5 Habits for a SUCCESSFUL Tarantula Keeper!

[@tarantulacollective]

You can help support the channel by using my affiliate links in the description or buy some Tarantula Collective Merch: the-tarantula-collective-shop.fourthwall.com/

[@TheParrotTeacher]

Your last point is so spot on! We say the same about parrot husbandry/training. There's always more info, always more to learn and improve! It's so easy to get stuck in a rut and think we know it all! Really liking your content as someone new to keeping inverts at home!

[@CapmCrumch]

That last point is so incredibly important. Spider information changes so rapidly at times, that when a new book or papers are published, by the time someone gets ahold of them, that info could have already changed. It's extremely important not to dwell on "well I've been doing *this* for so many years!" because it could be likely no longer the correct way.

[@spiderrico250]

Yes! More countdown videos!!! Top ten heavy webbers part two?

[@BillieRC]

I hate running into spider webs but if I ever get a tarantula I want a heavy Webber, I love it

[@xharmy]

I bought a colony of red runners after constantly being frustrated finding tiny feeders for my 4 slings. Complete game changer, so convenient.

[@chillster3696]

Been keeping 3 tarantulas for only 8 months and I reread and rewatch the same information and new information all the time to keep up on good info.

[@kelvinengland3991]

An example of no. 5..i could never get my GBB to settle. I always kept it dry, anchor points etc... But it was always up the side of its enclosure and very skittish and never did much webbing, I saw a video of a keeper I don't really watch much, he had a GBB female he was rehousing. He said she wouldn't settle and when he looked at their habitat in the wild and whilst yes it was very Arid and dry it was actually quite humid for a lot of the year. He suggested a drainage layer and keeping the top layer of substrate bone dry but keeping it moist underneath and digging in a hide to be more humid and then sitting a hide on top of the dry substrate whilst also including anchor points. I did it after having had the GBB for 5 years and voila..... A happy, settled, heavy webbing GBB.

[@soogymoogi]

Number 5 is one reason I'm glad I work at a pet store - I care for our feeders myself and get a discount. I also culture my own springtails, though!

[@ms.fabulousflamingo1709]

here from wickens wicked reptiles' video on reccomendations!!!! I am so happy that i checked out your videos!!!!

[@SpanglishSpider]

Buying my first tarantula this weekend at Repticon. I've been doing my research for awhile now & your channel is definitely my favorite! Your energy, demeanor and information are truly appreciated! Thank you for what you do!

[@Aquarimax]

Great points! Most are great advice for any exotic pet 🙌

[@matteoguarnello4052]

I own 13 Ts and I'm using tha app since the first release. Very helpful and good app

[@starboy5114]

You have one of the best channels out there. You give awesome advice and have amazing video quality keep it the fuck up man

[@georgecardiff1946]

Brilliant video Richard, and very important tips especially for novice keepers.

[@kelvinengland3991]

And experienced keepers... Number 5 in particular. There's always things to learn, that's the best part of the hobby imo.

[@georgecardiff1946]

@@kelvinengland3991 Very much so, I just didn't mention it, i usually do.

[@christophercunningham9303]

Good video as usual Richard. 😉👍

[@Xcess91]

I've been keeping 2 tarantulas (N.chromatus, A.geniculata) for almost a year now, keeping track of feeding and molts on a google spreadsheet. Planning on adding 2 more this summer (LP and a GBB). Completely agree on not buying unless you have space, I'm staying at 4 adult size enclosures max because otherwise I'd have to spend even more money on shelves haha.

[@Gdwmartin]

Strangely enough despite not being able to procreate here, Dubia Roaches are restricted here in Canada. In Newfoundland, the province where I live, most insect feeders are banned. The exception is mealworms, supers and crickets.

