A. geniculata "Brazilian Whiteknee" Rehouse and Husbandry

FINALLY, an official care video on the ever-popular Acanthoscurria geniculata or Brazilian Whiteknee!
Jabberwock Reptiles: www.jabberwock...
Theme song by Rocket 77 - linktr.ee/Rock....

[@olgabahirkina1286]

They have everything you ever need in a tarantula. The look, the size, always in view, the interesting temperament, and their hunger is a perfection. Often a problem with the first spider is their lack of appetite - well, not with this one. They usually eat as if they have starved for years, even if you feed them very often. If they don’t - most of the time, about to molt. They can be adequately defensive when scared, and their food response is usually the biggest concern - they think everything is food, and can hunt smth their size or bigger without an issue. A must have in this hobby. Gorgeous, hungry, active spider that never really hides.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Olga! They really are, in many ways, the perfect spider! And I agree...everyone should have one eventually.

[@bflo1000]

The food response is insane. And they attack lightning fast. That may be the only problem w newbies. One of the fave spiders that I've had. That being said, I haven't had any Pamphos, X Sp, or Theraphosas.

[@gutz323]

Really cheap too! Especially if you raise them from a sling. You can buy an A.geniculata in the UK for the same price as a pint of beer in a pub, lol! I like my beer, but I know which one I would rather have.

[@mandyalley125]

I have a female a gen, shes going on 6yrs and is close to 8in when spread out. Absolutely the easiest tarantula ive owned so far!! Thanks for sharing!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Wow, Mandy...she's a big girl! Thanks for chiming in!

[@bflo1000]

One of the most perfect T's out there. As hardy as a Brachy, as fast growing as anything, large, beautiful NW T that's not quite as skittish as most of the other S American Bird eaters.

[@7LemonGwen]

Such a beautiful specimen! The colors makes me crave chocolate, and nougat. (Lol)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Gwendolyn! Haha That's awesome!

[@user-Wqir29482]

This species is sometimes every thing is food

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They definitely have a great feeding response!

[@willlawson4091]

One of my favorites! Have you looked into the Phormictopus sp. "Rose Blue" yet Tom? I know you love your Phormictopus.

[@f9573]

Phormictopus is really shaping up to be the next pamphobeteus mess

[@willlawson4091]

@@f9573 seem like a lot of the bigger new worlds are like that. Pamphobeteus, Phormictopus, Sericopelma, etc.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I was looking at them, but I'm VERY concerned that these "new" species are just overpriced P. cancerides or another familiar species. I picked up a few of the new ones, but not the "rose blue" yet. F is spot on where it just seems like folks are selling all these new, undescribed species of Phormictopus from different locales and calling them new species.

[@ANTHONYLIVETV]

Perfect time for this vid and a great one at that. This will be my first bio enclosure and Brazilian. I’m starting to float in the deep end 😂. I’m ordering a 1.5” sling from Jamie’s T’s this weekend. Just waiting for a message back to hold shipping for a week. Anyway awesome girl, great vid and new subscriber w a respect and admiration for you and this delightful channel. God Bless

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Anthony! Congrats on snagging one! They seem to be a bit trickier to find these days. And thank you so much! I truly appreciate it!

[@waynerowley]

Great video and a lovely spider. They love water dishes! 😀 In fact, in the first shots of your spider it had a leg on its water dish and when you rehoused it, it ran and tried to cling on to the water dish! I recently got one for my daughter. It was somewhat defensive in the rehouse ( bit the paintbrush ). Once in the new enclosure it put its water dish inside its hide and now sits on it! 😂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Wayne! I think that she was worried that I wasn't going to include her dish in the new setup. haha And that's adorable!

[@willmatos3787]

Good video bro. I was going to ask you about your cannibal corpse hoodie but you had the shirt on so that's awesome too lol.🤘

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Will! It's getting warm up here, so I havn't had the hoodies on. haha

[@kimperdue]

beautiful lady. a little kicking but very well behaved

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Kim! Yeah, I don't blame her though. haha

[@GodsSpartan611]

Been too long since I visited this channel! How ya been!?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Mike! Great to see you back! I can't complain! How are you?

[@OriginalDrGonzo]

I just purchasedone from Fear Not Tarantulas! My second ever spider. Super excited!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats! Many say this is the absolute best species to start with. I love mine!

[@boognish.]

