T. albopilosus "Curly Hair Tarantula" Rehousing and Care

[@RussS541]

Not only did you introduce me to blueberry simply lemonade, the container has been instrumental in rehousing tappies thank you

[@billycoxiii4365]

I used a 2 liter bottle when rehousing

[@RussS541]

@billycoxiii4365 the larger opening on the lemonade bottle has come in handy 😆

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! That's awesome! I LOVE that blueberry lemonade. haha I'm so glad that the bottle has worked out for you!

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

Sadly, trolls online are prolific. Too bad they have nothing better to do. I think you are the best spider keeper I have ever see.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Joyce! I hope that you guys are having a great weekend!

[@christophersamuelson451]

Thank You Tom! Love your presentation style, level of professionalism and that you are not selling anything! Press on, sir! Thumbs up!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Christopher! I really appreciate that. :)

[@kirundo]

I've stopped watching so many other spidertubers because of their poking for clicks attitude. Thankfully you gain followers due to your calmness and professionalism :) always good to watch your vids!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yeah, that type of stuff really irritates me. Thank you so much for respecting and appreciating what I'm trying to do. :)

[@corinesievert7032]

There are way too many uneducated idiots all over social media, letting poecis crawl on their face for likes/views, when trolls are confusing care for the wellbeing of one’s spider for fear…such a shame (for those spiders)

[@heleninglis9961]

I've only ever handled a couple of mine by accident. When rehousinga couple of arboreal slings they've decided to leg it up my arm instead of into their enclosure. Apart from in an emergency situation, this will continue to be the only time i will ever handle mine.

[@vz6zo]

That's smart. Most creatures on earth have no desire to have physical contact with us humans, I assume spiders are no different. The people criticizing Tom are doing so out of ignorance or ego, possibly both. @@heleninglis9961

[@christophersamuelson451]

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes

[@pennyrockysmomma4445]

I agree 100% with you!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That kind of stuff drives me NUTS. I have people comment on my old world videos, "Just pick it up and move it by hand you, p***y." It saddens me that some folks just don't get that their is a big difference between bravery and stupidity. I try to show folks the absolute safest way to move them for both the spider and the keeper. It's sad that some people see someone being reckless during a rehousing and think that means that's a good thing. *sigh. haah Thanks, Corine!

[@Queen5footer]

I bet those who criticize are probably jealous about how many people follow and enjoy your videos. You give valuable tips that have helped this newbie to the hobby not only get over my fear of spiders but I have 4 T's and a jumper. You're care guides and tips helped me rehouse them without being scared. Thank you for what you do!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, George! And thank you for chiming in with your observations!

[@dankauffman8568]

Good one Tom ! I have a pair of these . Ran into one at the local pet shop . Had just molted , mature , and jet black with with bright white hairs . Anyhow , I've had it for almost four years and it finally molted again .

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Dan! Oh man...she sounds gorgeous! :) Thank you!

[@dankauffman8568]

Never checked the shed . Just assumed it was female .

[@TheLastWaves]

One of the WORST rehousing was due to poke and pray, and also with a species most would consider pretty beginner friendly. It was an aphonopelma seemanni, and my first turantula. I got the new enclosure set up, and thought it would gladly go right into the new home no problems whatsoever. The second it touched the substrate of the new enclosure it bolted right up the side and onto the table. It then dashed off the table onto a chair. There was a moment of pause, but as soon as I got close with a catch cup it bolted off the chair onto the floor on its back. Then it flipped over and started bolting for the fridge. Luckily I was able to lightly get a catch cup over it, and it instantly chilled out like you mentioned. I thought for sure I killed my turantula due to the fall. Luckily it didn't suffer any injuries, and I was able to get it safely into the enclosure, taking better measures to avoid bolting or escape. That T is still alive to this day, and I'm thankful it didn't get injured, or end up under my fridge. The poke and pray method is fast and convenient, up until the point it isn't anymore. Do not recommend. Tbh, me being lax and having no fear of my turantula whatsoever almost cost it their life.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much for sharing this. I know that many times, this method works well. However, when it doesn't, that' where there can be serious problems. For folks who don't panic, it may not be a big deal if the spider suddenly bolts. However, it can be quite upsetting and rattling for many. I'm glad to hear that your situation ended well overall.

[@abbieoffman4105]

I've had my 2 t.albos for 2yrs, I got them at 1/4" and they are easily 2" dls now. I adore the little dustbunnies :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Wow, that's great growth!