[@Rudy_gt3]

The app is amazing to help us. I've just started with it one week ago and throw my book were I was writing all about my t's. Its really helpless ty 😁

[@MOONOVERMIAMI]

Hello great video information Richard

[@dodgydavy]

Downloaded the app. Much easier and faster to record details. Just got to keep it up to date now

[@BlakeRomero-qh6jx]

Tbh u have inspired me to get more tarantulas and care better for them I'm new to ur page and love watching ur videos they are so helpful. I would love to be able to have as many as u but I'm just starting I only have one but will get more seems u know what u talking about and would love to follow and learn from u .

[@tarantulacollective]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@EMCExotics]

Excellent video! Great advice for any keeper :)

[@JEEXOTICS]

Just wanted to say how much I appreciate your videos, you’re an inspiration good sir!

[@davidtwig9970]

Love the vid idk if you already have but a least heavy webers vid that would be cool also you made it so I have the caribena versicolor that’s doing great Ty for posting often :D

[@davidtwig9970]

Also planing to get a salmon pink bird eater changed my mind lol

[@McPilch]

Fantastic (and very important) video, Richard! Hopefully, the algorithm will have it pop up at the top of any searches by those new to the hobby so they can have the best start possible!

[@Kaiyo_no_Ookami]

All great advice! And Arachnifiles is awesome. Could use a little tweaking here and there, but they seem to be pretty on top of bug fixes and such. I wish it was a liiittle bit more true-spider-friendly though. For instance, they’re measured by body length and typically in millimeters; the option to use millimeters instead of inches would be cool (like, I know my spider is 2mm in body length, but now I’ve got to go convert that to inches in decimal format 🤔 - 0.078”. Anyway. Super helpful app over all. And really pretty. Their designers/artists did an amazing job.

[@joelfranco3948]

More T Videos please!

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

Ahhhhhh an app you say!? Very nice!

[@bashful_mango]

You and tarantula kat have motivated me to start saving to get an avicularia, not sure what kind but I have my eyes on a. purpurea! I've watched so many videos on care and what kind of care they need and what to keep them in. I'm really happy that I got over my fear of tarantulas thanks you you guys!

[@brandieluna6459]

I have the app.. but it's not very easy to navigate. Its a little disappointing. It put me off of using it regularly. I only have 3Ts and a Scorpion. So it's not hard to keep up with. But I thought I'd try the app. I love the advocacy of breeding your own feeders. Ty for telling ppl not to become addicted to getting too many Ts in a short span. Its something I have seen often in the groups I'm in. I did it with ball pythons. Got 4 within a few months. Love the species, but honestly, I'd of probably stopped after the second if I had been smart. They're still very cared for. No burn out. Just would have stopped to leave room for another species that I was interested in. Alas, there's not endless room. Boo😢 Ty for your content!

[@shieldmaiden2660]

I agree. I thought it difficult to navigate as well.

[@shannoncuthbert4875]

I breed mealworms but I haven’t tried to breed anything else yet. My son tried breeding crickets when he was staying with my daughter for the summer a couple of years ago. He did it at her house because I wouldn’t let him do it at my house. 🤣😂🤣. They quickly found out why I’d kept saying “no”, any time he asked me if he could do that. I need to check out the mealworm breeding system that the UK group has, though. I bet it would make breeding them easier than the plastic totes I have for mine. I have been meaning to ask you if there’s any place to get your theme song? I’ve loved it since the first time I heard it. It was what made me immediately subscribe to your channel. 😂. The minute it started playing, I hit the subscribe button and then I watched the video. I was glad I subscribed to your channel once I saw the first video I saw, too, but it was your theme song that made me subscribe to your KZbin channel, first. 🤣😂🤣 Anyway, I would love to have it in a playlist on my phone so I can listen to it when I’m driving around or cleaning my house. I listen to music a lot and your theme song would be the perfect addition to my collection. 🤣😂🤣. I feel like I’ve heard it before I found your channel, so if by chance it’s a version of another song, please let me know the name of it and if possible I’ll check it out and download it to my phone. Thank you!

