The ULTIMATE Tarantula Sling Guide - Part 2

PART TWO
5. Feeding (1:44)
6. Hydration (8:10)
7. Maintenance (21:10)
8. Temps and Humidity (26:50)
9. Premolt/Molting (34:50)
PART ONE (See link at the end)
1. What size sling (1:40)
2. Where to buy (5:20)
3. Enclosures (13:25)
4. Receiving and unpacking (25:50)
Okay, this was originally supposed to be one video, but after working on it for days, it ballooned to over an hour. I'm therefore going to post it in two parts. The idea was to take someone new to the hobby through the entire process of buying, housing, and caring for a sling.
A word about the new intro/theme. I listened to dozens of songs before settling on this one. Selecting a theme can be tricky, so although some folks might not love it, I'm hoping it doesn't turn anyone off (it was almost a metal song. :) ).

[@dawnbates6958]

Thank you for having a sling guide 1 and 2. Most experienced tarantula keepers like to make fun of new first time owners, and not give good advice. You are superb how you explain everything.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Sorry for the late reply, Dawn. Thank you so much! :)

[@bridgethoskins9809]

@dawnbates6958 I totally agree!!! This is this best advice I've found. I will be getting my first one very soon (curly haired). I'll use this as a step by step to get started!!

[@GuessWho195]

Me: I don't even really like tarantulas *sees an hour long guide to sling husbandry* *glances at school textbooks piled to the ceiling* Me: Sure, why not?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

BAHAHAHAHAHA! This just made my week. Thank you!!! :)

[@alyn6653]

Tom Moran u

[@alyn6653]

Tom Moran uujuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

[@ravensheart8869]

SAME!!!!!!!!!! lol

[@jimleon7894]

I don’t keep tarantulas, but I found both parts educational and fascinating.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Jim! Very much appreciated.

[@NuTTzO]

I got a new pair of earbuds and started listening to KZbin during work. Since corona I’ve had to work alone everyday. I started with the old twilight zones and went down the rabbit hole, outer limits. Then the hitchhiker episodes, then creepy pasta and top 10 videos. Then it brought me to monster bug wars and saw some tarantulas. Next thing you know I’m hooked watching/listing to tarantula videos. Now I have to get one and buy a pink toe, 2 weeks later I just bought 3 more! A pumpkin patch groot sling, a Mexican red knee sling and a Orange baboon tarantula! I’m hooked!! Watch out lol

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

Your videos are so professionally done. It is like watching an encyclopedia of T care. Your videos are a must see for any new T keepers. I am sharing these 2 with FB and G+. Love to see new keepers and breeders who will help the T populations of the world keep from being extinct.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Joyce! :)

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

It is true. I am keeping these in case my hubby changes his mind and lets me get a T next year when he retires. Keep hoping.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Fingers crossed for you! Hopefully, he caves!!!

[@Orozus]

@@JJDigitalartStudio did you get a tarantula?

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

@@Orozus I am allergic to hair kickers. So no. But I support the hobby.

[@paijparadis4559]

As a sling newbie my favorite part of these videos is you tell me when not to freak out! I am always looking to give my animals the best life and tend to overthink things and you just tell me when not to worry!! I LOVE it!!!!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm SO glad that these are helpful! I was trying to take away some of the anxiety that comes with growing up slings. :) Thank you!

[@keltieb7175]

Yes to this!

[@benoliver619]

Thank you for telling everyone about the online caresheets and not to worry about temps and humidity as much as most caresheets say. Thank you again

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You are most welcome, Ben! Which reminds me, I have to do a video revisiting that topic again. :)

[@kalimkhanofficial1161]

This thing is available with us in Pakistan.

[@kalimkhanofficial1161]

it is available with me give whatsapp number in pakistan

[@DokkadoBuildz]

Boss Tom, as a newbie in this hobby ur videos have been a godsend. Im pretty sure from one of ur vids hearing u say you teach. And from your videos its clearly evident from the way ur videos categorized, with very detailed but precise key information one can easily jot down. Even down to the way you talk to (firm calm tone) "misbehaving" Tees reminds me of my school days heheheAlso your reviews, plugs, other references links ,and giving props to people that deserve them is refreshing to see. A lot of youtubers dont especially if tbe motivation for their vids are solely for "hits" or financial gain (product sales/promotion.)Best though for me is that whenever u fvck up u claim it, and use it as an example to educate others. A trait which is hard to find these days. 👍So enough of me kissing ass hehe. Thanks so much, keep them coming, more power and happy keeping "Spider sensei"! 😹😹

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! Thanks so much for the very kind words. That means a lot. I know I don't do a lot of the "fun" stuff, like feeding videos, but my whole intent is to give folks information they may need for the hobby. I never started this in hopes of making money or being a KZbin personality; I just love tarantulas and teaching, and this is a great way to combine the two. Feedback like this honestly makes it SO worth while. :) Seriously, I truly appreciate you taking the time for the incredibly kind and motivating words. I LOVE to hear when someone "gets" what I do. :)

[@carvsh]

You've absolutely articulated the very thoughts i had. I too find his videos extremely informative and very easy to learn from. It's almost as if you're watching something for entertainment and he sneakily impressed amazing knowledge right into my brain. Super soothing and very well paced. Never felt rushed or anxious ....it was almost like friends just sittin around the couch chillin and sharing knowledge. I'm certain he's become my favorite KZbiner.

