FEATURED SPECIES #1 - Caribena Versicolor (Martinique pinktoe)

Read the full article HERE: tomsbigspiders...
This will be the first of what I'm hoping to be a monthly feature. The idea behind "Featured Species" is to delve more in depth into the care of some of the spiders that I have a lot of experience with. A huge "thank you" to World of Spiders for allowing me to use his awesome footage of the C. versicolor in the wild.
WORLD OF SPIDERS: / kumalo77
9:37 C. versicolor, NOT C. caribena. I made up my own spider! Sorry for the slip up (and "Thanks" to the people who point this out in the comments. ;) )
Patreon: / tomsbigspiders

[@WorldofSpiders]

Very nice and informative video. Thank you very much !

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much for allowing me to use your footage; I truly appreciate it. Hopefully, some folks will head over and check out your work (hint, hint to anyone reading this!). You have an awesome channel! Thanks again!

[@dboykinchen88]

I'm heading ur way WOS!!!

[@aegisabyss1817]

Thanks for sharing your footage World of Spiders. You've got a sub from me :) Good luck in your future endeavors!

[@WorldofSpiders]

@@aegisabyss1817 Thank you very much. I really appreciate it. And a big thumps up to Tom and his great channel

[@VioletRuthless]

SUBSCRIBED!!!

[@tinabbaker37]

Don't know what I would do without you, Tom. Seriously. I find myself coming back to your videos over and over. I'm a beginner with 5 New World slings. You are my Go-To Guy. Don't ever think you're not helping because you are...very much so. I can't thank you enough. Keep it up. I need you. Hugs

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Tina! Thank you so much! That really means a lot. And you have quite the collection going there! :)

[@The_Joestar]

OMG! Perfect timing! Was actually looking into getting one of these! Thanks Tom, you're always my go-to channel for (f)actual information!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Mantis! :) I get asked about them a lot, so I figured that this would be a good species to start with. :)

[@herbalterrorist420]

me too. It really is great timing. Good luck for when you get yours.

[@The_Joestar]

Getting mine next Monday or Tuesday! Psyched! 😃

[@gidget123ful]

I just ordered my first c versicolor. Super excited! I fell in love with them when I saw your video for the first time. Such pretty T's! I have 6 terrestrial ts that I've had for about 3 to 6 months all have had 2 successful molts. So I felt it was time for a slightly more advanced one. Wish me luck!

[@smurfsrasexual]

My favorite! Appreciate this featured spotlight. My first ever T and tiny sling. Happy to say, thanks to your previous husbandry vid advice he's now an adult male. Proudly plan to send him off to make babies when he's mature in the next molt or so. Started again with a new lil blueberry a few weeks ago in hopes of a girl this time. With proper information anyone can raise one of these beauties easy mode!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I agree completely...if people get the right info, they are not difficult to raise at all. Still, there are folks and care sheets out there that still say they need to be kept moist. And so glad to hear that your guy is headed off to make more blue beauties! Congrats! Thanks so much!

[@Angel__537]

How long did it take from sling to adult?

[@danpompili6507]

My little one just had its first molt in my care last week. I love its personality -- matches its bright blue color.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Dan! Congrats on the molt! I still consider the first molt in my care a benchmark. haha :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Dan! I just replied to your email. I worry that I end up in bulk sometimes. :)

[@danpompili6507]

@@TomsBigSpiders Just got it and replied, brother! Can't begin to thank you enough. It was incredibly helpful. Thanks a ton!

[@benny3428]

Yes! Love my “class pet” C. versicolor. Can’t wait to see her again.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's an awesome class pet. :)

[@BillPerryBCPythons]

Outstanding species video Tom!! And I subbed to World of Spiders. Thanks

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud! And awesome...he has an amazing channel!

[@helenpatterson5616]

Tom, you are a true inspiration. I listen to all of your podcasts and videos etc, and it's because of your hard work that I have a) overcome my fear of tarantulas, and b) I have a wonderful collection of 40 T's that bring so much joy to my life. It's a hobby that I love, it's so addictive. I apply your advice and tips on husbandry to my collection and I have calm and relaxed T's. Thank you for everything you do, and for all the effort and enthusiasm you put into the hobby.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awwwww...thanks so much, Helen! That truly means a lot. I LOVE hearing that I've helped someone get over their fear of them. It's like the ultimate compliment as far as I'm concerned. Seriously, thanks. :)

[@jnew42]

Great video and again the fact that we get to learn so much from your experience make them extremely valuable.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Jon! :) I really appreciate it!

