my country due to over breeding.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Wait, it's a bad thing that it's cheap? :)

[@goldpieceleo]

Tom Moran breeders are complaining that they can't sell their Ts at a higher price anymore and people seems to lose interest on them since they are now common.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Wow, that's shocking! I think most around here would LOVE for this species to be cheaper. Despite the fact that they are ready available here, they still sell for $50-$75 for a sling. Everyone loves blue tarantulas here, so the prices on the blue ones are always high.

[@goldpieceleo]

Tom Moran here P. Met is only $12 per sling a matured female only cost $24 to $30. For me no matter how cheap it is I still like P. Metalica.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

In the states, we have to pay higher prices because a lot of our captive bred spiders are imported from Europe. No one over here cares how cheap something is. Most of us would LOVE for these to be selling for $30 for a female. Most of us complain that they are too expensive here! :)

[@auggie8957]

farty spider

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha!

[@auggie8957]

@@TomsBigSpiders I should really lock my pc