[@foxglovepearls]

T_T Me A River Tom is amazing! I think of him as my guru!

[@jadiebrowne8559]

Same here brilliant to watch thank you

[@laurapribil4540]

@@carvsh And one of my favorite teachers as well. I love your comment. It's so on key. You're just listening to him talk and wow you have a whole new wealth of knowledge. Kudos Tom from a retired fellow teacher!!

[@Everhard86]

I went to a local pet store to get crickets for my veiled chameleon and I saw that the pet store started selling pink toed tarantulas. I have never kept tarantulas personally but I have kept brown recluses and black widows in my younger days. I noticed that they were all kept in tiny individual containers similar to the tall deli cups only much shorter, probably only three inches tall. All of the T's ranged in size from 1.5 inches to 2" front leg to back leg. The substrate looked like regular dirt with some vermiculite mixed in and all of them were bone dry and sitting under a bright florescent light. I bought the smallest one they had who was being attacked by a cricket and plan on going back for the rest. All the poor thing could do was run in circles. I don't know much about tarantulas but I could immediately tell that the environment was not suitable for them. I set up a small enclosure last night and got it settled in but it hasn't dropped a single thread of webbing or investigated its enclosure at all. It has spent 16 hours in the same spot but it did finally eat that cricket this morning. I watched every second of this guide and I am definitely more confident than I was when I got it. Just wondering if I should be concerned that it hasn't spun any webbing. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I'm hoping I can save the rest today.

[@cristophernavarro1819]

Any updates?

[@drebodollaz3504]

guess not lol @@cristophernavarro1819

[@christiansaravia7865]

Thank you for saving that little guy. These spiders mean so much to me.

[@Everhard86]

Actually that tarantula is still alive and doing very well. It is almost as big as my hand and I believe it is a male from what I was able to gather from the last molt I looked at. I also managed to talk that pet store out of selling them in the containers they were shipped in and turned them on to a more suitable alternative. This change has also saved the store money by reducing the fatalities of unsold arachnids by +95%. To me that is a three way win for the spiders, the store, and the customers who purchase them.

[@christiansaravia7865]

Security Audits that’s awesome honestly I’m glad you took the time to help these little guys. I love them so much

[@smuschlitz]

My 15yr old daughter and I have just gotten to the "gotta get another one" stage of the hobby. These two videos are by far the best available edu source we've found.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Stephanie! Hahaha That's awesome! I don't think that I ever got OUT of that stage. ;) Thank you so very much!

[@mrnate2468]

5 years later and this is still a life saver for newbies like me! thank you!!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thanks!

[@briansundstrom5840]

Hey Tom, I really didn't care exactly how long these two videos were. It's these kinds of videos that do help me so much in starting my breeding and above all else husbandry. So you and all the other ones that do put these out. I thoroughly enjoy em all. So thank you my friend.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Brian! I tried to cover everything that I could think of. Thanks again!

[@carissafleming5424]

I know these vids are a couple of years old but I just needed to say, these are the best, most informative, thorough videos I’ve seen on sling care. Very well done. I’m not necessarily a newbie but just reentering the hobby after a long 15 year hiatus. I owned a pet store from 1999-2007 and I dove into the more exotic pets after researching the best I could for the time. Obviously we had internet but the available information, especially on T’s, was limited. I was excited to see Swift’s invertebrates mentioned as they were in business way back then. Much of the care and husbandry practices have changed in the time I was out of the hobby but this video covered any question I had. I purchased a c. Versicolor at a reptile expo about a month ago (I still remembered it as avicularia 😅) and some of the things the seller was saying just did not jive with what I remembered and I knew I had to look into it. The enclosure is good except I think I’ll add some holes in the side but it turns out everything he told me was accurate. We always lost our versicolors at around 1.5” or so and never knew why. Now I understand what we were doing wrong (care info back then was wrong, I suppose that’s the way it is when trying to care for exotic pets. Looks like it’s been perfected since then) I wish we had known back then what keepers know now. Anyway thank you for these videos and I’ll definitely be sharing to newbies in my tarantula groups. Bless you 🙏🏻

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so very much, Carissa. I had been answering sling questions for quite some time, and I tried to answer every one of them I could think of. I know how stressful they can be to raise, so I was hoping to take some of the fear and apprehension away! Welcome back to the hobby! Yeah, the C. versicolor (I still slip and call them Avicularia) was one that fell victim to bad husbandry info. The GBB was one, too (everyone used to keep them on damp substrate). Again, thank you so much! :)

[@tarantulacollective]

I love these videos. Watched them as soon as KZbin sent me the alert last night that they posted. I enjoy and learn a lot from all your videos, but the quality and content of this 2 part series has gone above and beyond expectations. You are setting a standard in the community and the hobby and you should be commended and feel proud. Thank you.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Man, Richard...this just made my week. Thank you! I'm really trying to improve on the overall quality and presentation of my videos, so I really appreciate your feedback. I picked up an actually video editing program, and now I'm having fun learning it and improving the look of the videos. It's been a lot of fun, and I'm STOKED that the result are apparently good. THANKS.

[@f9573]

I've literally watched your guide videos and read your articles on your website multiple times for the last 5 years I think lol just wanting to be sure I didn't miss anything

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awwww, man...that's awesome! Thank you !