There are creators out there that people claim have “done a lot for the hobby” but you sir truly have done a lot for the tarantula community. Your skills as a teacher make your husbandry videos priceless to beginner keepers as well as advanced individuals. Your Aphonopelma Seemanni video probably saved the life of my Seemani. You’re the only creator that I’ve heard mention that tarantula behavior behavior can change from molt to molt which has also been extremely valuable to me. Thank you

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I really appreciate the kind words, and I'm so glad to hear that the seemanni video was helpful! :) Thank you!

[@space_k_nerd398]

Finally

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha Yup.

[@nfgsendit]

Mine just scared the s*** out of me as I was trying to tidy up it's enclosure he ran up the back and out, luckily he stopped on the back so I could catch him in a cricket tub I tidied up his enclosure put him back in then he tried to flee again. 😅

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yikes! haha I'm glad that it went well overall!

[@candyscott489]

Hi Tom !! Thanks for your vids !! I pick up a Brazilian White Knee to day, she’s a little over 4 inches. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Candy! Congrats!

[@tarantulasister882]

Hey Tom,my 1 maybe 1 and a half inch A geniculata..lost a leg about 2 months ago,(no idea why)she moulted 5 days ago and has lost another leg and a pedipalp after her moult..I’m worried x🕷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! I'm so sorry to hear about your molt difficulties. Does the sling have moist substrate? A water dish? I'm sure that you have her set up correctly, but that's the only think that I can think of that you would be in control of.

[@tarantulasister882]

@@TomsBigSpiders Hi Tom,yeah she/he has all of that,water dish always full and I spray substrate once a week..will she will be able to eat ok with one pedipalp..thanks for your reply x

[@April-px2ki]

Thank you for doing this amazing video! I have a weird problem going on with my beautiful, formerly calm and sometimes frisky girl has started climbing the walls and chewing on the plastic cover. I keep her in a critter keeper with a hide, plenty of substrate and a water dish, she's had had no issues except décor destruction for the past five months I've had her. She even molted with no issues! Could I ask for some advice please?

[@Setsunadiava149]

I got her a bigger water dish, could that be the problem? She’s gotten bigger after her last molt and her old water dish looked tiny.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, April! Can you send me some pics at [e-mail] ? Put KZbin in the subject if you could. If she continues to chew at the top of the critter keeper, you may have to rehouse her. Are you sure that "she" isn't a "he"? Mature males will often wander around after their final molts. Just a thought!

[@erinhthorn]

Thank you for the video. I am contemplating to get a A. geniculata or a B. hamorii for my first spider. This helped a lot. And btw. nice Cannibal Corpse shirt 😉

[@TomsBigSpiders]

If you start with a sling, the A. geniculata is the way to go as they grow much more quickly. Thank you!

[@rebelicious4076]

My adult female is a monster. I'm size and in attitude. She tried to kill everything and everyone.... She attacks her water bowl when I fill it up, she is massive and I also keep her in a mini. I also have two A geniculata slings and both burrow .. like make a cave/tube ask the way to the bottom of there enclosures and they stay in there. They are about an inch from toe to toe (crosswise if that makes sense I can't think lol) you're lucky you got a calm girl 😂 mine would have given you a run for your money. She's awesome though! Edit to add that I for sure think this is a great beginner species. Most just aren't the type to be handled.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I was waiting for someone to chime in who had a more defensive one. haha She sounds like a blast! Thanks for chiming in!

[@rebelicious4076]

@@TomsBigSpiders I got out of the hobby for years and years got back in and she was the first one I bought this time around YEARS AND YEARS AGO... I worry more about her than I do my young feather leg baboon! The two babies are still easy of course. She has that CRAZY feeding response along with the attitude! I'm hoping for one male so I can breed my big female to him to carry on her genes she's gorgeous.

[@paigeinjanuary]

Thank you so much! I was recently gifted a beautiful one and was looking into the Biodude’s soil!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Paige! I'll be posting a video later today with my other (smaller) A. geniculata. The biodude stuff works great!

[@AraneaRegnum]

Great video ! I would like to see an update on Nhandu chromatus husbandry, thanks a lot for your hard work

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! I'll try to do a short featuring her.

[@didisaythat4230]

That thing is beefy

[@TomsBigSpiders]

She sure is.

[@BigDaveITFC]

Tom. I have that plant in my stirmi tank in ipswich uk. What is it? Awesome grower 👌 Big dave

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's a golden pothos!

[@OrbitalRescueSage]

Mine was mean. Tried.. succeeded in puncturing the plastic catch cup to attack the fingers during rehouse. Very fierce animal. P murnius was less high strung.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Man, there's some attitude! haha

[@sneakysquidgaming916]

Ive had my girl since she was 3/4 of an inch, now shes pushing 7

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Man, she's a big girl!