[@robteeuwiszen]

Sooo many little blue fluffy ones

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Rob! I think a lot of folks fall prey to care sheets that say they need it humid. I was VERY lucky to get some good advice on mine early on. I'm so glad to hear that your new one is doing so well! All the best, and Happy New Year!!! Thanks!

[@robteeuwiszen]

@@TomsBigSpiders Happy new year to you aswell! Best wishes.

[@spittingllama8511]

I just received my first sling, this beauty from Fear Not Tarantula and they recommend watching your videos. I am so nervous. I want to do everything right. Mine walked out of it's packing onto my hands and arms. I have let it run on my hands and arms a couple times since getting it on Wednesday. I hope that's ok.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats! I would just be careful handling them, as they can jump. Although slings are quite durable, a fall from too high could prove deadly.

[@OG_Fernando]

Great timing...I just rehoused 2 of my C. versicolor slings last night!!! Beautiful slings and fantastic eaters!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Fernando! They really are one of the few species of tarantulas that are stunning in every stage of their lives. And they eat great, too. :)

[@kimcarig714]

​@@TomsBigSpiders hello tom. I have a question. I got this c. versicolor sling and feed it last week almost everyday. Is it bad to their health? Just once or twice a week of feeding would be the recommended? thanks in advance

[@keepingitfit3968]

Brilliant! Getting my first C.versicolor tomorrow and very excited. Just getting the sling enclosure together now.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Adrian...congrats!

[@VDHmain]

Tom, your videos are always good, but this one is somehow a grade above your usual content; a feat I didn't easy to accomplish.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much...your comment makes the effort more worth it. This is more what I would like to do, it's just obviously a lot more time consuming. If folks like the format, I'll keep doing these along with my more "raw" style of videos. Thanks again! :)

[@daviddale9081]

You and Dark Den are hands down my favorite T channels. I appreciate the knowledge brother.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Wow, thanks so much, David! I really appreciate that!

[@MegaManxLil_C]

Great video as always, Tom. I will hopefully be picking up a versicolor sling very soon :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! And that's awesome! This is one of the species I think that everyone should keep at some point. :)

[@alvar0pere7]

Really like this format. Hope it continues! Great job.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Alvaro! It will definitely continue. I'm working on two more right now. :)

[@danilounsbury18]

I am expecting my first Caribena versicolor in the mail either today or tomorrow and I am so pumped. Ever since I saw pictures of them on Instagram I needed one in my collection. Great video, I appreciate all the information.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Dani! Congrats on your first C. versicolor! They are STUNNING spiders! :) I'm so glad that you found this useful! :)

[@Mariah-ws2mv]

Fascinating! ❤ I love this type of content.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Mariah! :)

[@omaraguilar6847]

Great quality content as always! Thank you :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Omar! :)

[@theinsectgal5276]

Thank you for your video! Very informative and helpful for people who really need a good video about this species. You were very specific and didnt miss a thing! Thank you!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! I tried to be as thorough as possible. :)

[@Vanessa_Simone_In_Toronto]

I'm glad you mentioned about their temperament. People think that they are as tolerant as Avicularia avicularia and metallica, but they aren't. They are often nowhere near that level of tolerance and people need to be prepared for that. I love World of Spiders and I have been watching his videos for a long time. Plus, he has the only video footage of Cyriocosmus giganteus and was kind enough to answer my questions about them. He has a great channel.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

In one of my older videos, a guy commented, "Why don't you just pick her up? The love to be held." UGH. Personally, I've found all of mine to be quite skittish overall. My large female went through a stage where she was pretty laid back, but then went back to being crazy after she had the sac. Telling people that they are all cuddly and tractable is just going to set beginners up for a rude awakening. I LOVE that channel. I discovered his video of C. olivaceum a while back, and I was hooked. I'm going to be trying to promote some of the channels that show them in nature, like Birdspidersch, World of Spiders, and Tarantupedia, as those guys deserve more attention for what they are doing. As always, thanks so much for commenting!

[@Pushups_In_Drag]

kind of an old video now but thank you so much for making this !! i’m trying to do research cause i’m about to get a c versicolor as my very first tarantula and most sources only vaguely cover things or don’t go into specifics, and as someone who needs detailed instructions for everything find this video was like the stars aligned

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that it was helpful. It's an older video, but the info still stands (one of the slings in this video is now a mature adult). :) Thank you!

[@jamescummings6455]

I bought a Caribena versicolor I think within a month of starting in the hobby. On top of that it was about 1/4 inch. Now it’s about 1.5 inches and thriving. I have to give all the credit to you. I watched a ton/all of your videos and read your website. It’s enclosure has good ventilation and from there it’s been all about choosing the right size feeder. Thank you for all your help.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Man, thanks so much for that, James! I truly appreciate it. I'm so glad to hear that yours is doing well. :)

[@botchi1]

Thank you Tom. Allways nice and infomative videos.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!