[@rebeccadover3283]

We're about to get a Brazilian Black. It's our 1st go at this kind of pet. Your video broke things down very well. I'm detail oriented, I like good information. The video was long, but necessary. Thanks for all the time and patience you put into this!♥️

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on your Brazilian black...it's an awesome species. And thank you so much! :)

[@shaween6505]

Just want to send a huge Thank You to you Tom. Your videos are so educational, and have taught me so much. i have been obsessed with tarantula videos for many months now, and my first 2 slings arrive tomorrow. This is my second time watching your sling guide and I think I am ready!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, ShaWeen...I truly appreciate it! And congrats on your first slings; that's awesome! I'm so glad that these videos were helpful for you! ;)

[@RalphThaWZRD]

Best sling care vid on KZbin thanks dude helped me so much I don’t think I would of gotten a sling without watching this vid

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Ralph! I really appreciate it. :)

[@matsa8949]

I've been keeping tarantulas for the last 22 years and I really appreciate the time and effort you put into both of these videos. A lot has changed in the hobby in the last 20 years and I picked up a few things that I haven't necessarily been doing wrong, but for sure ways I can alter how I do things or even better ways. Thanks Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Mats! Man, I REALLY appreciate that. I always worry that folks will just wander away once they get some experience under their belts. That really means a lot...thank you!

[@Monkbane]

So awesome thank you! Basically, whatever it's doing, dont freak out, leave it alone, dont mess with it. Keep it moist. Give crickets. Pick up after it.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That pretty much sums it up perfectly! Hahaha

[@Addison1473]

Covered all generalties of owning a new T/sling, now just doing the research specific to the species ❤ thank you so much!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Sounds like you're approaching it perfectly! Thank you for doing your research, Addison! :)

[@joshuanewbeck6226]

I'm considering a Grammostola Pulchra as my first t, these videos helped me decide to go ahead and do it. I feel confident in the decision thank you for making this series.

[@imrltte8366]

Most grammostola are brilliant for beginners pets I've got grammostola pulchra and iheringi, good choice!

[@joshuanewbeck6226]

@@imrltte8366 i ended up getting the G. Pulchra, along with a B. Vagans, and B. Verdezi... and starting a dubia roach and meal worm colony... what just happened lol.

[@imrltte8366]

@@joshuanewbeck6226 that sounds good man keep it up! I'm now looking into old world Ts, not sure what to get yet but that's something I'm excited for

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! They make for a great beginner! Thank YOU for taking the time to comment! :)

[@daFrimpster]

I watched this series before I got my T’s and it was extremely helpful. I’ve hade them for three weeks nd I just watched them again and it answered even more questions. Thanks Tom. You da man

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Sam! I'm so glad that you found it helpful. Thank you!

[@austinvickymoore3656]

I must say.... now that I have gone through a ton of videos and plenty of weeks of research I think I'm ready for my first T........ however...I am stupid excited to watch my T grow from just a little thing... I have kids... and my best memories are of watching them grow from just little things... so I will be getting a sling! And I am 100% positive the ABSOLUTE smallest sling I will even consider is a 1/2" just to avoid the finicky things of having them to small and I can more then likely say I will be going with Fear Not just from dozens upon dozens of the great words from others I have found! So I would like to personally thank you from my home to yours keep on keepin on and keep up these EXTRAORDINARY videos!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Well, thank you so much, Austin & Vicky! And that is very wise to start with a sling .5" or above. The tiny ones still give me some anxiety. haha And Fear Not rocks. I've bought from them many times, and I actually count Tanya as a friend now. You'll be in great hands if you shop with them. Again...thank you! And good luck!

[@3rdshiftsurvivalgaming938]

Great video, just got a t for my wife 's birthday since she is constantly caring for the spiders in our garden, gives me the confidence that we can probably care for her/him

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Man, that's awesome! She must have been thrilled! I'm sure you'll both do great. :)

[@3rdshiftsurvivalgaming938]

@@TomsBigSpiders thanks for the vote of confidence. Got 2 for her cuz I could not decide between aborial or terestual. So a megaphobema rubustom and a caribena versicolor. ..so for so good they have both made homes and have ate twice...thanks again

[@briancuprisin4571]

43:32 I've been keeping tarantulas for ~2.5 years now. I make it a point to watch both parts of this video at least once/year just to refresh. I'll turn it on and let it run in the background while doing something else. It's been invaluable. Thanks!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Brian! Thank you so much, bud!

[@kylecleetus8042]

I know I'm two years late to this video, but I thought I would tell you that you are a wizard at teaching tarantula info! Like many people have stated it's all laid out clear, in very detailed fashion. I do like how you don't do clickbait, or throw any fancy stuff in. Focus on the teaching aspect. Keep doing you man! The reason I checked this video out is I recieved two SUPER small curly hair slings as a freebie. And as I was sitting last night checking them out I thought, how will I feed these guys? So I decided to check your channel, now I'm WAY more informed on super small slings. Thank you sir

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Kyle! I tried my best to make it less stressful. :) Thanks so much for saying hello!

[@jerviceroxas8314]

I know this video is 5 years ago already but I just wanna thank you for the guide videos you made, it really helped me. I now have 2 Ts a B. boehmei and a T. albo. thanks, from the Philippines.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that this was helpful! And great species you have there! Greetings from the US!