[@debbiemcclure2874]

She is so pretty Tom. I'm gettn rdy to rehouse my big girl in a few days. I really dread it. She is anything but calm, lol. Tyfs God bless you

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Debbie! I hope that the rehouse goes well!

[@natalya402]

I have a 2" sling who acts the same way. Shed rather hold her ground and kick hairs than run away. When I was unboxing her, I tried to push her off the tissue and she just flicked hairs, I had to wait for her to walk off on her own lol

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Natalya! They can be quite the stubborn spiders! :)

[@bobbibuttons8730]

Get better soon both of you. I had another post but it seems to have proofed. Ah well, it was probably rubbish anyhow.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ughhh... Sorry about that, Bobbi. I'm sure that it wasn't. And thank you so much!

[@ericbeeman8717]

Sorry this isn't about ts but that simply lime juice is great picked up a bottle not long ago and it's really refreshing and even better if ya freeze it then as it thaws break it up into a lime slushy but these genics are awesome ts had pleasure of raising some and some of the best feeding responses ever haha and the tiny slings I've found they take baby redrunners really well give em precrippled then eventually they take one's that aren't after a few feedings

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Eric! Yeah, I love the stuff myself. I didn't even think of the slushy bit...great idea! And awesome advice. My little one has been eating red runners since I got her.

[@angela_tarantulas]

Now I wanna get one 😂 oh man, I need a bigger flat 😂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Haha I hear you, Angela!

[@Kewlneasy]

Also I see all you guys with way better enclosures than I’m able to find

[@TomsBigSpiders]

We SO have some nice options over in the US.

[@waffles3539]

Hey Tom I not sure if this is a weird thing but I would suggest not using sphagnum moss one of my tarantula got It's toe hooks stuck in the moss like I said it might just be a one time thing but I'm not going to use it any more for my tarantulas

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Nicholas! I've been using various types of sphagnum moss for over 10 years, and I've never really had an issue. I currently have it in over 200 enclosures, and it's great way to provide moisture. I HAVE had on get some stuck to its foot via it's toe claws, but it soon got it off. Sorry to hear about your situation, but I really don't think that happens too often. Thanks for chiming in!

[@marlenjeangraulau2221]

Hey Tom ✌️ Geni's are great😍😁👍💪‼️ As they get bigger it takes longer they start eating again after molts . That's what I see with mine , and it's maybe the sice then yours. It seems after each molt it takes longer. I love our geniculata, my wife does not, she loves her LP 😂😂😂‼️‼️ Hope you and your family is doing good🙏 Greetings from Germany Jean 🙂✌️

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Jean...great to hear from you! The family is doing quite well. I hope the same goes for yours! Thank you for chiming in!

[@crisflores5965]

it still feels weird - Missing the old school intro. i know copy right issue but yeah . classic tom moran intro is missed. >.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Chris. Unfortunately, it is what it is. Luckily, most folks like the new song and are getting used to it. Hopefully, as time passes, it will become more normal.

[@crisflores5965]

@@TomsBigSpiders regardless im watching all vids and podcasts keep it up!

[@kirkvj8330]

Same!

[@jamesprice7470]

Hey Tom glad u got one they are amazing I've got a female always out had her in 2019,she did become sick not sure what it was could of been dks,she couldn't stand up and fell on her back and I kept dropping water on her fangs.then after a few days i put her up right,and she made a full recovery and had no problems since.i dont think they are defensive just food Hungary.and mine kicks hairs,so does brachypelma,I would recommend them has a beginner.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, James! I'm so glad to hear that yours turned it around. That's awesome!

[@f9573]

Well... look who decided to show up lol Hope you're doing good!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha I was waiting for this! haha I'm doing great besides this annoying cold!

[@f9573]

@@TomsBigSpiders well I was also waiting for this lol Hope you get better soon so you can make videos on time haha

[@briancuprisin4571]

05:47 what does the plant have to do with drilling holes or not?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I was just saying that I use plants in most of my enclosures that have those tops, and the plants help with oxignation inside the tank.

[@choo22choo]

I just got one :) thanks again Tom,you are the man sir

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats, Apex! Can't go wrong with this species!

[@l-iv3s18]

What moss do u use? also does it stay bright green?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yes, it stays bright green. And it's Galapagos Green Moss.