[@xdejanbirkes6920]

Its sad that creators like this dont have that much subs and veiws😢❤

[@brandonmclemore2683]

I've got 9 over 3 years love my ts

[@Michael-n3m4f]

Thanks mate😎

[@arachnidgirl_ally]

Would love to see a video on dwarf tarantulas. Not just the usual elegans or N. Incei

[@lovel2940]

just found your channel and love ur videos. I've had a rose chilean for 10 years now (names Ruby), and it is impossible to keep a schedule for her, she's gone through only about 5 molts since I've owned her, she was supposed to be less than 1 year old when I got her, but i think she was actually older, plus she doesn't eat a lot like most rose hairs, and just like yours she gone nearly a year without eating anything, but she also shows no real signs of when she is hungry or about to molt. she'll get really active, I'll think she's hungry, she'll refuse to eat then 2 days later molt. or she'll act lethargic and I think she's going to molt but doesn't for months. her behaviour is completely random but she is very docile and I love her. I honestly don't think I'd ever own more than one tarantula at a time personally but I do love seeing the different breeds there are and consider what ones I might have in the future if she ever passes.

[@nikehs]

Would be awesome if you could make a video about top arboreal tarantulas for beginners

[@Shanalinmahhbumm420]

You literally got me into keeping scorpions my son wants to do it with me with is great thank you for all your info

[@amgtarantulas]

Very very informational! Love this!

[@martinwikarski7843]

I have just one baby sling of p. metallica. Great first T, innit? 😎

[@kelvinengland3991]

Don't get bit haha

[@imranaboo433]

Awesome video mate.

[@valbarnes4666]

All ready for crickets breeding and there doing good so far :) and no mites :)

[@The1stCommentsGuy]

For starters, the videos are not just well put together but also extremely informative. I would like to ask if it is possible to suggest a tarantula that is docile and also is easy to handle as my child got one for his birthday, we did actually go to a reptile shop and was told the Mexican red rump was placid. She is also an adult female. I did think having a sling would of been a better option due to as they grow they would get used to being handled. I'm not sure if the seller found it hard to get rid of and thought ideal here we go. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the great work.

[@ede8193]

Great video Richard!! i just have 2 Tarantulas and i use Arachnifiles it's the best it keeps track of everything for me, love it!! And i agree with you about learning, i always want to learn more and more, to be able to provide the best possible care for my 2 T's ....which are a Avic Pink toe and a P Rufilata ( Juvie about 2 inches )

[@adrianneconstant]

Im not sure if youve done one already, but I would looooove a care video on skeleton leg tarantula!!

[@brucekenkel3688]

#6 know your species and it’s living requirements and enclosure sizes from sling to adult. Another great video

[@kristiannolasco8451]

I've been doing research on Ts since I was a kid I'm gonna be 30 next year and this year in May I got my first T and my second in June and I'll be getting a 3rd very soon so I guess I'm new to the hobby but was very ready to get into the hobby and so far Ts are the easiest animal I've ever had to take care of.

[@pikzzi]

Love the information I've been getting from all your videos. I have a question though. Can I reuse a tarantula enclosure? I'm up housing my Guatemalan tiger rump and her enclosure is perfect size for my new juvenile Cobalt blue. I guess my question is can I leave her habitat the way she had it with her webbing or do I need to completely take everything out redo it and then put him in with a new set up?

[@smokinpot]

You probably could leave it how it is but I would redo it all personally

[@duck5921]

I’m new to tarantula keeping and got a Mexican red knee as my first tarantula, is that a good idea and do you have any recommendations for ones I should get in the future?

[@vincentfelci2988]

Cool t shirt bro

[@christianmamuyac1548]

Hi, I live in Washington State and we have a 9 months of cold season, what is the best way for my enclosure, you mentioned before that tarantulas are cold blooded, no need heat pads or light, but we have 50-30 temperature here, any suggestions? Thank you.