[@bluemallard30032]

Thank you for this guide. I have been working up the nerve and finally decided on a t to start with.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome! What species are you going to start with?

[@H13XIII]

Thank you for all your awesome videos! I find your channel to be one of (if not the?) most plentiful and helpful with T husbandry and general info. I have watched both parts of this twice now and they make me excited to get more slings! Thumbs up Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Henry! Thank you so very much! I try to be informative so people get good information that they can trust. I'm so glad that these videos helped out. I still remember how many questions I had when I got my first slings. :)

[@joellemegan2934]

I watched these close to a year ago as a totally new keeper who got 4 slings that were probably just out of 2nd instar. They wouldn't be alive if not for this guide! I don't understand the need for so many Tarantula groups... Just link all of your vids in them and everyone would be fine😉 (I truly think this some days! Lol) Thanks to you I have 1 official juvie & 3 slings. They've all molted 3-4x and are healthy! They were Aphonopelma, Grammastola and one Brachypelma sp so not bad! We hit a big milestone last month with them all finally able to take down a live prey item. Patience is key. So many friends I've seen lose their slings to dehydration. I can't recommend your videos enough! I do so, over and over. I linked them for someone today and found myself watching it all over again. Thanks for all you do!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Joelle! Awww...thank you so much! That truly means a lot. When I made these videos, it was with the hopes that they would make keeping slings a bit less stressful. Congrats on your first live takedowns! :) I truly appreciate your kind words. Thank you for taking the time to comment! :)

[@bridgethoskins9809]

These videos were absolutely awesome. I just realized they are quite a few years old but still very informative and will be tons of help when my first one gets here (couple days). Thanks to these videos i will be very prepared. Thank you so much for these!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! I'm so glad that you found these to be useful! I was hoping to answer most of the questions folks have when starting with slings. Good luck!

[@joetatos8687]

ive had 2 Ts in my life, both of them were form pet stores and were pretty decently sized, today i got my first sling and after seeing how tiny it was i realized i have no clue what im doing, thanks so much for making this video!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that this was helpful, Joe. Thank you!

[@user-pt1cz4ot1e]

Hey, I totally watched the entire thing. It was fascinating. It's great to hear some new things before I get my new babies and it freaks me out. I really appreciate you taking the time to do something you didn't expect many people to watch. Those of us that did are very grateful.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad. As it grew to over an hour, I worried that people would be bored. Thank you!!

[@user-pt1cz4ot1e]

Tom Moran you made it entertaining. I was cleaning and prepping cages while I watched, so it helped me stay focused. Lol

[@dusk1947]

Extremely Useful, thank you very much for taking the time to make both video's. I just acquired my first sling this week, and have been doing my best to absorb useful information for their care. This guide in particular was very informative

[@carlhardwick7642]

I very rarely comment on KZbin but I had to congratulate you on a couple of fabulous video's, as a relative newcomer to the hobby I found loads of information and handy tips I hadn't seen elsewhere. Great work don't stop.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

WOW...thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Makes the effort totally worth it. :) Thanks again!!!

[@MissR6]

Thank you so much for these videos. They have already helped me a ton and have reassured me with some things I wasn’t completely sure with. I got my first sling not too long ago and I think it’s already super happy because of your help! My Little buddy is doing great so far.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! I'm so glad that these were helpful. :) Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@efermapili4983]

just finished watching episode 1 and 2. Very nice video sir. This will help me a lot. Keep it up

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, efer! SO glad to hear that it's helpful!

[@efermapili4983]

Tom Moran I'm expecting more guides to come sir. :)

[@nkkdenis]

Settling in a Phormictopus purple, Aphanopelma and Brachy while listening to your guides, thanks Tom.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome!

[@bernadettelinfoot]

Thank you very much for this very informative video. I'm 71 now but 10 years ago I started with tarantulas and sold them after a few years because I thought I was moving to Spain. It didn't happen so now just a few days ago I started again this time with slings. Your video is very informative and took a lot of my worries away. Thanks again very much and greetings from the UK

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Bernadette! That's fantastic! Welcome back to the hobby. I'm so glad that you found this helpful. : )

[@angelosvass1001]

I know most people might probably know it but I will say it anyways, a very nice water dish for slings are small sea shells! I saw it somewhere online on a forum and because I had too many sea shells in different sizes laying around I decided to try it, it seems to work well and they come to a lot of sizes from like 1cm ones to huge ones that probably can be used for some adult tarantulas too. btw I wanted to thank you for this amazing guide, its really helpful.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much for the kind words and the suggestion. I have not seen that before, but it sounds like a great idea!

[@ThePunkweazel]

Fantastic vids and really helpful. I am going to receive my first two slings in a couple of days and have found myself worrying about how to set them up correctly. I am feeling much more confident after watching these. I will be getting a B.Vagans and a C.Versicolor. Thanks again and hi from the uk

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! Getting slings for the first time can be incredibly stressful. I remember what it was like when I got mine, and I was second-guessing everything I did. You picked two great species there! Thanks again!

[@ClickClack_Bam]

Thank you so much for this. It's strange me saying this because I'm a tarantula owner & have had a female tarantula since 2008. See I was given mine to me after a friend was scared of having it after he fed a mouse to his & it took it. It was a sub-adult already so I've NEVER had to deal with a baby sling ever so I appreciate this video even though I'm well experienced in owning one. I currently have a Mexican Giant Red Knee (B. smithi) sling & it's only like an inch long total! This video helped me out & helped me fill in the question marks that I had from being an owner but never dealing with a baby little sling tarantula!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm glad that you were able to get by the garbage audio (those whistling s's!) and enjoy the content. I kept adult tarantulas for years before getting slings, and I found that they were a bit more complicated and can be a bit more intimidating. I'm so glad that you found this helpful. Thanks!