[@unluckyluchiano6092]

I just got 3 new T's at a reptile expo, a pumpkin patch, an OBT, and one of these. I figured I'd be more excited to be looking after my first Old World, but yeah, I'm loving the A. Genic so far, it's a bit defensive, but it doesn't hide alot, and knowing how large it can get makes me look forward to raising it

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's a great trio of spiders right there. :)

[@unluckyluchiano6092]

@@TomsBigSpiders agreed, I love them all so far. After observing and caring for them all for a bit, I noticed that the OBT is not at all the demon spider some people talk about. It's wicked fast, but it doesn't give threat poses often at all, would much rather run away and hide. The A. Geniculata however, is kinda a psycho 🤣 it doesn't kick hair, try to run, or give threat poses. It just straight up attacks, and bites the brush anytime it's touched lmao

[@carydavenport1869]

Just got my sling yesterday and love it!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats, Cary!

[@klaskristian1]

I like A geniculatas! I have had some specimens in the past. In fact, my third tarantula was a A geniculata. It was back in 2002 and back then they where pretty expenssive. I would call them semi-defenssive, but mostly food agressive. But they are so hardy, they make good beginner tarantula i would say!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, bud! It's funny, as I'm getting so many different descriptions of their behavior. I like yours - food aggressive and semi defensive. And I think that someone who is prepared for that will do just fine with them.

[@bflo1000]

Mine really weren't that bad. My Vagans and Haitian were more defensive. Even my Chromatus were.

[@gutz323]

If you aren't inclined to want to handle them, and you always have a catch cup ready, I don't think there are any new world terrestrial Tarantulas that you have to worry about. There is a few fast aborials from the Americas, but the terrestrial's are all pretty much handle-able if you respect the urticating hairs.

[@niteowl9733]

I hate the way they kick themselves bald.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Usually once they become situated in thier new homes, the will stop kicking so much.

[@Autistic-Bald-Creature]

We got are first sling absolute monster of an eater hopefully she gets her colors I say she cause the girls are what we want

[@dankauffman8568]

How appropriate . Watching an old Night Gallery episode now titled " A fear of spiders " . Anyway ... went to the local pet store for crickets this morning and saw they had scorpions . Impulse buy . It's about three inches long and gloss black . Any idea what kind it might be ?

[@chillywilly883]

Most likely some species of Asian forest scorpion. They like to dig, and need enclosure moist and warm.

[@dankauffman8568]

@@chillywilly883 Been researching all morning . I believe you're right . Thank you !

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Dan! Yup, my guess would be Asian forrest or even an emperor scorpion (Asian forest are a bit more readily available). Either way, great grab!

[@Kewlneasy]

Just getting back into the hobby sense highschool,, we’re nearing about a dozen species now. I M wondering about humidity,, sense changing out the mesh on my lids with thin plexi I realize the humidity shy rockets no matter how many holes I put in it.. just Ordered a large female geniculata online and she came in healthy,, she’s in a pretty damp enclosure with one of my new home built lids I described,, should I be so worried about the humidity? I only posses one dry climate species

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Welcome back to the hobby! If you think that the moisture levels inside the enclosure are too high, you can let the substrate dry out a bit. I don't go crazy with the moist substrate with older A. geniculatas. I keep part of it moist and give mine a water dish. Hope that helps!

[@Kewlneasy]

@@TomsBigSpiders yea she’s about a 6inch or so,, I have a 2in geniculata as well but they act about the same. The big one is busy excavating a massive borrow now,, her new home. I had Chilean rose t’s in highschool,, I’d love to find one now but I’ve had troubles,, especially an adult or sub-adult size

[@jackjohnson8217]

I remember so long ago asking for this video, I know lots of people have. Nice to see it finally. 😁😁😁

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yeah, this has easily been in the top two for most requested videos, Jack. haha Thanks!

[@chuckmaster3000]

Glad you came to the show. Everything time i go to this show I come home with new spoods. Can't wait for next one this summer.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Chuck! Can't wait for the next one.

[@KalishnakovPrincess]

A classic beautiful tarantula

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Agreed, Alison!

[@dprofessorscritters8762]

Nice to see this species getting some love. Great video.👍🤘

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!

[@goldpieceleo]

One of my favorite Ts.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awesome spiders.

[@garynorton6853]

As always thanks Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank YOU for commenting, Gary!

[@bobbiscrittercave2348]

Show Me puts on a good show. I try to go whenever they're in Springfield, Mo.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yeah, I'll definitely be going to the next one in July!

[@bobbiscrittercave2348]

@@TomsBigSpiders I think Paladin Exotics vends at most of their shows, you should check them out - real quality company!

