Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas and Inverts

Okay, to kick this one off, I'll be talking about my participation in the "Hot Sauce Tarantula Feeding Challenge." Then, I make my attempt at coming up with a list of the best "Showcase" (or most visible) spiders in my collection. 

For those who would like to read the article, click HERE!

By request, some thoughts on the pros and cons of starting with a spidering or an adult tarantula! 

So, I was reluctant to do this one because I don't want people to think that tarantula breeding can be so easily summed up. Truth is, it requires a lot of preparation and work. And, quite frankly, I'm no breeding expert. However, for those interested in pairing their spiders, hopefully this podcast will offer a bit of an outline for you. 

I've been getting a lot of question about how to keep substrate moist, so I figured that it would make a good topic for the podcast! Also, an update on my beginner species feature. Tom's Big Spiders Store: https://teespring.com/stores/toms-big...

In this one, we discuss how important it is to keep your collection from swelling to stressful and unmanageable levels. Second, we discuss how to convince a mate to let you get Old World tarantulas. Thanks to Dan Pompili for the suggestion! 

Well, the title pretty much says it all! I also talk about my latest video collaboration with Predator or Prey's Gar Rees, and touch on the new "Beginner Species" video that I'm working on. Those interested in check out the collab I did with Gar can click here! 

For those of you who like the species specific podcasts, this one is for you. in this episode, we'll talk about C. darlingi (AKA, the Rear Horned Baboon). I've received a ton of requests for husbandry information on this species, so I'm excited to finally focus on this wonderful tarantula. And for those who are interested in tarantula T-shirts, the store is live! https://teespring.c...

On a recent video I posted on the Harpactira pulchripes , a few folks commented that they didn't agree with my statement that they would NOT make good beginner species. Now, this is obviously just a difference of opinion, and I definitely appreciated and understood their perspectives on it. Due to its relatively calm temperament and ease of care, I could see how a hobbyist might recommend it...

First, we're going to go back to last episode for a bit to talk about the issue with barren enclosures. Then, I have a couple breeding projects that I'd like to discuss. Finally, having received close to a dozen emails about P. metallica slings these past few weeks, I'm going to take some time to discuss their setups. 

Well, the title pretty much says it all! In this episode, I'll answer a couple more listener questions. 

Considering  how many articles, videos, and podcasts I've produced over the years, it was inevitable that some things I have said would be misconstrued, misinterpreted, or misrepresented. Although I always endeavor to be as clear and articulate as possible when speaking about topics, it's come to my attention that some folks might have received the wrong message on a few subjects. So, I&...

Continuing with listener questions, we tackle a list of species that are good ones to start with for folks looking to keep their first Old Worlds. 

First, I want to share the awesome experience I had this week with Eric (YouTube channels Scare Theater and Owler ) and Regan, who stopped by to help Eric get over his fear of spiders. Then, we move on to the next round of listener questions. 

So I put out the call, and you fine folks answered! A huge THANK YOU to all who took the time to post a question. This is will be part one of likely three parts, as there are a LOT of questions to answer! Thank you also to Anastasija Zeila, Vince Padilla, Jeremiah Strange, Sarah Abery, and Mark Nelson for the questions covered in this episode.  My Facebook Page

Okay, to kick this one off, we will actually be continuing our discussion from last week by discussing what a keeper can do when threat postures scare him. Then, there's a brief update on my A. avicularia ("Metallica"), who hasn't been doing very well. And, finally, I've had a few advanced keepers ask what they should be doing to keep the hobby fresh after they've bee...

Around 23 years ago, I got my first tarantula in part to help me to get over a life-long fear of spiders. Although it took many years (and eventually, MANY more tarantulas), I finally kicked my irrational fear of these animals. Since then, I've spoken to many keepers who were drawn to the hobby for the same reasons. In this episode, I'll discuss my experiences with getting over my fear,...

First, I talk a bit about my recent Rainbow of Tarantulas Video . Then, I discus my list of my top 10 personal favorite tarantulas.  

I've had a lot of folks talking about "aggressive" tarantula species lately. In this episode, we discuss why people may confuse "aggressive" and "defensive", and how to reduce this type of behavior.

Although not common, there are instances where a keeper buys a sling of one species only to discover years later that it is, in fact, another species. And then there are the spiders sold in pet stores under the wrong common or scientific names. In this episode, we discuss this disappointing and potentially dangerous issues. Also, an update on my H. chilensis and my P. metallica communal setup. 

It looks like it's going to be a bad spring for pests, and I'm already getting emails from concerned folks who are dealing with ants. Heck, I've already found a couple of them around my house. In this podcast, we go over what to do if you find ants around your tarantulas. Also, a quick update on my Poecilotheria metallica communal. 

First, my A. avicularia ("Metallica" form) is not doing too well. Second, I discuss some notes and observations on my H. devamatha juvenile. Finally, some updates on the bioactive enclosures! 

We'll kick this one off with a quick update on my H. chilensis female. Then, we'll discuss one of my favorite spiders, Sericopelma sp. Santa Catalina. Finally, it's on to a discussion of Pseudhapalopus sp. blue. 

A discussion of some odd fasting and molting behavior I've noticed with my H. chilensis adult females. 

I've been getting a LOT of questions about substrate lately, so I briefly review some of my thoughts on the various types. Then, we discuss the husbandry for Theraphosa blondi .