[@mainemade300]

Hi Tom my avic hase webbed up her incloure awesomely ,as well as my avic ,Metallica,I just got a veracolor today just beautiful I love avic s can't wait to watch it ,grow to adult an hopefully I have a her for many years ,I've watched this video a few time an great information,hope u an ur family are doing well ,thank you,👍👍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Maine Made! So glad to hear that they are doing well. And congrats on your C. versicolor!

[@BBQFLY81]

Excellent video! Can’t wait for the “Featured Species” #2!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! I'm working on it right now! :)

[@davinasfiction]

Wow! I just got my first C. Versicolor a week ago. Timing is awesome, Tom. 😉 Thank you for this info!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Davina! That's awesome! I'm glad that it proved timely. Thanks so much! :)

[@heleninglis9961]

Best information I've found so far. It's so confusing with all the conflicting information or there. THANK YOU TOM! Cant wait for the rest of this series xxx

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Helen! Yeah, there is still tons of conflicting info out there. I just had someone email me the other day asking how to keep the humidity up in their C. versicolor cage because it was only at 80%. Yikes. I kept mine mostly dry and didn't obsess over humidity.

[@heleninglis9961]

@@TomsBigSpiders you are a saviour! Thanks for all you do xxx

[@rollastoney]

Wow those spiderlings looked so dope.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Aren't they adorable? :)

[@helenpatterson5616]

Such an interesting and informative video regarding this genus. Thanks Tom x

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Helen!

[@sandramullen7804]

Hi Tom, my pink toe sling is arriving today. Can't wait to see he/she ❣️🕷️🕸️🌱 great info as per. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇬🇧

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Sandra! Good luck!

[@aegisabyss1817]

I love this! Great stuff Tom, thank you for uploading and thanks to World of Spiders too for providing you with some of the wild footage! Watching them in the wild better helps to understand some of their natural tendencies : ) (by the way, I notice when it was a bigger juvenile it acted like my girl did when I first got her. lol They are really good hunters, jumping at everything and stuff. She took my straw once; was trying to see how she was feeling before I got ready to rehouse her. They've got killer grip!)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I had already mentioned his channel in the commentary, so I decided to ask him if it would be okay for me to show a clip. I figured that it would get more folks over to check out his amazing channel. I'm so glad that he was okay with it. Once mine put on some size, they are amazing hunters. I have had a couple slings that were a little finicky, which is why I mentioned it. I don't think it's particularly common, but I have had folks email me all stressed because theirs wasn't eating. Thanks again!

[@Retpwnzyalol]

A very nice video. Almost a year ago I started my collection with a C. versicolor and I don't regret it. They are stunningly beautiful, visible almost all the time, mostly calm especially when they get bigger and they eat really well. Of course they can be really fast and you have to clean their poop from the windows every once in a while but I still regret nothing. A fantastic tarantula.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They really are such an amazing and gorgeous spider. Mine's temperament changed a couple molts ago, and she's a little crazy now. Before her sac, she was quite laid back. I'm hoping that she'll calm down again someday. Ah...yes. The poop. hahaha Thanks!

[@samenatorful]

excellent video; very informative. Much better than scouring the internet for bits of relliable advice.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Sam! I tried to make this as thorough as possible! :)

[@shelbyramin1376]

I love this style of video. I would love to see one done on each species.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Shelby! The response was excellent, so I'm already at work on the next! :)

[@powerserg8]

Man, the video footage and quality was top notch in this one! Your video quality is always one of the best from all the others on youtube but this was really good. Really showed how stunning this species is!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Wow, thank you so much, Sergio! I tried to put a lot more time into this one, so that means a lot. :)

[@tinabbaker37]

Please keep doing these videos. They are so important!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you! I've got another ready to go! :)

[@tinabbaker37]

@@TomsBigSpiders You know I'll be watching

[@brianlindsay9097]

Thank you for this. We've had bad luck with versicolor in the past, and really want to get it right next time we try.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Brian! They can definitely be tricky. Hopefully, it goes well for you this time!

[@Jasonian69]

Nice video Tom, please do more of these!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! It seems to be a hit, so I'm going to keep it going. I'm already working on the second! :)

[@goddessofcode]

I fell in love with this species and it will be my first arboreal. First stop for research was your channel (as always). Thanks Tom, for helping to share the right information when there is so much misinformation out there. :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome...they are such gorgeous spiders. :) And thank you so much! :)

[@WrightlyDivided]

Wife just got me one for Christmas this is my first stop before doing anything

[@TomsBigSpiders]

What a great Christmas gift! Thanks!