[@clnfreakone8486]

Of course I come to Tom to do research on the next species I plan on getting 👍 as always great video

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Why, thank you so much! :)

[@IRepko]

I’m about to rehome my little buddy, it’s gonna be it’s home for probably quite awhile as it’s a 6x6 cube at 1,25 inches. Should I give him a starter burrow? I’ve observed him moving substrate around, but he’s usually in his hide or on display.

[@clnfreakone8486]

@@IRepko never hurts to make a starter burrow .. mine has one but is always out lol

[@ChantalsCritters]

This was my 1st sling....8 years later and I have many tarantulas.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

And likely a big A. geniculata by now, right? :)

[@ChantalsCritters]

@@TomsBigSpiders yes she was. I breed her and she passed 2 years ago. She was huge with eggs.

[@The_Room_Of_Arachnids]

I didn't know you already updated the theme song! It kinda freaked me out for a second, Sounds like how you wanted it when you described it. I am also glad to see this species get some love, Awesome species.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yeah, I debuted it after I returned from my break. They nailed exactly what I was looking for...it was uncanny. Thanks so much!

[@AdsArachnids]

You make such a good point around size being a factor around 'beginner' species. As you know, I came into the hobby with zero arachnophobia or fear but the first time I saw a threat posture from a large tarantula, it definitely raised eyebrows! I think it's so important to get used to movements and behaviours before jumping in with faster/larger/more defensive species even after you feel you've got a grasp and understanding of basic husbandry. Great video, the new theme is really growing on me.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Adam! Size (in this case! haha) really does make a difference. I've had folks pick up LPs or adult Theraphosa and find that they were suddently terrified of them. It's certainly something that needs to be consider before a beginner jumps right in. And I agree completely that it's important to get used to how they move before jumping in the deep end. And I'm so glad about the theme! thanks, bud!

[@MrTQuillen]

geniculata are amazing

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I agree!

[@erinfee5104]

Amazing timing, I have an A geniculata sling arriving in just a couple of weeks! I added it to an order with H chilense, it should be fun comparing their wildly-different growth rates.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats, Erin! Your Genic should be an adult by the time your H. chilenses is a larger sling. haha

[@sevenn7pure]

Hey Erin are you referring to a Homoeomma Chilensis? I have been looking for one and cannot find them anywhere.

[@erinfee5104]

@@sevenn7pure Yep! I got mine from Eresus Spider Shop, but they are very expensive at $220 (hence why they're still in stock!). Mine came in at about 1/4 inch and molted just a few days later, so at least it's healthy!

[@sevenn7pure]

@@erinfee5104 That is awesome, thank you so much! I'm going to check there site and hopefully they still have some available! Edit: Hey hey you made my day! Was able to order 1, hopefully it's a female but we will see. Have a great rest of your weekend and thank you so much again! And it looks like I may have hit the last one.

[@erinfee5104]

@@sevenn7pure I'm so sorry for the bad news, but it was recently determined that the former owners of Eresus sent out fake H. chilense. If you haven't already, please contact them ASAP. Seven Wonders Tarantulas, a different vendor, stepped in to clean up Eresus's mess and close things out. They said that they are making a list of people who received the faux chilense (They seem to actually be Thrixopelma pruriens, but that's just a guess. Mine has molted three times in a few months and has acquired a greenish sheen, so it definitely isn't an H. chilense.), so hopefully we will be compensated in some way. Ugh, so sorry that I unknowingly brought you into this mess!

[@michaeltaylor2449]

AWESOME love the A.Gens

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Michael!

[@michaeltaylor2449]

@@TomsBigSpiders Yourwelcome

[@erikbetancourt7194]

Nice, i just got a young adult female. Was looking for the 12" cube like yours but went to with the 18" cube. I was surprised that this girl ate a pinky with no problems. With a pinky a week, this girl will no doubt reach over 8". Thanks for the good video.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That should give her plenty of room!

[@sydneysweigard4217]

Hello! I am a new tarantula owner, and my A. Geniculata arrived about a week ago. He’s about 1 1/2 inches. He was fed and ate great, then a few days later he had webbed up the entrance to his hide and covered it with dirt. I know some spiders will do this when they are about to molt (hopefully he does soon, I can’t wait to see those stripes!), however my problem is that there is a bit of white mold growing inside of his hide. I really don’t want to interrupt him, especially if he is molting. Any advice on what I should do?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Sounds like premolte behavior to me. This species will generally eat if it's not in premolt. As long as the mold isn't exploding, I would leave it until after the spider molts. At that point, you can do some clean up.