[@robw3655]

My son and I have already got 5 adult/sub-adult T's but I've literally just ordered my first two slings, a Brachypelma Albiceps and a Tliltocatl Schroederi which we can't wait to get setup. It's amazing how addictive T's are, we started with a B. Hamorii in January and a year later we'll have 7 T's in total 🤣. Thank you so much for these videos, so informative and helpful for someone like myself that's never really had the chance to raise a T from a sling, feel a lot more confident now. Can't wait to watch them grow now, 😊.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Sandy! That's awesome! The hobby really is incredibly addictive...trust me. :) Thank you for taking the time to say hi!

[@melodyadams221]

I would just like to thank you for the awesome videos. I just got my first sling last week and your videos Sling Guide part 1 & 2 have been a BIG help to me, so thank you. My first T is a Grammostola pulchra and I just love it. Thanks again for the info and looking forward to watching more of your videos. :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Melody! That is so awesome...thanks so much! What species did you get? :)

[@melodyadams221]

I got the Grammostola pulchra. It's about 3/4-1" I have had it for a week now and just love to watch it lol It dug a burrow and now has sealed up the front of it's hide. It has eaten 3 small crickets 2 one day and 1 two days later then sealed up the front, so I'll just have to watch and see what happens next. :)

[@W124phreak]

Thanks so much for this, Tom. I’ve done a ton of research the last 3 months and I’ve read your sling guide blog post, but my first T slings are coming today and I was panicking and forgetting everything I’ve read. Now I’m calm after watching your videos. Love the dog’s toenails sound, too. So cute.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on your slings, Chez! And I'm so glad that you found these useful (and weren't put off by the clicking of dog nails! :) ). Thanks again!

[@Georgeos777]

the temperature advice really calms me down, thanks

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad! The first couple years that I was keeping slings, they had temps in the 60s on and off throughout the winter.

[@baikia777]

Hey that water furrow is a really good tip! I always take a longer time to water the slings because i don't wanna make them swim accidentally. This will speed things up. Thanks!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that tip was helpful! :) Thank you for letting me know!

[@SoldierGirl68W]

Your videos were perfect. I am new to the hobby, got my first adult tarantula two months ago (costa rican zebra) and my first slings are coming in the mail next week. I have watched both parts all the way through twice, they are so thorough and helpful, thank you so very very much for taking the time to make these. I needed these. You're awesome!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Shanna! I try to cover the stuff I wanted to know when I first got into the hobby. :) Congrats on your costa rican zebra...that was actually my second tarantula back in the 90s! I just did a care video on my new one, too. :) What did you order for slings?

[@SoldierGirl68W]

Tom Moran The Costa Rican Zebra has been such an excellent starter T. As for the incoming slings, I got a Mexican Red Knee, OBT, and King Baboon. I'm getting a Venezuelan Suntiger for free because I reached $100 on the order. Super excited!!

[@SoldierGirl68W]

Tom Moran Annnnnd after watching your GBB husbandry video, I added one of those slings to my order that hasn't stopped yet lol

[@TomsBigSpiders]

What a great batch of Ts. Congrats! :)

[@gailjensen1145]

This was so informative. Just ordered my first tarantula from Fear Not Tarantulas today. I’m really exited yet nervous at the same time. This video has calmed my nerves. Thank you!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Gail! I'm sure that it will go just fine!

[@dc5674]

Hey man I just got some slings for the first time and you’re videos are by far the most informative and comprehensive guide I’ve found - thanks to you hopefully my slings will become big and strong in about 10 years time 😂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, D C! Thank you so much! I'm so glad that you found this to be useful! Good luck! :)

[@Muckwickett]

Literally any time I have a question I come to these videos. This channel is amazing.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@Muckwickett]

@@TomsBigSpiders Thank YOU, sir. You are an excellent teacher/orator. The world needs more Toms. Lol.

[@carolinecarty1829]

You are so good and clear on what you talk about. Keep it up Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Caroline! :)

[@Robert-bl4bq]

I've been watching sling care guides for the past 2 days. I just ordered a GBB T. Be here next Tuesday. This was very informative thank you

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on your GBB! They are awsome spiders and very easy to raise up as slings. Do not overdo it with the moisture with that species as they like it dry. Keep a corner moist and dribble water on the webbing once or twice a week. Good luck, and thanks!

[@Robert-bl4bq]

@@TomsBigSpiders I live in Arizona and it's very dry here so one of the things that made the GBB so attractive aside from it's beautiful coloration and it's seems to be one everyone's must have lost, was that it doesn't require a lot of humidity. I figured for my first T I'll go with something thats natural habitat is similar to the one I live in.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@Robert-bl4bq My two females recently died from old age, and I'm currently raising up a new sling. It will be an excellent choice for your climate!