[@aracknoinfiniteeseekertrip9689]

Amazingly done man. As usual a great video, and the added footage was really interesting as well thank you!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! I'm glad this was well received, as this took quite a bit longer to edit than my usual "raw" stuff. haha

[@aracknoinfiniteeseekertrip9689]

@@TomsBigSpiders I can imagine with all the extra footage from the other site and all the technical aspects that go with that. If someone films animals in the wild do they have to get anything to post it, or is that pretty much open to whoever wants to film/share it? It's a really cool idea though. Your videos are already extremely informative, and very well presented! But if you had a series where people could also see shots of examples in their native habitats as well that would be awesome. Usually I do the husbandry videos by those that post that, and then look for the wild footage (if it can be found) but rarely together. Nice work bro.

[@aaronnaranja3097]

It's nice to watch informative videos like these, even if you're already keeping Ts for almost a decade. Superb content! 💯

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Aaron! That means a ton coming from a veteran keeper! :)

[@bobocel22sag]

this is AWESOME!! keep making this kind of videos! great job!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

This seems to be getting great feedback, so I'm going to continue with them. It was a lot of fun to put together. :) Thanks so much!

[@cylersanderson196]

Hey Tom, Just wanted to let you know that I followed your C. versicolor husbandry and have successfully grown four of these beauties up to about 3". This was all in my first year of keeping tarantulas. Thank you!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Cyler! I'm so glad to hear that they are doing well! Thank you!

[@Dedlyniteshade]

Thankyou so much This vid is awsome! I've read sooo much conflicting information on this t that its stopped me from getting one so this was a huge help. Thankyou ❤

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that this was helpful!

[@danevans740]

As a newbie these videos are awesomely informative!! Thanks a bunch man! 😁😁😁

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Dan! I'm so glad this was helpful. :)

[@jewbee211]

I've been watching ALL your videos (others too) & doing tons of research for quite a while now, I have finally just purchased my first T. I'm nervous yet excited! Hope my little nugget thrives. Thanks for all the wonderful information🖤🖤🖤

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Nicole! Sounds like you've done your homework...that's awesome! I hope that all goes well for you!

[@williamneill5441]

Very nice. Love the graphics and in-depth husbandry info. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, William! I'm relieved that folks seem to enjoy this style. :)

[@NukaMediaExotics]

Well done video, spot on info for the versicolor. Very cool species as well, my first arboreal I got a sling 2 years ago that's about 3" now (still might be my favorite arboreal). You definitely helped inspire me to make T videos so thank you!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud! I just went over and subscribed! :)

[@zerogravity5242]

Very detailed and on point great vid ma man! More power!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Justine! Thanks, bud! Hopefully folks dig this format. :)

[@zerogravity5242]

@@TomsBigSpiders Why the heck not. I followed ur caresheet on your Avic Avic before because I searched for beginner arboreal sp and I found it on one of your vids and believe it or not Avic Avic was my 1st arboreal T and its hard to come by on one of those here in the Philippines before and now SHE is 4in lol. Now may C. Versi in a heavy premolt and again I followed ur caresheets and ur right man just right misting and enough cross ventilation, I got no problems with my C Versi... Cheers!

[@jeremy-psychonautlsdmtdr-k5140]

I love mine it’s been such a treat watching him/her grow and change One of my favorites

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They are such awesome spiders. :)

[@bonsaipiper3773]

music, maps, nice display of enclosures......daaaaamn Tom.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahahahaha! I did one of these about two years ago, but never followed up with it. It was a lot of work, but I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. Thanks, Clint! :)

[@cheesymanbutyes]

I just got my first sling today and this video was very useful!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on getting your first sling! I'm so glad that this was helpful!

[@iexuvia4610]

Dude, you really give so much information, thank you so much.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I try to think of anything that might be useful. Thank you!

[@seadoospray]

Awesome info Tom, thank you for making this video! Looking forward to many more like these!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting! :)

[@NoG-Inc.]

Thank you!!! I just got a sling and I fell in love with it! Thank you for covering all this!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Dusting...congrats! :)

[@NoG-Inc.]

Lol don't ya hate auto correct ;) lol. Stay cool Mr. Tom!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@NoG-Inc. UGH! Dustin! hahaha Sorry about that!

[@NoG-Inc.]

It's all good my friend. Looking forward to your videos, stay awesome!!