[@maggimausegeist9430]

Thank you for this Video! I love this Species very much. My female is super calm and absolute lovely!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome! She sounds like a doll! :)

[@jgram4641]

Thank you for all your efforts. I have learned a lot! An educator that is a semi beginner to the tarantula scene. Have a nice variety so far. Love the learning!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad that this video was helpful! :)

[@deckape714]

@8:26 LoL Brother u are good. Please you and Billie keep telling me more!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! Thanks so much!

[@deannacorey5650]

You are always my first go to...i love exactly what you do and why!!!!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I really appreciate that, Deanna! Thank you!

[@lozhogan5084]

Another fantastic video - I recently upgraded my beautiful T Albo (Dolly) and she has made use of the extra space and dug herself a huge burrow - she definitely appreciates the room to manoeuvre. Would be very interested to see if the same thing happens to yourself. Excellent camera skills from Billie 👍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

So far, mine is hanging out in the open. Once she settles in a bit, I'm hoping that she'll take advantage of the extra space. Love the name! Thanks from both of us!

[@kellblakesley772]

Hi Tom! I hope you are well, I just wanted to say hello from the UK and that I absolutely love your content, I'm a new keeper, it's been 18 months and I have 37 tarantulas currently mainly old worlds and without your videos and podcasts I know i wouldn't have the knowledge and the confidence to keep the more defensive spieces. Your videos are the first ones that I go too when I am looking at a new tarantula, and I've also purchased 3 Chaetopelma oliveaceum slings because of your video 😂 Also, you wear cool band tees 🤘 if you're ever in the UK it would be amazing to meet you!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Greetings from the US! Thank you so much for the very kind words; I truly appreciate it. I'm so glad that you find this stuff useful. :)

[@atomicalsz]

i love this tom thank you for blessing us with spider videos

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank YOU for watching and for taking the time to comment!

[@botanicalbeech8533]

I bought four slings from FNT and this was one of them. I also just ordered 3 more slings from Josh’s Frogs. Avic purpure, c. versicolor, p. sazimai, a. geniculata, g. pulchra, b. hamorii and the t. albo. Super excited to grow them all out 😊 I had a wild caught either texas brown or tan tarantula as a kid, and loved her. I think I want to get one of those too eventually to reminisce on her. Love your videos, have been binge watching them over the last couple weeks 😂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You've got some awesome species coming there! Let me know how they all settle in. And thank you so much; I really appreciate it! haha

[@botanicalbeech8533]

@ I got the last three in (c. versicolor, avic purpurea and l. sazimai) from joan’s frogs and they were so much bigger than expected. Had to make up some enclosures and order one cause the versicolor will only last 1-2 molt in the current enclosure. The arboreal ts didn’t eat yet (just got them yesterday so not worried) but the l. sazimai ate a mealworm. The versicolor webbed the enclosure all up and started about 30 minutes into being in, made me extra happy. The other four I ordered are all doing great, had them about 2 weeks now. I think three of them are in premolt currently tho as they blocked their burrows off a couple days ago. Definitely happy i got the larger Ts, the arboreal ones are juveniles and the sazimai is one molt or two molts away from being one (it was sold as .5” lol)

[@RealMelodyBlue]

It's so FLUFFY, I'm afraid of the floof, lol 😂 😂😂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahahaha But the floof is cute! :)

[@RealMelodyBlue]

@TomsBigSpiders love the floof ❤️

[@kellyperez793]

Just got my first curly hair and he/she is just a small 3/4 inch sling.. cant wait to watch it grow!! Great video!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Kelly! Congrats...that's awesome! Feel free to keep me update on its growth rate. :)

[@kellyperez793]

@TomsBigSpiders Thank you Tom!! Been burrowed for a few days now.. it molted once for me already and has refused food lately.. maybe premolt again? The last was just on 10/22.. lots to learn!!

[@Prayifitsapony]

I got a T. albo sling from Jabberwock (yes you know the one) for $5 that I'm raising for my friend and this one has already molted twice with me since I got it in early August! It's actively burrowing in its new upgraded enclosure and has definitely calmed down since I gave it more space. No more attacking the water for now.... Despite the fact that this one is still small I still use the cup and release method for rehousing because it really is the safest way to do it. My H. chilense sling on the other hand will simply climb into my hand and be like "so where are we going?" and refuse to come off because apparently my hand is more interesting than her new enclosure 😂 but I ALWAYS test that temperament first. I train horses so I'm always saying safety first and obviously that needs to apply everywhere! You won't catch me riding without my helmet or with my tarantulas without a cup!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I DO know the one! Good people. :) And that's awesome; I'm glad to hear that it calmed down a bit. My H. chilense were some of the most docile and "friendly" spider I have ever kept. They would always end up crawling into my hand, even though I almost never handle. Thanks for chiming in!