[@stephaniemitchell3572]

I'm about to order my first sling. I watched my first tarantula a juvenile curly hair molt and it was so interesting. I'm in love with the hobby. I study hard core most things before I get into it but I'm really excited about all the visual learning. Thanks so much you and a few other got me over my fear and brought a joy to my life. Thanks.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Stephanie! Congrats on jumping in with slings. They are incredibly rewarding! :)

[@Howe3488]

AMAZING set of videos - thanks so much! I feel totally well informed now for the arrival on my first 2 tiny 1cm slings next week :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Leanne! :) I'm so glad that you found them helpful! :)

[@rachelaleece]

I finally got slings. Watching all of these videos again before I go out and make my first enclosures in anticipation!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Rachelaleece! First off, I think that I misspelled your name in another comment...SO SORRY! Thank you so much! I'm so glad that this was helpful!

[@cranefly23]

Thank you so much! These videos are exactly what I needed. The way you present the information is spot on. Brilliant!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Perry! Thanks so much! :)

[@EdwardTyndall]

i watched both of these videos they have perfect info that i could have used when i first got into tarantulas 6 years ago i love your channel peace and love bro keep up the great work

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Edward! Thanks so much! I try to put out stuff that I would have loved to see when I first got into the hobby. Really appreciated, bud!

[@GastonMaqueda]

This is the best tarantula channel in youtube

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Man, thanks so much, Gaston! I truly appreciate that!

[@kevinrox666]

This helped me make sure my sling had a humid enough climate. After I gave sprayed the enclosure with water and put water in it's dish it started drinking and webbing the enclosure like crazy. It's probably the most active I've seen it. It looks happy!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Kevin!

[@lilianabacilio5812]

I definitely forgot to thoroughly wet all the substrate (i just soaked the top) AND was definitely so paranoid about the heat and humidity of my brachypelma hamorii and this helped me a lot. I know this was made years ago but I am so grateful!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Liliana! I'm so glad that this was helpful!

[@IrishColin]

Thanks Tom! I'm expecting my first two slings next week and even though I've been watching videos for months about them I still found myself nervous about making sure everything was just so even though I know logically that I don't have to stress about them that much. This has helped to put my mind at ease quite a bit. I went from being a total arachnophobe to being a major spider lover over a couple year period and this was the logical next step for me. I've only just bought my first two, but I already want them all haha, but I won't go overboard (at least not yet) and will spend time learning and caring just for the two I will have.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Irish! I totally get it...it can be quite stressful to start with slings. If you've done your research, you should do just fine. I was arachnophobic back in the day, and I got my first in the mid 90s to get over it! :)

[@birdmen2021]

Just got my first couple slings, thank you for the guides!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats! And thank you!

[@chesterswingjr9796]

Great video, and very informative. I'm up to 8 tarantulas that are 2" and bigger, and was thinking about getting some slings. These videos will be a tremendous help with the growing process of keeping young tarantulas. Thanks again, and keep up the great videos!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Chester! I'm so glad that it was helpful! I remember how stressed I was when I got my first, so I was hoping to quell some anxiety. :)

[@thepap000]

I'm Scottish and I was worried about temperature until you mentioned the guy in Scotland

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! So sorry for the delayed response! Yeah, your homes seemingly get quite chilly over there!

[@jerryparker8068]

without a doubt the most comprehensive video's I've watched on slings, many thanks Tom for taking the time to do it all.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Jerry. I truly appreciate that!

[@kennethjones7548]

I'm new in this hobby and just ordered my first 3 slings. After watching these 2 videos, I feel more confident now and can better prepare. My anxiety is a little lower now. Thank you for your time in making these videos. It really helps the newbies like me!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Kenneth! Congrats on your slings! And I'm so glad that these were helpful!

[@joeprohaska6549]

And it’s still being useful! I’m getting my first slings tomorrow ( I rescued my Avicularia avicularia from petsmart and she has molted 4 times now!) and decided to start collecting and well, slings are more affordable! Thanks to you Tom, I am a lot more confident about getting the slings tomorrow then I was,

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Joe! Slings are definitely more affordable and, I think, so much more satisfying to raise up. I'm so glad that this is still helpful. Thank you!

[@ADTrosper]

Watched the entire thing. Thank you so much for making this video. We are completely new to slings and this is so helpful.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, A.D.! I'm so glad that this was helpful. Thank you!

[@panqnrae3968]

Thank you. I'm in my research stage still for about 8 months. I'm getting closer to feeling confident enough, without actually being in ones presence, to make a logical and beautiful and manageable purchase. I really love terrestrials and would love to have one adorn my new art studio I'm building in my garage. They are scary, yet majestic and super amazing to get to watch and be the keeper of. My wife and daughter are terrified of spiders, but I recently found a small juvenile zebra jumper and my daughter has become very intrigued by. So crossing my fingers 🤞that I can start raising a more empathetic human towards creatures that are incredibly misunderstood. Thank you for the education. I've truly enjoyed hanging out and learning from you.❤️❤️❤️🕷❤️❤️❤️ 🏳️‍🌈❤️🏳️‍🌈

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Rachel! I'm so glad that you're finding this stuff helpful. I used to be arachnophobic, but I was always fascinated by them. I think that the key to "converting" folks who aren't necessarily fans of them. Hopefully, they both come to appreciate them as much as you do. Thanks for chiming in!