[@MOJOJANGLES]

Thank you for the info I just picked up one of these guys not too long ago as a 1/3” sling and this is the most informative info I’ve found so far, I wasn’t to fond of the music in the background but that’s just my opinion, keep up the good work and thank you for all you do

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Kyle! The trick with them is NOT to obsessed about keeping them super moist. And I struggled with the music. I wanted to add something, but then I couldn't decide on what would be appropriate. I'll likely switch it up moving ahead. I DID try to keep it rather quiet, though...just in case folks hated it. haha Thanks again!

[@mostlytanks447]

On your podcast rn, just mentioned you getting your new pup from Little Rhodey Rescue. My girlfriend and I just got our dog from them a couple months ago! Loved that place

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, bud...that's awesome! I was super impressed with the whole experience. The people were super nice, and Bella is just fantastic. Congrats on yours!

[@cornbread2002]

Ok thank you you for the reply. I enjoy the information teach .

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome! And thank YOU for commenting!

[@diillyboii102]

Ur care videos alongside tarantula collectives are the best around. Very informative and the music was very relaxing 🤣 keep up the great work. love from the uk

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! Yeah, we seem to have very similar styles! Stay safe!

[@cherylmeyer9857]

Really great video Tom, thank you.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Cheryl!

[@crotalusstudy8874]

Thank you for the excellent video and the recommendation for World of Spiders. This is a species that I am very interested in acquiring in a few more months and this video certainly makes me want one even more. I am still doing my "homework" and will not rush into things, but it seems like a relatively straight forward set of husbandry requirements for an arboreal. Again thank you.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome! And thank YOU for doing your homework before picking one up. So many folks buy first, then research later.

[@rkhnd51]

This was great. Thank you. Tom.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad this is being well received. :)

[@numismaticokie9243]

AWESOME video my friend! Love the wild footage from World of Spiders, went and followed them too!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! Yeah, I was SO glad he was okay with me using it. I really think that keepers should spend some time seeing how they live in the wild. :)

[@drewc2735]

I really enjoyed this in depth essay style video. Nice job Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Drew! I was really curious to see how this style would go over. So far, the feedback has been excellent. Thanks so much!

[@brautigammarc]

Love the in depth look! I wasn't adding to many holes in my slings enclosure, I was being proactive and didn't even realize.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks! Yeah, the longer I'm in the hobby, the more holes I put into enclosures now. haha

[@spoodsnstuff]

Great husbandry video as always Tom. Always the first place I look to for tips. Caribena Versicolor was the T that got be into the hobby, and the very first one I bought. Unfortunately my juvie died suddenly a few weeks ago. The enclosure was well ventilated, not overly humid, so I don't actually know what killed it. But, I do have another sling, so it's not all doom and gloom.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud! Awww, I'm sorry to hear that. Yeah, these guys STILL tend to be a bit more fragile and sensitive that some of the other available species. Glad to hear that your sling is doing well!

[@johndenman2861]

Beautiful species and episode brother. God bless.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, John!

[@elorine1535]

Ty soo much for adding the Celsius!! I just got 4 slings they are doing well started webbing on day 2. They are in a bottom opening deli cups decorated in plastic plants with a high water dish. I house my aviculara aviculara the same way and its thriving eating from the floor and molting out great. Since is bottom opening the top webbing never gets disturbed. The substrate is pretty dry but the enclosure gets 70% humidity its in a 27C room thathas a base 50-60% humidity due to it being my snake room. It has alot of ventilation and cross ventilation holes. These are my first tarantulas. I spent months researching prior to getting one and since aviculara aviculara has the same care to the versicolors

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome, Elorine! I'm so glad to hear that yours are doing well. :) Sounds like the setups are spot on!

[@elorine1535]

@@TomsBigSpiders ty i had a few people locally in the hobby tell me not to do versicolors because they are to hard for a beginner. I did a ton of research prior and videos like yours helped me get the knowledge to raise them correctly. Thank you so much for your great videos i greatly enjoy watching them. And hearing the dogs is cute i have birds so im used to random screams in the background.

[@johnbrazell2433]

For anyone that is flipping through channels looking for information on raising and caring for tarantulas this is one channel that you need to subscribe to. While Tom is not perfect, LOL, he is very informative and he has a lot more experience with tarantulas than I do that is for sure. His videos are great his information is sound and he seems to be a good guy too. Locking in and pay attention and you will learn a lot of good information that will help you care for your T's properly. Great video Tom! Thank you and keep them coming.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awwwww...thanks so much, John! Man, this is so nice, it's like a review blurb! hahaha I love it...thank you!