[@AmyBuccilla]

Awesome video! Love the never stop learning and researching. I gather info and cross reference everything also. It really can make all the difference and may save your pet.

[@MitchellDavis-zu8vu]

Hi Richard I have 6 tarantulas in my collection

[@animegeek6118]

Just picked up a Vietnam blue today got any tips for care for someone new to the hobby?

[@vilhelm5549]

I got a name for your collection, Richard. 1) the Invertebrate imperium 2) the zoo.

[@CheshireVulpes]

As an old zoo keeper in a zoo with allot of reptiles insects and arachnids i wonder what my limit would be would probs be something thats just to expensive to keep alive

[@BurgerurgerFPV]

Do you have a vid on buying from a local shop compared to buying online?

[@annikkirahko6714]

It’s hard to find shops that carry them, and petsmart doesn’t have anything to keep them in. Buying from breeders online or at expos is way better. Petsmart half the time doesn’t even have proper labeling of what spider it is. So I’ve only ever gotten from breeders. They can help you with species specific care and husbandry as well. Small exotic pet shops are usually really good too since everything you need is right there too

[@alexispastor8140]

Hello I just got my first tarantula and I wanna what I should avoid

[@katmafiakat]

My maxican fire leg hasn't eaten for a month, didn't drink water for a week now, it has me really worried

[@Spiderdan-59]

When my order from spaspiders arrives it'll knock my total tarantula collection up yo 13😂😂😂😂🕷💯

[@gavinlee7112]

Would love to see some links to research papers! I'm doing a degree in wildlife and conservation and have some pretty cool invert experts as lecturers...our hobby has already done great things for Dolomedes plantarius in the UK..anything more I can do for spoods worldwide would be a bonus! u

[@sarahmhardwick]

I went to you to learn when I got my first... And unfortunately he died... Now I'm on to my Mexican that I've had for over 2 years now

[@sarahmhardwick]

Still I might only have 4 but this app might not help with feeding pursay but with molting..... I may not have many but this app might help with a lot of info....

[@anoynmo5171]

how can i prevent mould on my substrate but at the same time keep my enclosure humid?

[@ryandurano8913]

I have a question, my LP keep destroying it's plant on it's enclosure

[@a.j.l.thrifty]

I dont or have never owned a spider but this channel is so interesting..its made me want to get a jumping spider to start off with can anyone recommend a species I am in the uk :)

[@chuamana]

I got tarantulas because of feeders. My son's first pets were hissing roaches. They got 120 babies this year and I had to donate the babies to the petshop. Having 2 spiders now I dont have to buy roaches.

[@kingpin7610]

Oh my as a first time keeper my friend gave me a very aggressive tarantula and can bolt as hell it has a black body and it has a tiny smudge of orange red on the top of leg ? And red a b0oty hair he gave a advice before he moved feed it one a week and spray water on the corners of the enclosure dont let it dry and same as the bowl and don't get bitten he named it little sheet and i named it bobby one time when I'm feeding her super worm it tried to climb up the tongs i have no idea what kind of -poison- venom? it has and I'm surprised how powerful tarantula is i can feel it on the tongs when I'm feeding her

[@valbarnes4666]

I have one question by chance can you make any videos on iridopelma hirsutum just got one a month or two ago and don't know if it's attitude is normal or stressed keeps kicking hairs everytime I try feeding the cutie

[@paulfernandez7829]

Which species was that in the “know your limits” section of the video, specifically at 7:55?

[@azi_turn_up]

As a Floridian who doesn't live alone, I'm stuck going to the pet store. Many things like Dubia roaches are illegal here. And ik not breeding Crickets, fuck that 😂 My store is always quick tho, the ladies are super sweet and take good care of the animals, including the insects, lucky me!

[@cartermckinnies8249]

I was wondering if the Brazilian black tarantula was a good first tarantula even though I know everything it needs but not it’s hostility and other things like that

[@annikkirahko6714]

I think he has a video on it, but if I remember right they were chill

[@candyscott489]

👏🏻

[@mikewaterfield3599]

Now that is a spider den.