[@Almonte-e8q]

Thank you Tom!!! Your calmness during rehousing is so great and all of your expertise- awsome. And I love this species. I have one adult and 4 slings and I like them watching excavating and burrowing. But I do not handle my spiders.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I really appreciate that, Almonte! And it is such an amazing (and cute!) species! :)

[@321cynth]

Even though I will never own a T, I love the facts and compassion you share with EVERY SINGLE video you do. Nice work, Tom (and Billie, too!)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awwww...thank you so much. We both truly appreciate that. And never say never... ;)

[@georgecardiff1946]

Brilliant Tom as always, and they truly are a fantastic species of spider 🕷, they do grow rather quickly and are great eaters. 👍.

[@ThunderStruck15]

Thanks Tom ❤

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank YOU for watching and for commenting!

[@tarantulaclan5025]

My girl is super chill!! Sometimes she will burrow other times not, thanks again for the upload.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awwwww...that's awesome!

[@leeleesscales266]

You're truly a wealth of information and truly a gem in and for the T world. I've been out the hobby for awhile and although I've kept curly's in the past they have ALWAYS been males. Hope to pick one up today and test my luck again and brush up on info. Thanks for the info and hella thanks for the laugh about the dingle 🍒🤣🤣 ah theres always those few in the hobby I almost forgot about. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Leelee! I truly appreciate it. Hahahaha I just had another teacher tell me that she thinks of dingleberry as a swear. Whoops. haha Happy Holidays! :)

[@darcystcorner2580]

Hiya Tom and Billie!! My female prefers it dry with a deep water dish. If I water the enclosure she will sit on top until it dries out. I also had to wedge her hide in because she kept sinking it lol. Yours will appreciate the substrate to burrow in for sure, mine has 6” and she’s down to the clear bottom. Tom you know people are always going to have something to say and I understand your frustration. I also agree with everything you said. I’m looking at safety first nor do I have a desire to handle my t’s. I learned how to rehouse from you long before I got a t and that’s been 5 years. I have never had one incident rehousing the way you do. Thank you for continuing to be consistent in your practices, it’s respectable.💜

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Darcy! Another vote for dry! I love hearing what other folks are experiencing. And mine actually just molted, and now she's in her new burrow. :) And I'm well aware of that. However, when someone is on a public forum telling people that I'm "very scared" of my tarantulas and I'm "stressing them out", that's difficult to ignore. There are people who don't know me who will read that and believe it. Normally, I just let stuff slide, but this one got to me. Thank you so much for your support and for always taking the time to comment. We both appreciate it! :)

[@Tarantulautist]

Nice one Tom! Thanks!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you!

[@sodapail]

T albo was my first spider and I think they'll always be my favorite. She ended up being a female too so I hope I have her for a long time. She has a great personality to me (prone to kicking hair but ive never cared for handling and ive never felt anything from it. I like her moxie)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Sounds like a sassy little T albo! :)

[@joannegalway1226]

Hi Tom 😊 hope you’re well and having a fabulous weekend thus far. What a beautiful fluffy Tarantula you have there. She’s striking! I was in two minds what species of Tarantula to go for when I first decided to buy one. It was either a Curly hair or a Red knee, plumped for a Brachypelma Hamorii 😊 I would never,or have I ever handled her. I always put her into a catch cup when doing husbandry, safer for her and me. I’ve learned a great deal from yourself and Dave’s little Beasties 😊 I think the person/people that say that about you are very rude and uneducated!! Thanks for the video 🕷️😊😊

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Joanne! I hope that you've had a great past two weeks; sorry for the late reply! And you had three great choices there! Yes, this person was definitely ignorant (not a slam; they just didn't know any better). I felt the need to explain again why I do it this way. Thanks!

[@amgtarantulas]

Great video Tom! You have some really lovely tarantulas! Great looking curly hair!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much!

[@dananewsom5483]

I've learned a ton from watching both you and Dave's Little beasties and because i AM a little nervous when rehousing some of my more defensive or skittish species, having learned so many tips and tricks to ensure the safest, most stress free experience for the spider (and me as well) I'm a lot more confident when i have to do any kind of maintenance or rehousing. So thanks, and forget the silly trolls that care more about acting a fool than the safety of their spider ✌️

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Dana! And I normally ignore "trolls", but it's a bit difficult to hear someone flat out lie about me in a public forum. There are people that will hear that and believe it (hence, why I feel the need to explain). Thanks again!