[@prettymuchbangtan]

probably my ultimate favorite genus of species, i have a aviculara, a v. versicolor and a caribena versicolor, theyre such a great arboreal and T's in general!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They are gorgeous spiders! Are you aware that Avicularia versicolor is now Caribena versicolor? They are the same spider. :)

[@sherylbutler9999]

HeyTom! Great video! I have 3 versi's from your girl's sac and all three are absolute stunners!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! That means that your 3 are somewhere in that gorgeous ocean of spiderlings toward the end! :) Thanks so much!

[@sherylbutler9999]

@@TomsBigSpiders Yep!

[@JM-zl5wv]

I’m so glad to have found your channel! Thank you

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Welcome, Jaylin! Thank you so much!

[@rumpelstilzz]

Great choice to start a new series! What can I say, I just love her, she's my all time favourite. Some things to add: I'm shocked about what you're telling about their feeding behaviour. Mine take down a single medium to large cricket per week, sometimes they refuse even that. So if your c.versi doesn't eat so well as Tom says they should, you're maybe living in a colder place, like me, it will not change and it will not cause issues. Don't worry. Tong feeding or sending prey items up the tree also increases the chance they'll eat, but it is not necessary. They refuse food if not hungry, they hunt on their tree if a bit hungry, and they will come down to the ground to hunt if VERY hungry. Ventilation is the key, like you said, but keeping them in larger enclosures also helps to prevent the air from becoming too humid and, more dangerous, stagnant (can you say that in english?). Well, if you have the space. Didn't have an issue with large enclosures for slings, they'll find or web a nice cozy place. Water dish, always! They love to drink, they even bathe sometimes. At least it looks that way :D My last point, while they are common in the hobby these days, in nature they ARE an endangered species and the local gouvernement of Martinique is struggling to maintain the population. If you buy an adult or subadult, please make sure it is not wild caught.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, bud! Thanks so much! As for the feeding, I've raised five. The first one I ever raised would NOT, under any circumstances, come down from her webbing to hunt for prey on the ground. I would drop roaches in, leave them overnight, and they would be there the next morning. I was assured by folks on message boards that she would eventually come down...she did not, and did not eat for a couple weeks after a molt. When I finally tried putting a prekilled roach at the mouth of her web tube, she grabbed it and ate ravenously. It was absolutely necessary with this one and another that I kept that created her web burrow up high. Remember, I'm a person who is against tong feeding in 99% of circumstances. Since talking about my first sling having this issue years ago, I've spoken to many other keepers who experienced the same thing. One had a sling that never came down to eat and starved to death. Unfortunately, there are absolutes that are thrown around in the hobby like they are fact, and sometimes it's not so cut and dry and there can be exceptions to every rule. I specifically put that part in there for others who may experience this. As I said, I wouldn't call it common, but it does happen. And that is an excellent point about the larger specimens! As these are easily bred, they really should not be pulling them out of the wild. Thanks so much for your awesome comment!

[@rumpelstilzz]

@@TomsBigSpiders Raising avics since 2001, never had experienced such a thing... Let's hope it stays that way :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@rumpelstilzz Oh, I'm sure you won't! I don't think that it's common at all. Perhaps it does have something to do with the temperatures, as you said. I only mentioned it in the video as I've spoken to others who had experienced it, and thought I should bring it up. What temps do you keep yours at?

[@thetarantularoom5675]

This pretty much answered all my questions 😎👌🕷️👍🤘 great vid!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awesome...thank you!

[@vickiignaszak5041]

I used to have a versicolor. I loved the little thing but it unfortunately died, i know it wasn't a ventilation issue, i think what happened is it fell on the water dish, got injured, and couldn't crawl out, cause i found it dead in the water dish, i dumped the water out, left it alone for a day or two, but it never moved. It sucks, but least that's the only sling I've had die. From then on I've been more cautious with putting more foliage in taller enclosures so that they can't fall from the top of the enclosure directly into their water dish. I had the same problem with my versicolor not coming down to hunt. I solved that problem by placing a folded shelf of paper under the lid to the amac box (i use the smaller section as the lid, i know some people do the reverse), and id leave disabled prey on the paper shelf. After she was dine eating or at least had moved the prey, I'd take the shelf out before she decided to web it up. She'd always take food from the paper shelf as long as the prey didn't wiggle off and fall to the ground. She was a great eater when I'd put the prey off of the ground. She had an amazing canopy of webbing spanning the dimensions of the lid of the enclosure. These guys are talented webbers. Besides the confusing husbandry information out there, the main reason I'd hesitate to suggest this as a beginner tarantula is because these guys can be surprisingly fast. This was the first tarantula whose speed startled me and made me realize I needed to be less laid back about opening enclosures. Their speed is intimidating compared to the lazy yet adventurous attitudes of an avicularia avicularia. My versicolor was the first T I almost had get loose. I was thankful for catchcups that day. Great species. Great video. Thanks for sharing your expertise and experiences.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Vicki! I'm Awwwww...I'm so sorry to hear about that. I've noticed that in many cases when Avics/Caribena die, they end up in the water dishes. I spoke to two other keepers that actually saw their climb down into the dish, and then died there. So odd. I mentioned them not coming down to hunt as I experienced this with two of mine. There are people that will say if they are hungry, they will always come down, but that's just not true. I wanted to make sure that folks had a heads up that this COULD happen (although it might not be common). I'm glad to hear that you experienced the same thing, and the paper shelf idea is quite cool! And, yes...they can be quite quick! Mine bolts around quite a bit when I disturb her enclosure. Great point! Thanks again!