[@tinabbaker37]

Love it. But then again I love every video 📸. Love you Billie.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha Thank you so much, Tina! Hope all is well!

[@mikepetersen7319]

Nice Girl. Maybe She will molt pretty soon cause She looks a bit dull, but anyway these are gorgeous and I think what makes them also a good beginner Species is that they're quite showy. Get well soon. 🌈

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yup, she's definitely looking a bit washed out. I'm betting the next molt will bring sharper and deeper colors. Thanks, Mike!

[@Lisa-eu9fy]

🕷💜💜🕷

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Lisa!

[@ericdurst9715]

I got one as a freebie when I bought my obt at a reptile expo. The slings are very hardy and good feeling response when prekilled prey is offered. I've a friend who breed turantulas and have different species to choose from. I'm finally getting into my old worlds and enjoy watching them feed as well.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

What a great freebie! Yeah, they really are awesome spiders.

[@kuanyin03]

I’ve raised a couple females from slings to adults. In both cases they were skittish as juveniles and mellowed considerably at maturity. I wonder if that’s a thing? Anyway, great video on one of my favorites! Thank you 😊

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Shelly! My male was pretty laid back, and this female has been calm as well. It's certainly a possibility!

[@dd7620]

100% I always tell people A.Geni is the ultimate 1st tarantula. Just watch your fingers no joke great feeding responses.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They certainly have a lot to like!

[@Noodleandthepoodles]

Listening to you talk reminds me of Dee Snider from twisted sister, proving those of us who listen to heavy metal can still speak eloquently and educate. I love seeing which band shirt your wearing next. I love that Billy helps and supports you, would love to see more of her in the future! My A geniculata is fast growing favorite and one I adore out of my 21 current Ts... “Living on a Prayer” that they all molt and I find them to be female so I can have them all longer. Recent pickups this past weekend was a sub adult T Verdezi and a B hammori that I’m smitten with.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Shawna! Well, as a huge Dee Snider fan (Twisted Sister's "Stay Hungry" was the first cassette I ever purchased), that means a ton...thank you! And Billie is amazing. I really don't think that there could be a more supportive wife. :) Thumbs up for the Bon Jovie reference as well. haha And wow...those are some great pick ups! Thanks again!

[@china_sickness7005]

I have noticed that my A geniculata is very attracted to moisture. The enclosure I keep it in is a highly ventilated critter keeper, so I have to moisten the substrate quite often. The tarantula spends the majority of its time next to the water dish which is an obvious sign of the moisture dependency or preference. I have four tarantulas, and I’ve seen my A geniculata drink multiple times. They definitely seem to do well in a more humid/tropical environment, compared to my Gramostola Pulchripes juvenile which is on bone dry substrate and has never drank from its water dish once. I love my A geniculata though. I’d highly recommend it for anyone, even beginners. Mine has a very aggressive feeding response though, so that can be a pro or a con depending on the keeper. It’s hard to have a favorite, but I do love that tarantula

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, China! Yeah, mine have all appreciated some moisture as well. I know that folks keep them dry with water dishes, but I always like to make sure mine has some moist sub. Thanks for chiming in!

[@dananewsom5483]

My geni is a kicker too lol. I've only gotten a threat posture from her once but since I've moved her enclosure to a quieter corner of my room away from the door and any traffic from the rest of the house I rarely see even that. Because she's in my bedroom, I keep her a little cooler than most would recommend, 68-75°, but she seems to be doing well with it. I wasn't really doing much to maintain any specific humidity level, just occasionally overflowing her water bowl but noticed she was spending a lot of time around and even on her water dish so I harvested some nice lush mats of moss to lay in around that side of the enclosure to try to bump up the humidity and since then she's seemed pretty content. Very pretty spiders 🙂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Dana...thanks for chiming in with your experiences! My first spent his winters at 65-80 and did just fine. He just grew a bit more slowly. They are definitely pretty spiders!

[@williamschell5454]

I think I’m getting a 2-2.5” A Geniculata for my second tarantula! I was leaning towards her but this video really made me certain. How fast do they grow, would a 4x4x8 be ok, or would something a bit bigger be better initially? Great channel btw, I only found it yesterday but I’m loving it so far!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, William! A 4 x 4 x 8 would probably keep it for a few molts. They do tend to put on more size with each molt after the 3" mark or so. And thank you so much for the kind words!

[@ginaszoo36]

I have an A gen, she's awesome. She is a bit of a digger. I first got her at about 1.5" she's now easily 4.5". She has a tunnel that she vanishes into, I think to molt but she's a very visable T and a ferocious eater. I love watching her hunt, she's incredible. I love my Matilda. 😍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I love the name Matilda, Gina! They really are awesome spiders!