[@meganhammer8116]

Hi Tom, my comment was too long for Spotify lol I couldn’t help but chime in on your old world anxiety podcast because I think that my experience with old worlds has been rather unique. I have been keeping tarantulas since I was 12 years old and for the first 3 to 4 years of my keeping I kept exclusively New World species. After a horrendous accident with a space heater, I stepped away from the hobby for several years keeping new worlds on and off until Christmas of 2022 when my partner purchased me an OBT. I had been talking about wanting to try an old world tarantula, this is again after not keeping for several years, and he picked one up for me. I didn’t know anything about this particular species and ended up housing it in something that was way too big and too wet. (I thought they all needed extra moisture, and I was terrified of rehousing this “aggressive“ tarantula ) It ended up having a bad molt and passing away about three weeks after I received it. It broke my heart and made me feel like an absolute terrible keeper. After that I ended up, connecting with a gentleman who was selling his collection because he had to move. I ended up picking up an adult OBT from him along with a few other GAB species. After about nine months of getting my sea legs back, I picked up 5 old world slings. I have now been raising them all to juveniles and have had no problems with them whatsoever. (C. Darlingi, C. Natanicharum, H. Gigus, P. Murinus DCF, E. Murinus) They are all very shy when disturbed and I haven’t had any threat postures whatsoever. The speed has definitely been a wake up call once or twice, but overall, they have been extremely manageable. It has been a delight, learning the ins and outs of these sassy spiders and I hope to keep them for many many years to come. Thanks for all your awesome information. You have really helped shape my opinion on these spiders.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Megan! So sorry for the late reply. I'm very sorry to hear about the space heater incident; I can only imagine... :( I'm glad to hear that you found your way back to the hobby and that things are going well for you! :) Thanks!

[@peterlimburg3872]

Hi, I have two of these, one was sold to me as a Nicaragua female and one just as Tliltocatl albopilosus and that turned out to be a female as well

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Peter! So, you have a female of each?

[@jairomedina4321]

Dingleberries😂😂😂 love it

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Haha That's one of my all time favorite words, Jairo. haha

[@calliew311]

I'm so excited for this video. I have two T albos. One is a Nicaraguan (named Hairy Potter instead of Harry) female and the other is supposed to be Honduran (unsexed named Curly Sue), but besides a year's difference in size, they look the same. 🤷🏼‍♀️ And just fyi, I was able to buy a Stout Leg Baboon from Tanya on Friday. They may be available for this upcoming week's Halloween sale, though if you look them up on the site it says out of stock. However, she gave a hint to someone who wanted a Lava Tarantula that said out of stock even though it was just put into stock that day, to be on the lookout "during the sale". So hopefully 🤞 it means the same thing for the stout leg; and even if it doesn't, I at least got one.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Callie! Ha...love the name "Hairy Potter"! hahaha I hope that you end up with females of both. And I have them holding one of the Stout Legs for me. I'm hoping to get a male so that I can pair my ladies. :) Thanks for the heads up. Congrats on grabbing one!

[@davidstaggs2325]

Great video Tom. I have had two Curly Hairs, both Nicaraguan form. I gave both plenty of room to burrow and one burrowed right away and created a very extensive burrow that it spent most of its time in. The other stays right out in the open and I’ve never even seen it move any dirt. Both are very laid back, although the burrower will retreat to its burrow calmly if I open the top, while the other just chills.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

It's interesting how much of a personality difference there can be between individuals, even within the same species! Thanks for chiming in, David!

[@goldpieceleo]

Nice video man. Tarantula keeping kinda went down in my country after the lockdown but I still have my spiders.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Did it really? It definitely picked up during the pandemic here, but it seems to continue to grow. Glad to hear that you still have yours!

[@goldpieceleo]

@@TomsBigSpiders yeah I only see sellers in animal con. Even the pet shops that sells exotic animals legally a lot of them closed up.

[@ChantalsCritters]

Great video as always

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Chantal!

[@Crumbgrundleshire]

I have all 7 of the currently described Tliltocatls and while I enjoy them all the albopilosus and the verdezi are my favorites. They are just more visible and tend to be less skittish compared to the rest and rarely give half-hearted threat displays unlike my vagans and epicureanus.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Wow, that's fantastic! And great info...thank you!

[@RogerVicki]

Great video Tom ,it's so nice to see someone that knows what they are doing 👍, I always check out your videos for any information I need,I just got a sling few weeks ago

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Happy Saturday! Thank you so much; I really appreciate it! I hope all is well. :)

[@erikdieterle6586]

Hey Tom just caught something on KZbin I thought youd like. The title is "When Earth was Ruled by Arachnids". It talks about the ancient arachnids and talks about the different families. Its really good. Actually learned a lot. Channel name is Ben G Thomas.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'll definitely check it out, Erik. Thank you!