[@didisaythat4230]

Man, I had my first T casualty. I got a tiny versicolor (like 1/4") about a month ago. It seemed to arrive healthy. I prepped the enclosure according to all the latest husbandry notes. Over the course of a month it didn't eat or even web. I tried small crickets, small roaches, prekills of both, and even ordered fruit flies just for the tiny guy, to no avail. I found it curled up dead in top of the branches yesterday. Maybe by cross ventilation wasn't up to par for this sling. I'm gonna try again with another one, and maybe I'll up the air vents. Thnx for the video

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so sorry to hear that. It really does seem that this species, in particular, can be very finicky when it comes to setups. I know folks try to say that if you follow all of the current care info out there, they will do just fine. However, I still get messages and emails from people who have lost theirs all the time. Hopefully, the next one does better!

[@DuchessMyPony]

Ooh, I look forward to more of these in the future. I liked the layout of it. Very nice!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Beth! This was well received, so I'm already working on the next one. :)

[@JH-uh9zc]

Great video!! And looking forward to this series. My 3ed tarantula was a little versicolor, and she's still doing great. I was so paranoid about ventilation and humidity at that time. They are one of the prettiest Ts, out there!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Man, when I first got mine, I was SUPER paranoid over the ventilation and husbandry. At that time, everyone was saying to keep them really moist, but this experienced keeper told me to have good cross ventilation and not to worry about humidity. Talk about sage advice! And I agree...they are gorgeous! :) Thanks again!

[@acesfan29]

Yeah, I really enjoyed this video. Been contemplating acquiring one of these beautiful spiders. Always fantastic content from this channel. Thanks Tom., Ben

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Ben! This is one of the species I consider to be a hobby staple. Everyone should have one at some point. :)

[@Blkjohnny1337]

Nice video! I’ve had my sling for 9 nine months I’ve really, enjoyed this species. People really do over complicate the husbandry.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Nate! They are such pretty spiders. And I agree. People tend to obsess over the wrong things with them. Thanks again!

[@chrisgee4089]

Love this video format, love the additional info provided, watching your videos really got me interested in keeping t’s. Keep up the great work, I love your podcast too, it’s part of my Monday morning routine every week!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Chris! I'm so glad that this is being received well. :) And getting someone interested in tarantulas is about the highest complement I can receive, so thank you!!! Also, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. I'm still shocked that it found an audience! hahaha

[@tinabbaker37]

ok....I have rewound your video on my TV about 6 times now because I am also on my laptop so I can talk to you. Time to pay closer attention. I am all about ventilation too. Your videos are very important to me so I really hope you do lots more. As I said, I know Old World is definitely not for me and that's just me being honest with myself but I will try to leave a comment on all the videos I watch which is a lot of yours. I do watch others that you know well such as Petko and Tarantula Kat and love their videos too. Petko is very entertaining and Kat is entertaining and somewhat informative as well but these videos you do help me the most and calm me down when someone won't eat which still drives me a little crazy and I find myself looking at everyone's butt with a magnifying glass quite often. Yes, I have been driving myself a little crazy watching over them. Now, I'm going to unpause this video which is at it's beginning again on my Roku. The sudden death thing is scary but my children are grown and SIDS worried me to death. Not the same, I know but I am a very watchful mom, even to my Ts. I hope we can talk sometime even though I know that a lot of work goes into you caring for your own animals and making your videos for youtube. My Chaco's butt is very black and shiny but is still out and about every so often but not eating. I have a cricket drumstick in its enclosure now but will remove it in 24 hours yet I'm still not sure how often to try to give food and I search from the outside of the enclosure with a magnifying glass waiting to see a molting position. I would love to be more relaxed. that's for sure. I have written you a novel. On to your video. Thank you for all you do.

