Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Handle Tarantulas?
- Qualities of a Good Handling Tarantula
- Top 10 Best Tarantulas to Handle
- 1. Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula
- 2. Mexican Red Knee Tarantula
- 3. Brazilian Black Tarantula
- 4. Arizona Blonde Tarantula
- 5. Curly Hair Tarantula
- 6. Pink Toe Tarantula
- 7. Honduran Curly Hair Tarantula
- 8. Green Bottle Blue Tarantula
- 9. Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula
- 10. Desert Blonde Tarantula
- How to Handle a Tarantula Safely
- Common Misconceptions about Handling Tarantulas
- Conclusion
- FAQs about Handling Tarantulas
Introduction
Tarantulas are often seen as frightening or dangerous, but for many enthusiasts, they are fascinating and even gentle creatures. If you’re new to the world of tarantulas, you might be surprised to learn that some species are quite handle-able. This guide will explore the best tarantulas to handle, providing detailed insights into their temperament, handling tips, and much more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which tarantulas are the best companions for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.
Why Handle Tarantulas?
Handling tarantulas can be a rewarding experience for several reasons:
- Building Trust: Regular handling can build a bond of trust between you and your tarantula.
- Ease of Care: Handling helps you perform routine care and maintenance with less stress for both you and the spider.
- Education: Handling tarantulas provides a hands-on learning experience about these unique creatures.
Qualities of a Good Handling Tarantula
When choosing a tarantula for handling, consider the following qualities:
- Docile Nature: Tarantulas that are calm and less prone to biting or flicking hairs are ideal for handling.
- Slow Movements: Species that move slowly are easier to handle and less likely to escape or get injured.
- Ease of Care: Tarantulas that are low-maintenance and hardy are perfect for beginners.
Top 10 Best Tarantulas to Handle
1. Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula (Grammostola rosea)
Overview: This tarantula is known for its calm and gentle nature. It is one of the most popular tarantulas for handling and is perfect for beginners.
Handling Tips:
- Always support its body to avoid stress.
- Be gentle and avoid sudden movements.
Why It’s Great for Handling:
- Very docile and slow-moving.
- Easy to care for and handle.
2. Mexican Red Knee Tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii)
Overview: With its striking red and black coloring, the Mexican Red Knee is not only beautiful but also one of the most docile tarantulas, making it a favorite among handlers.
Handling Tips:
- Use both hands to gently scoop it up.
- Avoid touching its sensitive legs.
Why It’s Great for Handling:
- Known for being calm and tolerant of handling.
- Its beautiful appearance adds to its appeal.
3. Brazilian Black Tarantula (Grammostola pulchra)
Overview: The Brazilian Black is celebrated for its sleek, black appearance and remarkably gentle demeanor. It is one of the best tarantulas for handling due to its calm temperament.
Handling Tips:
- Allow it to crawl onto your hand rather than grabbing it.
- Handle in a low-stress environment.
Why It’s Great for Handling:
- Very calm and slow-moving.
- Tolerant of frequent handling.
4. Arizona Blonde Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)
Overview: Native to the deserts of the southwestern United States, the Arizona Blonde is known for its gentle nature and is a great choice for beginners.
Handling Tips:
- Gently nudge it onto your hand.
- Avoid handling during molting periods.
Why It’s Great for Handling:
- Very docile and slow-moving.
- Easy to care for with a simple diet and habitat needs.
5. Curly Hair Tarantula (Brachypelma albopilosum)
Overview: With its fuzzy, curly hairs, this tarantula is not only cute but also incredibly easy to handle. It is known for its docility and calm demeanor.
Handling Tips:
- Handle with both hands for better support.
- Avoid loud noises and vibrations.
Why It’s Great for Handling:
- Very tolerant of handling.
- Its unique appearance makes it a popular choice.
6. Pink Toe Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia)
Overview: The Pink Toe Tarantula is known for its striking appearance and arboreal nature. It is usually calm but can be a bit more active than other species.
Handling Tips:
- Handle it gently and avoid squeezing.
- Be prepared for it to jump or move quickly.
Why It’s Great for Handling:
- Generally calm and easy to handle.
- Its unique climbing habits make it interesting to observe.
7. Honduran Curly Hair Tarantula (Tliltocatl albopilosus)
Overview: This tarantula is similar to the Curly Hair Tarantula and is known for its calm and gentle nature, making it perfect for handling.
Handling Tips:
- Use slow and steady movements.
- Avoid handling after it has eaten.
Why It’s Great for Handling:
- Very docile and tolerant.
- Easy to care for and handle.
8. Green Bottle Blue Tarantula (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens)
Overview: This tarantula is famous for its vibrant blue and green coloring. It is generally calm and easy to handle, though it can be more active than other species.
Handling Tips:
- Handle with care as it can move quickly.
- Avoid bright lights and loud noises.
Why It’s Great for Handling:
- Stunning appearance and generally calm.
- Tolerant of handling with proper care.
9. Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula (Aphonopelma seemanni)
Overview: Known for its distinctive black and white stripes, the Costa Rican Zebra is a calm and manageable tarantula, making it a great choice for handling.
Handling Tips:
- Support its body with both hands.
- Handle in a calm, quiet environment.
Why It’s Great for Handling:
- Very calm and tolerant.
- Unique appearance adds to its appeal.
10. Desert Blonde Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)
Overview: Another great choice for beginners, the Desert Blonde is known for its gentle and slow-moving nature, making it perfect for handling.
Handling Tips:
- Handle gently and avoid sudden movements.
- Support its body to reduce stress.
Why It’s Great for Handling:
- Very docile and easy to handle.
- Requires minimal care and maintenance.
How to Handle a Tarantula Safely
Handling a tarantula safely requires patience and care:
- Prepare Your Space: Ensure the area is quiet and free of distractions.
- Approach Gently: Move slowly and allow the tarantula to get used to your presence.
- Support the Tarantula: Use both hands to support its body and avoid pinching or squeezing.
- Monitor Behavior: Pay attention to the tarantula’s body language. If it shows signs of stress, gently place it back in its enclosure.
Common Misconceptions about Handling Tarantulas
- Tarantulas are Dangerous: Most tarantulas are harmless to humans and rarely bite.
- Tarantulas are Aggressive: Many tarantulas are docile and prefer to avoid conflict.
- Handling Harms Tarantulas: When done correctly, handling is safe for both the tarantula and the handler.
Conclusion
Handling tarantulas can be a fascinating and rewarding experience, especially when you choose the right species. From the docile Chilean Rose Hair to the striking Mexican Red Knee, the best tarantulas to handle offer a range of options for beginners and experienced handlers alike. By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you can enjoy the unique experience of handling these incredible creatures safely and responsibly.
FAQs about Handling Tarantulas
1. Is it safe to handle tarantulas?
Yes, handling tarantulas is generally safe if done carefully. Most tarantulas are not aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened.
2. How often should I handle my tarantula?
It is recommended to handle your tarantula no more than once or twice a week to minimize stress.
3. What should I do if my tarantula bites me?
Tarantula bites are rare, but if you are bitten, clean the area with soap and water and monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction.
4. Can handling a tarantula cause it harm?
Handling a tarantula can be stressful for the animal, so it’s important to handle it gently and not too frequently.
5. Do tarantulas recognize their owners?
Tarantulas do not recognize their owners in the way that mammals do, but they can become accustomed to being handled.