[@TheQuickAsAFlash]

No thoughts, only love for T. albopilosus. ❤ I just love them so much. 🤣 Side note, I went to a home show & one of the pest control companies always shows off tarantulas including an L. parahybana and a P. formosa & while I love seeing them, I'm in the PNW. We have NO native tarantulas. But alas, tarantulas are scary, so they get people looking at the pest control. 🤣

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's a really cool idea of the pest control company. Billie manages a pest control company; maybe she should start bringing them to shows. haha

[@pennyrockysmomma4445]

My first tarantula wax my T. albo, and I got him from a local garden center/pet store, in a filthy and inadequate housing. I researched for months before I got him. He repaid my efforts to give him a better home and lot of love, by molting the very first night I had him, and he hooked out.🙄 I asked questions on pages and prepared myself to not having him long, maybe for a few months. He did everything he was supposed to do, ate very very seldom a wandered Aaround his tank. He looked terrible. Fast forward one year and five days later, and he has started eating again, a mealworm here and there, but in the past two weeks he has eaten one medium discoid, which is surprising, and has totally demolished two mature male dubias, leaving go nothing but wings and body parts all around his house. enclosure. 0:10 body carcasses in his enclosure. Shocked me like crazy! He has always been a nothing but crickets type of feller.

[@jurgenludwig8292]

Hey Tom, another great video- can back up the opportunistic burrowing behaviour and seeming indifference to moisture of my T Albo , she’s a Nicaraguan and lacking that slight knee striping and much darker. Fairly calm overall although always had a very strong food drive.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Jurgen! I hope that all is well! And thank you for chiming in on that. I always love to hear from others to find out what they are experiencing with theirs. And, yes...mine have great food drives as well. Thanks for chiming in, bud!

[@mikepetersen7319]

Ah Man! People! I've been keeping T's since 1998 and NEVER had an bad event, because I'm as scared of my spiders as you😉 but anyway...pretty fluff. I learned over the years that I really like the fluffy T's the most.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! Right, Mike! How many spiders have I had escape during rehousings? None. How many have fallen to the floor after bolting? None. How many times have I been bitten? None. That's no coincidence. haha Thanks for chiming in, bud. Fluffy for the win!

[@Charles-lb6tr]

Great video as usual Tom! Concerning the poke-and-pray method, I'm not a fan either, and I would rate its chances of success way lower than most people, I would say about 50%! Although I love tarantulas, they do not always look like the smartest and most logical animals to me, and a poke from the rear can very well end up with the spider going left, right or even turning around to face what's poking it! That is to say, that there is now way to control the direction a T will go once you poke it, so why take the chance? Using a catch cup is less spectacular, but faster and more efficient.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Charles! Here's the deal: can the "Poke and pray" method work? Sure. But is it the safest way to move the spider. Absolutely NOT. Anyone who has worked with tarantulas for any length of time knows that they can be spooked and be unpredictable. If you want to keep the spider and keeper 100%, proper use of a catch cup is the way to go. I agree completely with you; thank you for chiming in!

[@MOONOVERMIAMI]

Hello great video information Tom

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Moon! I hope that all is well!

[@jamesprice7470]

Great video Tom they are gorgeous spiders I currently have 3 I’ve raised one from a sling I’ve got an AF and I’ve got sling.mine are quite skittish and do kick hairs.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, James! Yeah, the temperaments really do seem to vary with these guys. Thanks for chiming in, bud!

[@drdoolittlefishhobbyist6055]

Another awesome video and as educational as always. Yes these are definately a hard to read tarantula. I have 3 as they’re up there on my favourite list. I’m hoping I have at least one female as these are one of only a few I would want to breed. Hope you’re all well sir.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

How's it going, bud? Thank you so much! I hope that you end up with at least one lady. :) Hope you're doing great!

[@drdoolittlefishhobbyist6055]

@ small update since last comment. Went on vacation and spiders were all fed and watered and on the first morning back my better half was going to work and I heard the loudest scream. Went to investigate and found my male T Albopilosum was perched on top of the door frame. Checked my enclosures and found he had opened the feeding hatch and managed to squeeze himself out. Caught him ok and he was good as good. Think he enjoyed the adventure. It goes to show you never can be too careful and I’ve now had to tape all the feeding hatches down but I’m still in the doghouse lol.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@drdoolittlefishhobbyist6055 Ha! That's crazy! I'm so sorry that it ended well. What type of enclosure was it?