[@mispaandloosedoves]

Great rehouse and information. I'm finally getting an A. geniculata after being in the hobby for 4 years 😅. Could you do videos on Cyclosternum and Cyriocosmus species, if you've kept them? I love both genera and it would be nice to see them get some youtube time. They're isn't many updated videos about them out there...especially Cyclosternum.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on getting one, Josh! And I'll definitely have to get some spiders in those genera. Right now, I don't have any. :(

[@chesterswingjr9796]

Awesome species. There’re like a Aphonopelma Seemanni, only bigger, and brighter. Definitely a “must have” for my small, but growing collection!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They really are, Chester!

[@cmreader]

I have quite a large girl and she grew like a weed. She’s also loves to be out in the open and extremely food responsive. Also, that my m. Robustum did pass😞

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Cynthia! I'm hoping that my girl likes to be visible as well. So far, so good. And oh no! I'm so sorry!!!

[@BuffNerdInCa]

I have 2 I've raised from slings. By far the most aggressive / defensive species I have. The rear up and strike readily.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Martin! It's funny because half the people are saying that they are calm and the other half are saying defensive. There can definitely be some variation!

[@randiLYNNEwolfe]

Just got my first geniculata sling and am very happy! Thanks for the video. Awesome !

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! Congrats, Randi!

[@robinengbers6089]

Beautiful Girl! Can’t wait to expand my collection, thanks for this video 😊

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks for chiming in, Robin!

[@gab3963]

I hope you go to another Rhode Island show! You’ve been an idol/inspiration for me since I was in high school when I got into the hobby!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Gab! Awww...thank you! We are looking at attending the one in October!

[@1968tmb]

Wow, she is beautiful! I believe that one will be the next one I would like to have! I lived in W.Warwick for a couple years but that was a very long time ago. I'm glad you had a good time

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Toni! No kidding! Yeah, it was quite a cool show. And that's awesome!

[@georgecardiff1946]

Absolutely brilliant Tom, and the geniculata is a magnificent species, i have one myself, id say the expo was brilliant Tom.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, George! I'm so glad that I was finally able to feature one!

[@bobbibuttons8730]

Sounds as though you both had a blast. I’m hoping that there is an Expo near me fairly soon. Let’s see if I manage to refrain from spending ha ha

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yeah, it was a lot of fun. We hadn't been to one in SO long!

[@leannacoolen2998]

Just picked up one of these! So excited to watch them grow. Mine already seems to be a bit on the defensive side...nothing like a two inch spider throwing a threat posture every time the water dish is filled. 😆 congrats on your girl. This is my second one as well. They are so much fun.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Leanna! hahaha That sounds sooo cute! I'm sure that she'll calm down for you! And thanks!

[@billstokesbary6143]

Actually the first species I ever got, love A.geniculata

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Bill!

[@quixoticmantis]

I absolutely LOVE watching you rehousings. You a a master with handling these beauties 😃

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!!!

[@derhorror9787]

i am early hehe, my geniculata sling burries a ton, she‘s been in here enclosure since October and it‘s still digging every now and then, super fun to watch

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha Well done! And thank you so much for chiming in. Although mine don't dig, I figured that others would.

[@amicaaranearum]

She isn't kicking hairs. She's throwing confetti in celebration of her new home.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Bahahaha I love that!

[@laurieashley2471]

Just wanted to say, thank you for doing a video on the A. geniculata :) I have been researching about them, as I first saw one for sale at a recent reptile show, but I didn't feel comfortable in bringing it home from a show until I knew more about care and husbandry needs and the temperament of this spider. I really appreciate you taking the time to do species breakdowns for us newer hobbyists, it really does help!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome, Laurie! I'm glad that I could finally do one. They are really hardy and easy to keep, so you should do just fine. :) Thank you!

[@tarantulasam7609]

Awesome! One of my favorites. Mine is around the 9” mark now. She is massive!

[@kirkvj8330]

I thought they grow until 8 inches

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Wow, she's HUGE, Sam!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Kirk! Most will hit the 8"+ mark. However, there can always be some specimens that grow larger than that. It's just not as common.

[@joshstarantulas]

I definitely wanna keep this species will probably pick some up this year, they are gorgeous!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They really are awesome Ts, Josh.

[@chillywilly883]

They are a great species. Feeding response off the wall.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They hit like trucks! :)

[@kylekubaska1695]

New theme song! Awesome! Great vid as usual!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Kyle!