[@agustincoku2155]

I have a question, where i live in the summer it goes to about 24 to 31C° inside my house (75.2 to 87.8F). I am planning to get a Chaco Golden Knee and and by my recearch it's supposed to stay at 20 to 23C° (68 to 73.4F) and i'm scared that it might overheat and i will accidentally kill it. I have a basement but its not that good because i my family has just recently changed houses and we haven't really "re-renovated" the basement. So what should i do? Should i add something to cool my room? I have always stressed about this never could get any answers. Yes 24 to 31 C° or 75.2 87.8F and 10 degrees HIGHER OUTSIDE It's that hot

[@RespekfulFungus]

I breed lessermealworms, meal worms, and Dubai’s.

[@bruce2228]

Totally AGREE, 1 Day @ a time., always moving forward," LEARNING""with Time.😊, 👍 Don't be ignorant and selfish. TURATULA 'S are Animals.THINK FIRST, RESEARCH, and move Gracefully 🕸️🕷️✌️🤠👍🇺🇲💯%

[@IRepko]

You should make a video on how to convince a significant other or a roommate to be okay with you getting a tarantula 😂 or maybe a tarantula video from the perspective of someone who lives with someone who just got a tarantula and might be scared or worried about it escaping

[@ObamAmerican48]

Your feeders have a better diet than me 😊

[@Yakultcafee]

your room with all your T's is what i want to acheive one day

[@AnthonyMcqueen1987]

What i want is one old world and one new world tarantula so i can get the best of both worlds essentially and thats it. The question is which ones ? Maybe a terrestrial and arboreal?

[@douglefevre2801]

poecilotheria metallica & teraphosae apophysis are my best duo personnaly if you're more into risky tarantula ( venom talking) Heteroscodra maculata & xenesthis intermedia are also wonderful

[@kelvinengland3991]

Old world... M. Balfouri. New world.... GBB or Carbina Versicolor if you could just have one of each.

[@diz0973ify]

I gotta get it to you guys who own them, Spiders freak me out & I'm taking your average size spider. A big spider like a tarantula!!?? Oh HELL NO I couldn't be in the same house lol But to each his own.

[@ninecatsandaboxofwine]

i just keep a notebook, i'm from the rebel fighters from the future in terminator and i just don't trust apps or technology in general.

[@ninecatsandaboxofwine]

most roaches are illegal in canada. false discoids are legal and go for ~40-60 bucks for 1 adult lol.

[@JoseDiaz-lg4fn]

I need help from anybody I can also send video threw email I just need help and I’m worry about this black tarantula I caught in my back yard it was moving normal and chill been feeding it roly-poly’s. A beetle any cricket 🦗 but it’s moving wired for that last 2 days I don’t like how it’s acting very fidgety and moving weird not expanding the legs all the way help

[@stevemarshall3481]

Please excuse my naivety, you've probably been asked this a thousand times but here goes 😂 spiders have 8 legs, why do the tarantulas have 4 each side then another 2 up the mouth end 🤷‍♂️

[@ILoveGlock1019]

Bro that’s not a collection you have a whole expo😂😂😂😂

[@tartkowskystarantulasandmo9702]

While I appreciate your enthusiasm, the constant push for people to keep their tarantulas in tarantula cribs enclosures based on your financial incentive is setting up a lot of beginners(the majority of the collective) for failure. Acrylic enclosures don’t provide adequate ventilation or adequate height to set up full bioactives and are really only conducive to coco fibre/waterbowl/cork bark setups. You mention in your video how the hobby is evolving but that evolution is stifled by the continued use of acrylic and plastic enclosures. There’s no such thing as too much ventilation in a properly set up bioactive, planted vivarium.

[@fantasyskeep]

Hey bud, please please please turn down the gain on your mic. It's wayyyyy too high.