[@drdoolittlefishhobbyist6055]

@ they’re a 30cm round plastic enclosure from spider shop uk. Great ventilation and visibility and super value but the feeding hatch is more or less redundant and I don’t use them but no way did I think that what I consider a large spider could possibly squeeze through. Lesson learnt and now they’re all secure( I hope haha)

[@RobertStilkey]

I have to be honest, I don't approve of picking up any Tarantula. I never pick them up! Never. It's unsafe for my T,s and I have no desire to have a T grabbing my hand and pumping it's one inch fangs into me! Some folks don't know how unpleasant a T bit can be!

[@vz6zo]

Agreed, I highly doubt the spider desires to be handled anyways.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Robert! I'm hands off myself. I don't ever want to take the chance of one bolting and falling or it latching on to me (which would probably lead me to toss it off). There's just no point for me. I get why people handle, but it's just not for me. Thanks for chiming in!

[@s.vanheijnsbergen9644]

Hey there, been thinking about getting into the hobby for a while now. Thanks for showing good etiquette while handling the spiders instead of caring what viewers think. I just want to learn what's best for the spiders before actually getting one.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! Thank you so much for doing your research and for appreciating what I do. I truly appreciate it! Please let me know if you do get one. :)

[@briancuprisin4571]

9:49 I lost it. Glad I wasn't drinking milk. 🤣

[@TomsBigSpiders]

What...it's soooo scary, Brian! ;) hahaha

[@Shira_H]

Lots of good information here I also watched your video from a couple years ago on the same species, thinking about getting into this hobby and searching around for info. Found my way here from Kats channel who I found from Mikey's video about Animal Con.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Shira! Let me know if you get one! :)

[@Queens-tm1wz]

Awesome 👍 video

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!

[@Sammy-vu7nt]

Hello Tom, i was just curious if you were planning on an updated Aphonopelma Anax video? I'm actually new to the hobby i just ordered my first Tarantula from Jamie and it happens to be an A. Anax i did find your old video on it but this was from 5 years ago and unfortunately you shot that after a concert and warned you wouldn't talk much. So i did get a bit of information. I have been searching and researching what i can about the species. But i absolutely love your videos in rehouses and care for each T you have raised. I hope for an updated A. Anax video in the future! Woukd help out this newbie immensely!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! Unfortunately, mine matured out male and has since passed. He continued to burrow a bit until he matured, and appreciate a moist corner of substrate. He also grew rather quickly for an Aphonopelma species. As a sling, I kept the bottom of his substrate moist, and he burrowed right down to the moisture. I hope that helps, Sammy!

[@deewhitcha6014]

just picked up a Nicaraguan sling.... thanks for the info!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Dee! Let me know how quickly yours grows. :)

[@RevonChaoz]

Man I've been commenting on all the success I've had as a new keeper with over 50 Ts but I finally lost one randomly. It was the little 1/3" T albopilosum sling.😢 It looked so healthy, ate etc but one day was just curled up. Im very thankful for FNT for answering my panicked emails seems like sometimes this just happens I guess. My 1 inch H pulchripes got sick last month(was in a curl) and I managed to somehow nurse it back to health and thought I was superman/God of the spider world but mother nature slapped me back down.

[@deckape714]

U2 (Tom & Billie) are the Best thanks!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much!

[@heleninglis9961]

I have 3 of these. My big girl Elvira was sold cheap as she only had 7 legs, she's since moulted a couple times & you'd never know. She used to always be in her burrow quite a lot, but since getting my AF Hamorii & housing her next to her, its as if she's started copying her behaviour! my Hamorii thinks she's spiderman & climbs the walls & top of the enclosure & now Elvira had started doing that too! Like she's saying "you're not special, i can do that too!"😂😂😂 My other 2 are still slings that i got in mystery boxes, never see them.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Helen! Thank you so much for chiming in with your observations; I love hearing this kind of stuff. :) Love the name Elvira, too! Thank you!

[@Cattrix999]

Yay!! We have one and she just molted two weeks ago, it seems though that she didn't put on much size so I'm thinking she is at her adult or max size now (?) She is the Best Girl Ever! and my husbands personal favorite. We are thinking of getting her a larger enclosure. Thank you Tom for your uploads and great content. Your reasons for your care and husbandry are on point.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! Yeah, once they are adults, they really don't put on a lot of size with each molt. They also take longer to molt. And your husband has good tastes! haha Hello from both Billie and I!