[@stevedoud7112]

Great Video Tom!! C. versicolor is one of the few that can also "kick" its urticating hairs

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Steve! Yup, I realized that I had left that out after editing. Ugh. Thanks so much, bud! I was so excited to tackle the "cuddling" that I forgot the obvious one. haha

[@flying_hussar3034]

I just water one corner of my CV enclosure and all seems fine. I also have Peru purple which seems more 'robust' as a sling and kept both the same. lovely info as usual Tom. I wish I could go exploring Ts in the wild like those guys. sounds like amazing adventure!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, bud! Peru purple was one of the ones that folks used to describe as a bit fragile, so that's great to hear! I wish I could, too! hahah

[@flying_hussar3034]

@@TomsBigSpiders I tend to take hobby 'word of mouth' with a pinch of salt as there is no compiled data or statistics on Ts kept. Some people might claim they kept them as they should ...but did they? we'll never know

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@flying_hussar3034 That's one of my favorite parts about having this platform is that I get to speak to a lot of keepers when I have a question. if I see something, I can put the question out there and see if others have seen the same thing. That way, I'm not making assumptions on only what I'm seeing (which could be because I'm doing something wrong). This is how I found out about the issue with P. muticus slings and juveniles that no one had been talking about.

[@flying_hussar3034]

@@TomsBigSpiders surely having that platform helps as with time you get to know really experienced keepers that provide advice coming from years of practice

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@flying_hussar3034 EXACTLY. It's one of the best parts of this for me.

[@t2tarantula552]

One of the most informative videos I've seen well done Tom

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!

[@H13XIII]

Great video Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Henry! Thanks so much! :)

[@SloansCreekFarm]

Thanks for the helpful tips. My daughter is getting one of these guys for her arboreal bioactive enclosure.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome! If she's doing a bioactive enclosure, I would be VERY careful that things don't get too moist and that you have enough ventilation. These guys do not do well in moist, stuffy environments.

[@SloansCreekFarm]

Thanks for the tips. We hàve been following your's and Biodude's recommendations

[@sp4rk753]

I keep getting videos of caribena versicolors when mine sadly passed away 2 days ago :c Great vid tho!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awwwww...I'm sorry to hear that! The female featured in this video passed away a year ago at 10 years old.

[@sp4rk753]

@@TomsBigSpiders Ill get another bebe soon and hopefully it can live for that long!

[@traviscoombes3578]

Your video presentation is awesome.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Travis!

[@milekh6681]

Like how you don’t have an ignoring spastic music in the intro, subbed

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!

[@RockNRollAres]

Tom this video is amazing! This is everything a new keeper wants to hear and learn, and it's in a great easy to follow format. Having scoured your earlier videos for any tidbit of helpful detail, it's great to see your new approach. Oh, and the classical music in the background is PERFECT 👌

[@RockNRollAres]

Just got home and found my little 1" molted today! A fantastic, and now 1.5" coincidence!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! I've done so many videos on some species over the years, that I realize that it's probably difficult for people to find them all. I'm hoping this series will help consolidate some of this footage and information into one easily digestible and informative video. I'm actually really excited bout it! :) And THANK YOU one the music!!!! I went through so many, and I loved that one. I've had a couple folks who totally HATED it. hahaha I'm just not going to please everyone. :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on the molt! :)

[@Spiderdan-59]

I got one of this species today TOM came as a mystery sling, ive been bust this afternoon housing slings and two new juvenile female 😊

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome...congrats!

[@stephenharris4249]

I love your videos! I have a huge fear of spiders. However this channel (along with a few others) are curing that more and more each day. I might be ready to buy my first T here in a few months! Thankyou for helping me get over my fears

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Stephen! I started off as arachnophobic, so I totally get it. I'm so glad to her that these videos are helping you to get over that fear. Please, let me know when you get your first? :) Thanks!

[@stephenharris4249]

@@TomsBigSpiders I definitely will!

[@annasflorafauna7133]

Hi Tom excellent video with really helpful and to the point information. Thankyou so much for putting this together for us 😊

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Anna! This was lot of fun to put together. I'll definitely be doing more like this. :)

[@wendycarr3167]

Great video! I just got a 1 inch beautiful turquoise sling! It’s adorable!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Wendy! Congrats on your versi!

[@wild2dbone]

Great information Tom I can't wait for my C. Versicolor to get older for now I'm enjoying the blue colors

[@TomsBigSpiders]

How's it going, Nick! Yeah, this is one of those species that's gorgeous in every stage of it's life. I'm enjoying growing a couple more up, as it's been a while. Such a pretty species! As always, thanks, bud!

[@123belk]

This is AWESOME!!! Thanks Tom!!!! Really well done!!! 👏🙌👏

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Brandon!