[@tbstarot7080]

hello richard. i met you and your wife at the lexington reptile expo and read for her. i sent you an email about a newly matured male arizona blonde. let me know what you think:) thank you

[@kathleentromp]

Promo>SM 😳

[@McPilch]

Belated comment, and I don't use the socials besides YT, but just wanted to let you know I received my set of TTC exclusive 3x3x3 sling enclosures.... SO ADORBS!!! 🥹💚 Three bubs I can move in, and two additional cribs for the next time I can't resist adding to my critter family. 😅 Would've got set of ten.. but as you've said, gotta pace oneself! Instead I'll save up for your Halloween orange addition! 😉

[@ninecatsandaboxofwine]

crickets are so gross to breed. nasty creatures. i'm tempted to drive to the cricket farm an hour and a half away and get them wholesale.

[@nutcase88.]

Hey, tarantula Collective, I have a question on my spiders "walk", my female c versicolor has been moving in a almost stutter like fashion and I'm wonder if it is early DKS, or if it is just something that they do normally/pre-molt

[@Chris_Toop_Tarantulas]

I only have 21 Ts but there all in nice glass/acrylic enclosures with natural habitats and enrichment, the day I got my first T 18 months ago I started using a tarantula journal I got online and it’s all hand written information by me like dates and length of time of my Ts blocking there hides up and other information i can look back on,I just love it compared to an app ect 🫶

[@kumakuma4859]

I just got a xenesthis sp. megascopula as a gift and I can’t find much as far as care guides go! This is a super expensive species and I’m wondering if you could make a care guide? ❤

[@DystruktoBoi1]

#1 Was the first thing I did. I just grabbed some woodbeetles from outside, and "palmetto bugs" as they call them down in NC (roaches) and stuck them in a 10 gallon tank with some bark and dirt from my backyard, since they are locally sourced they breed great down here. I have also found that my crickets from the pet store kept dying, but I got some field crickets from my yard and put them in a big rubbermaid container and they seem to be doing much better.

[@Rediroth]

Great video as always for new and veteran keepers. Love it

[@BriDia3]

@TARANTULACOLLECTIVE Dear Richard, I hope you see this. I've got 37 Ts currently. Slings, Juveniles and Adults. I've created a pretty decent dubia roach colony because crickets at 17cents a piece are getting way too expensive. Especially because I've also got Geckos, Frogs and a Bearded Dragon. One big problem though: The damn Roaches seem to hide and/or play dead(?) ! My Spiders especially, but not only them, can't seem to find or don't wanna hunt the Dubias. The baby dubias don't seem fat enough for the slings. I give them a meal worm with the head cut off every other day. Any advice on these darn Dubias and how to get my pets to eat them? Please 🙏 Anyone's tips are appreciated

[@RexEdits1]

Do I need to clean cork bark when I buy it at petco or online and do I need to soak moss or just add it in the enclosure?

[@tarantulacollective]

You can bake the cork bark in your oven on a low temp or even boil it and let it dry out if your worried. I use cork all the time that I get from the biodude, and I never bake or boil it, just use it as it comes. Other than scraping out some small spider webs occasionally, it has always been fine.

[@tarantulacollective]

If your tarantula needs moisture in the enclosure, then soak the moss and wring it our well before putting it in the enclosure. If they're more of an arid species then you can keep it dry. I like to soak the moss and mix it in with the substrate bc it holds moisture and slowly releases it overtime. So it can help keep humidity up while letting the tarantula have a dry layer of substrate on top.

[@RexEdits1]

@@tarantulacollective tysm u helped a lot

[@RexEdits1]

@@tarantulacollective I put half substrate (terra aranea then put some moss and then filled the rest so some moss is in the middle of the substrate with rest on top

[@RexEdits1]

Was that a bad idea because I just read moss can get easily moldy with no airflow and what if it’s molds and I won’t know because it’s buried in the dirt