[@DMcC]

Odd that I had one of these at one point...Nicaragua form, and it certainly grew very quickly. A deep digger from day 1 in my experience. The only spider I have that does comparable digging is a Psuedhapalopus sp. yellow/blue; both of those moved dirt like a machine, getting right down to the bottom of enclosure and hollowing out huge caverns. Sadly, I found it dead on a rehouse...not entirely sure what happened with that one. On the upside, that was easily the cheapest spider I've ever bought. My pricier little buddies have thankfully done very well. I guess if I'm going to lose one, losing a cheap one is least painful.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

My Nicaraguan grew fairly quickly, and he was a digger as well. I've heard some folks say that their Nics are faster growing. So sorry to hear that it died.

[@dukehulsey4658]

tom where do you get your green moss again? you mentioned it a while back but i can't find the exact vid or podcast. Great vid as always! :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KZDT346/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@raerae0320]

Ok so then I guess mine is a Nicaraguan. I didn't realize there were different types and was wondering why your's wasn't that fuzzy lol. Great video! Could totally sense your fear 😂.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! Yeah, the Nicaraguans tend to be MUCH fuzzier! And I'm so upset that I couldn't hide my fear better... ;) haha

[@bobbiscrittercave2348]

Imagine thinking concern for your pets safety is a sign of fear - nimrods... My first spider was a T albo, and she was so sweet and laid back, I bought another one. She is the Devil! If I had gotten her first, I probably would have never had any more! 🤣

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Bobbi! That's what folks always need to understand. You can have two spiders from the same sac, and one might be tame while the other is crazy! :) Thanks for chiming in!

[@candyscott489]

I have two Nicaraguan Ts. Both are female. One is the largest one you ever saw. The other one grows like a weed 🤎 Those are click bate people that say your scared. They want to see the spider running up your arm !! Speaking of running up your arm. Yesterday I got my 3 inch female Darth Maul 👏🏻👏🏻 and that’s just what happened rehousing her. It was a startle, but I just kept saying to myself remain calm. It all worked out in the wash 🤣

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I need to get myself a female; I'm jealous! haha The person who made the comment was a fan of another person on KZbin who used a different technique. I don't think that he was being a troll; he was just REALLY ill-informed about safe rehousing techniques. And congrats on your Darth Maul! I love mine! So glad to hear that you were able to remain calm, as that is the key. :)

[@moobley_269]

I dont think that your rehousing method is bad. Its actually the safest Imo and people calling you scared are just weird. But in my situation I do everything on the floor and I prefer the poking method with a cath cup near for emergencies.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Again, people should use whatever works for them. I needed to explain why I do it the way that I do. Rehousing on the floor definitely takes the risk of them bolting and falling away. Thanks for chiming in!

[@pepperlee2313]

I have one of these Tom and I bought her as an adult gave her a 10 gallon tank half substrate and she burrowed and only comes out maybe 3 times a year. Lol

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi Pepper! That's awesome! I think that the wild caught adult females tend to burrow more.

[@1968tmb]

To say you are afraid of your spiders is the most ridiculous thing ever! You worked to get over a severe fear of spiders and now you put the welfare of the spiders at the top along with yourself...that's called professional. I stopped subscribing to all those keepers who are in it for the wow factor a long time ago and have no use for their style of tarantula keeping. Through your videos, you have taught me how to properly care for my spiders and properly re-house them when needed. I'm not sure I would be keeping them today if it were not for you! My T-albo is pretty skittish as well but they are adorable!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I think that this individual was comparing what I do to another keeper they saw. They assumed that because the other keeper wasn't containing them, that meant I was "scared" of mine. I felt the need to explain what I'm really doing and why I do it. Thank you so much for the very kind words! :) Yeah, I moved on from those channels a long time ago. I hate when folks use these animals for clicks; it makes me sick. Thank you so very much for the kind words and for your support!

[@mmiller9879]

Got my firsy little Tliltocatl albipolosus a few weeks ago shes a tiny tiny sling and i loves them. I hope its a girl so we can have many years together.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awwwww...that's awesome!

[@TarantulaAntics]

If you don't have a sassy curly hair, can you even consider yourself a tarantula keeper? I don't think so. It's a staple and I love them

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha Well put!

[@stefanostokatlidis4861]

My male Tliltocatl albopilosus died after a year in premolt. He was growing nicely in the start, but the instars got longer after some time. I wonder if he needed a deeper and moister substrate for more burrowing.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm sorry to hear about that. Was he mature?

[@stefanostokatlidis4861]

@ no, he was a little before maturity

[@ede8193]

Hi Tom great video! Question......I have a juvie Rufilata, just molted a week ago and 4" now and needs a rehouse very soon, what size enclosure would you suggest? Thanks.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You could put it into something 8 x 8 x 12, but it will likely outgrow it in a couple molts. I had mine in 12 x 12 x 16" enclosures when they were adults. At 4", it would also do well in something this size. Hope that helps!