[@svenopdebeeck6898]

Oooh man, this was such a useful guidance....can I buy the DVD? 😊

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Sven! It's funny, as I thought about doing a DVD with some of the beginner stuff for fun, but figured everyone could just get it for free on KZbin! :)

[@svenopdebeeck6898]

@@TomsBigSpiders but movies in youtube aren't going to stay around for a lifetime, a DVD is. I would be afraid if this material ever gets lost on KZbin.

[@khaos9075]

Thank you so much for these videos! We just purchased a Brachypelma Hamorii sling for my son's 12th birthday. We are very nervous, but excited too. Your two part video has given us more confidence with our ability to raise him/her to a beautiful adult.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on your B. hamorii...that's awesome! And I'm so glad that these were useful! :) Thank you!

[@juliegavin3447]

This video has been so helpful! Thank you so much! I learned a lot about molting and premolting (my biggest questions and concerns at this time). I also feel much better moving forward with my slings when it comes to keeping the correct amount of moisture in the soil and how to add it. Thank you again!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that this was helpful, Julie! I was hoping that it would save folks some stress! :) Thank YOU for taking the time to let me know!

[@djd9622]

You have helped me begin overcoming my fear of spiders to the point I am actually considering getting a T. Your beginner guides are amazing!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so sorry for the late reply! Thank you so very much. That's the ultimate compliment! :)

[@chrisyoung7404]

Hi Tom, very informative series of videos which has helped me care for slings as a newbie to the hobby. Enjoying your podcasts as well!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Chris! Thank you so much; I'm so glad that these have been helpful!

[@kathiparker5538]

Thank you so much. My husband and I enjoyed both parts of your video. I bought a 3\4 Brachipelma Smithi a week ago and Ron is helping me with our tiny little sling. Oh so tiny. We enjoyed watching your videos.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Kathi. Thank YOU so much for taking the time to watch them and for the kind words. Congrats on your sling! :)

[@carvsh]

Totally did watch the entire video and the 3 videos b4 it! I'm loving the information you're so selflessly sharing. Brand spanking new to Ts..... in fact only a month in but already enamored with all of them! 1 sub adult and 3 slings and i'm totally stopping (for now) so i can learn and provide proper care for them. You've already been so very helpful in the videos ive binged tonight. Thank you very much. I honestly appreciate your time and efforts. Instant subscriber and will spread the word

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Shelly! I really tried to answer all of the question I had when I got my first slings. I was so worried I was going to kill them (I still have all of them, and they are now gorgeous adults!). Thank YOU for taking the time to comment and for the add! :) - Tom

[@muurrarium9460]

Never knew about the scavenging! Thank you. I picked up a few slings a few days ago, and 2 of them are smaller than I ever had before so was at the point of tearing my hair out, not knowing what to do. (My oldest grammostola is at least 36 years old, so these guys are keepers!)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

When I first started keeping tiny slings, I was freaking out trying to find food for them. However, all the ones I've had will fed off of prekilled items or cricket legs. It makes it so much easier! And what an old girl!

[@tyrellnash9746]

Good Lord! This is an excellent pair of videos. You may have just made the tarantula bible. Thank you very much. This was very informative.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Man, Tyrell...thanks so much for that! I REALLY tried to cover everything I could think of. :)

[@debbiiletchworth3920]

Both your videos are a live saver!!!, I'm getting my very first Antilles Pink Toe Tarantula spider, some time next week!!!!, I watch both videos,Because I needed to find out how to take care of the spiderling, I'm going to get next week thanks a lot for your videos Keep up the good work about posting!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Debbii! That's fantastic...I'm so glad that these were helpful! I tried to make the process a little less stressful. Thank you!

[@debbiiletchworth3920]

@@TomsBigSpiders I found three different species I wanted to get for beginners. Antilles pink toe, Mexican red-knee, green blue bottle tarantulas

[@debbiiletchworth3920]

@@TomsBigSpiders your more than welcome!!; I'm just starting out with trantulas

[@laurafranco7408]

This was a great help and I learned a lot. I had never intended to have any slings but after I ordered my first several sub-adults I found everyone wanted to give me “freebies!” I was totally unprepared for babies and although I’ve had them for 3-4 months and had good luck, your instructions are very much appreciated.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Laura! Yeah, freebies can be VERY stressful when you're not prepared for them. I'm sure that you'll do fine!

[@EM-rr4gv]

I just ordered 4 slings. Super excited first tarantulas I have ever owned They are coming in Wednesday!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats...that's awesome! Which species did you get? :)

[@amandataylor7799]

This is immensely helpful to me. Thank you Tom

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad, Amanda! Thank YOU for taking the time to comment!

[@jccolt1977]

Thanks so much for making this information available, I just received my first 3 slings from fear not and I have to say... wow... I think I would have killed any sling without your knowledge lol. I have watched so much of your channel, I feel fairly confident I can keep anything alive and happy! 🤞Thanks again for this vast amount of T information!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank YOU for taking the time to let me know that it was helpful! I truly appreciate it. :) Thanks!

[@terryknight4988]

I know this is an older video but I am glad I watched. Lots of great info and I will more than likely be referring back to it now and then. I have been thinking about getting into this hobby for a couple years. I find T's very cool and interesting. But, was nervous about making sure I took good care of them. The idea of caring for an animal as small as 1/2 an inch was kind of scary. So, thank you Tom. I appreciate the in-depth information. Going to order my first sling on Monday. Thank you!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Terry! I'm so glad that this was helpful. Congrats on ordering your first sling!