[@dldarby82]

A. geniculata is an amazing species, I have 3 (including 1 "brocklehursti") and they definitely belong on the beginners list. Impressively large, fast growing, and hit prey like a freight train. All of mine will eat right up to a molt, they are always out in the open, and care couldn't be simpler. I've even kept them relatively dry, which will have them drinking from the water dish from time to time, but I've never had any issues with molting. All of mine are hair kickers though, and being a bit defensive, I definitely would not recommend handling.

[@dldarby82]

Also, mine are not skittish. I had my juvenile in one of those big flat Critter Keepers that have a "feeding port", I opened it and dropped in a cricket, and reached over to grab another. In that time she grabbed the cricket and started coming out the feeding port! I guess she figured if this magic hole spawns crickets, she might as well investigate it. So I pushed her back with the paint brush, and she was having none of it, and was determined to come through the hole. I was blocking her with the tongs, and the paint brush, and blowing on her, and she did not care. This little "battle" lasted like 10-15 seconds, and finally she gave up.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Dan! That's all very awesome info...thanks so much for chiming in! And you battle of wills sounds quite hilarious! haha

[@daneox01dk]

Ohh new music intro is good but I will miss the old one, I was so used to it.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yeah, I think that we all will. Still, in a year or so, this will be the "normal" one.

[@sara.3042]

I attended that same show! I was super jazzed because I don't have any friends or family who are into T's so it was a wonderful experience to be able to chat with folks who were also passionate about these animals. I bought a B. Emilia and a M. Balfouri from Caleb that day. I had previously purchased my H. Pulchripes from Jabberwock (supplied by Caleb), so he has supplied most of my collection so far. LOL. I love my beautiful new spiders. Your A. Gen looks amazing. This species is super entertaining because they are beasts when it comes to hunting, even going after the water jet when refilling water bowls. They're so awesome!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Sara! That's awesome! We will definitely be going to the one in July...we had a blast. And congrats on your new acquisitions! Caleb's a good dude, and I'll definitely be buying from him again. :)

[@sara.3042]

@@TomsBigSpiders Thank you. Maybe I'll see you guys there in July!

[@thefightingplumber]

I just got a new juvy female A.genic, it's one of my favorites. Big, colorfull, and a great eater and grower. Unfortunately i had to take a unfurtilized eggsac from my previous big female, which truly was a traumatic struggle. She stopped eating after that, and she died 7 months later. Do you have advise/experience on giving them a working fake eggsac? Anyway great video on a great T!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Michiel! Awwwww...that's terrible! I had a similar thing happen when I pulled my O. philippinus' sac. It was heartbreaking. I did hear from someone who had done it before, and they had okay results with it.

[@thefightingplumber]

@@TomsBigSpiders Thanks for your kind words 🙂

[@justinhicks8096]

Just got my first of these- a nice 2" baby and it gave me fits like you with the rehouse- just decided to kick and cower, then wander everywhere except where I wanted it to go.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Justin! Oh no! hahaha Nothing like some nasty hairs to brighten your day!

[@justinhicks8096]

@@TomsBigSpiders I do a "box within a box" rehouse for my littler ones, so fortunately she was the last one of the day I did, so I just took the box and rinsed it, and the setup kept the hairs away. She was letting me know she didn't appreciate being asked to move though for sure.

[@lynnettecook6973]

I have a B-Whiteknee too!! Mine is still young, she's about 2 inches. I think her DNA was crossed with chicken because she is part chicken!!!!!! You are definitely right, they grow fast and she's got a great feeding response. Curious, what do you teach?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha She sounds adorable, Lynnette! I'm a special education teacher and currently teach literacy/English.

[@lynnettecook6973]

@@TomsBigSpiders Wow!!! My respects!! That's something I could never do!!! You will be happy to know, when I was in college, I got A's in all my English Comp, and public speaking classes!!!! :-) :-) Great video, I love them all!!!

[@Noodleandthepoodles]

@@TomsBigSpiders thanks for being a special ed teacher. My 16 year old daughter has autism and she is currently in high school with her standard poodle service dog that helps her in public, and she is a devoted student with high grades and nearly perfect attendance. I know special ed teachers do so much more with IEPS and all the other challenges, so being a teacher for these kids is a blessing. We are both in the tarantula hobby together and she’s a bad influence on me because she never says no to a new T! She now helps educate her friends to all the wonderful creatures around us including any other Arthropods(her favorites are mantis and stick bugs currently).

[@KFInvertebrates]

Thank you for the shout out Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

My pleasure, bud!