[@jeremyobrien4201]

Do you plan on bringing your podcast to KZbin music? It's the streaming service I use and they finally added podcasts so I'm hoping you will.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I wanted to, but KZbin makes it a total PITA. For any other podcast host, I can just add my podcast from my main host. With KZbin, you have to upload the podcasts in video format (I never shoot video for mine, so this mean turning them into video) to your main channel. I have hundreds of episodes that I would have to do this with, and there is currently no way to keep those episodes from appearing on my main channel feed as videos. Hopefully, they change this, as I would love to have it up there.

[@mitch201211]

Hi Tom can I ask if my curly hair is nearly an adult an she is in a large cricket keeper, is that to small for her, an what would be best size to get as fir ever home,

[@timoconnor2618]

I just rehoused my 2 adults into large Critter keepers. Plenty big enough.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

How does she look in the enclosure, Mitch? Does she seem to have a bit of room? I've kept them in larg and X-large ones.

[@Ricantarantulaboss]

I have a question how come is yours look black and mines look kind of goldish bronze I have a male

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! The colors can vary on these guys. Mine went through a stage where she was lighter.

[@Ricantarantulaboss]

I love hearing from u guys im hug fan i have 26 tarantulas ive got thembabies now they getting nice size it just gets hard not knowing inches or know where to re housing them at time it gets hard to move them but i get it and feel so good heart races fast

[@7gdog]

Any follow up review on your cyriopagopus valhalla 👍

[@marakay0571]

I have three of these adorable floofs! I have two females, (all 3 Hondurans), and one juvenile I can't sex yet. I absolutely love them!!! Thank you for the video 😃 I had a male and paired my older girl. She dropped a huge sac, but then she ate it about a week later. I was just gutted about that. It was my first attempt at Tarantula breeding and it ended up a fail. Then my male passed away before my other female matured 😢 I'm hoping to find another Mature Male soon, so we can pair the other female. I hope you and your family are doing great and having a phenomenal weekend 😊

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I have to try to get a Nicaraguan female - mine is a male, and he's getting quite old and ratty. :( They really are fantastic spiders. And sorry to hear about your male passing; hopefully, you find another for your lady! Hope that you had a great Halloween! :)

[@atomicalsz]

how much does one cost

[@candyscott489]

Hi !! They are the cheapest tarantula you will ever buy !! It always varies a bit, but I got one 2 years ago at a show for $25 & she was a nice size. Although I didn’t know the sex then. I’m in California & nothing is cheep, but this spider was.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Candy! Yeah, they tend to be a dime a dozen, which is why I think that some folks ignore them. :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Like Candy said, you can usually find them for quite cheap.

[@riomaxsvideos1657]

👌👌👌🕷

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you!

[@kristiannolasco8451]

Tarantula haven knows how to pronounce it correctly tliltocatl means black spider in Aztec if I'm correct lol

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yeah, I've referenced his video a couple times...I just forget. haha

[@kristiannolasco8451]

@@TomsBigSpiders haha you're good! We know what this means!

[@tckiller14crizer42]

Scared of spiders, yah that why your house is full of them.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Right? hahaha

[@adz108]

I don't know I love obt's I won't get 1 because they scare the shit out of me Thailand black Golden fringe is another 1 It's like snake keepers U got to respect it every time Ok it won't likely kill U but it's not something U wanna fuck with

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I love OBTs myself. Give the old worlds respect, use safe rehousing techniques, and you shouldn't have any issue with them. :)

[@charliemum]

I remember that thread 🤣🤣🤣 you should of responded, keep telling ppl your always watching like a spoody god you see all 😆. I must say though you didn't mention ometepe! Isn't just Nicaraguan and Honduran 😉 She is beautiful btw do love a floof ball ❤ great upload as always you two, take care n happy Halloween 🎃😆😁

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Charlie! Years ago I used to jump into this kind stuff, but I really don't need the stress of it these days. Two others chimed in and explained, so I just decided to walk away. I just get so upset when someone says something ridiculous and then clings to it. haha Thanks so much, and Happy Halloween!

[@katehodges1296]

Let’s face it, you’re not scared of your spider. You’re scared FOR your spider and I am too when I see people provoke them into threat poses for videos. There’s no much control over Invertebrate ownership and the levels of cruelty must be grim.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Exactly, Kate. It's about the well being of the spider. I've seen too many panicked spiders bounce off the floor in rehousing videos. I like to show people the safest way to get them from point A to point B. Thank you!

[@Milquetoast702]

Tom is not here to exploit his animals for clicks if he did his channel would be a lot bigger.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud. Sad, but likely very true. And I'm 100% okay with that. :)