[@cosmicolivia2670]

Thank you for this! I just got my first little B. Hamorii. I left a small live mealworm in her container and I thought she didn't eat it and just left it to die and shirvel. I tried feeding her another one out of concern but it burrowed in her enclosure while she watched. Thanks you, I know she ate.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You'll want to try to get the mealworm out if it burrowed. They can actually nibble on molting tarantulas. I usually cut them up or crush the heads before dropping them in.

[@cosmicolivia2670]

Tom Moran I took it out the next morning, She’s in premolt right now which is good that I found it.

[@kevmxd]

I ordered my first sling yesterday and was looking to refresh some of my knowledge. These videos were very informative and well made. Great for anyone getting into the hobby.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on your new sling! And I'm so glad that this was helpful. :) Thanks!

[@dougie_8518]

Your videos are great! I've been in the hobby for several years now and have a pretty decent collection of larger and adult specimens and recently got into the sling side of it and between your website and these vids the plethora of knowledge and suggestions are great! As a Canadian collector I can vouch for tarantula Canada for both slings and adult specimens. They are very knowledgeable and very nice to deal with! Cheers! Keep up the great videos, now I patiently wait for an order to come in the mail from Tarantula Canada for another 5 slings added to the growing shelf of slings!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Dougie! I truly appreciate it. :) I know slings can be VERY intimidating at first (heck, they can still intimidate me at times!) so I tried to cover everything I could think of. And great to hear that Tarantula Canada are good people! I've only heard great things. :) Thanks so much for chiming in!

[@elcucuy8705]

Loved both of these videos, by the way! Very well done. You're like a professional Tarantula breeder!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much!

[@GhostKid0201]

These 2 parts just helped me so much! I was so worried about moisture and humidity for my slings but you made this so much easier for me. I just got 6 different slings I’ve been freaking out about if I was doing anything wrong or if they were set up right. For the most part I had it down right but the moistening the enclosures was made very understandable for me with these!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad! I really tried to answer any question that I could think of. Thanks for commenting!

[@oatesandsuch]

this guide was so great!! thank you for putting all the needed information in one easily-digestible place!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much, Becky! I'm so glad to hear that you found it useful. :)

[@SpiritsEnchantments]

Thank you for this awesome video. I'm just getting into this hobby and had no idea what to do or how large my sling should be. Your other video, part 1, steered me clear of an exotic dealer we almost purchased from. Now we have the names of the breeders that you recommended. These two videos were so comprehensive and now I feel much more able to handle different situations without so many questions and without fear.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome! And thank YOU for taking the time to comment! Yeah, if it's the breeder I think it is, you are wise to steer clear. Do you know which species you'll be starting with? :)

[@hammerhead2djenk418]

This guy deserves 10000 dollars

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahahaha. :)

[@zs3961]

This was so helpful and ur voice was very relaxing!! I feel less worried now I just got two Avicularia slings and couldn’t find any information that made sense, thank you ❤🕷️

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Well, thank you very much! I'm so glad that it was helpful!

[@RoseKazable]

These care guides have been great. I'm only new to the hobby and I find your videos so informative. Many thanks from Australia!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Miss Alice! :)

[@jzundel9015]

Thank you for this video! I just received my Antilles Pinktoe and your video helped so much to prepare!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome....congrats on your Pinktoe! And thank you!

[@TumbleDumpling]

I just watched both videos back to back. I now feel like I got a really good handle on how to keep my sweethearts alive and well. Thank you so much. You earned my Sub!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that these were helpful. Thanks so much for the subscription!

[@marthaknox6466]

My daughter just got a sling (Aphonopelma chalcodes) for her 11th birthday, and these videos are incredibly helpful. I feel so much more confident about helping her care for it and hopefully we'll enjoy watching it slowly grow up into a big, healthy adult. (I think I'm as excited about this new pet as my daughter.) Thanks!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

What an awesome birthday present! I'm so glad that this was helpful!

[@_ksen_1715]

Ive been researching Ts going on 3 months, never had one and am curious about owning. I just finnished watching your 2 part videos and I have to say i have learned more from you than browsing random videos. Good job and thanks for the " tricks of the trade" alot of people dont share. It will be probably a few more months before I jump the fear stage of owning, and have saved your videos for future references. Please keep making more vids.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

First off, thank you for doing the research first. A lot of folks just jump right in, pick one up, and THEN try to figure out the care. And thank you so much for taking the time to let me know that this stuff is useful! :) I will definitely keep making videos. Thanks again!

[@_ksen_1715]

@@TomsBigSpiders Much appreciated the reply aswell. I have purchased a small exoterra enclosure, cork park, coco fiber and eco earth today. I covered the screen top screen mesh with craft store moss until i can replace it with plexiglass so the T wont get caught up on the mesh and hurt itself. A waterbowl and am waiting for the substrate to dry out before I decorate the enclosure, hopefully this weekend if god willing i will drive around local shops and let a T pick me :-). Please do continue to make vids like this, one mans mistakes and knowledge is a beginner's pot of gold

[@alexgastelum9379]

Wow Tom. You're really upping your game on your videos. Very thorough. You're my go-to guy for tarantula care. :D

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Alex. I figure that my information is on point, so now I'm just trying to improve the package. haha It's been fun learning this new editing program; it allows me to do so much more. Thanks again for the support...I really appreciate it.