I have 7 species of pokies but I still don’t have a rufilata. I’m so glad you do these pokie videos to show that if you stay calm they are really easy to deal with. I’ve never gotten any defensive behavior with mine but, I watched you for 2 years before I got my first t. You have taught me so much over the past 4 years. Thank you for all the info between your vids and podcasts. You are most definitely a benefit to the hobby.
Hey, Darcy! Awwww...that means so much! I really appreciate that. I do these videos specifically to make folks feel better about rehousing theirs. It makes it worth it to hear that they were actually helpful. :)
Getting a few pokies next week and a free Metallica my first pokies and some of my first T’s in general I don’t really care what they say about their behavior my first T was actually an orange baboon so I go against the rules a little 😂
Love your stuff Tom. I just purchased a 3 1/2” female. I have quite a few pokies but this one just stands out like the Metallica. Keep up the great work. From one metal head to another!!🤘🏼
This video helped so much. My wife and I just rehoused our 5 inch rufilata. You've mentioned many times to do a walkthrough beforehand, and it's amazing how much easier it makes things. It gave us the confidence we needed for a very smooth rehouse. I didn't really understand the red slate part of the name, but we lit it up with LED after it had time to settle in and WOW!
Tom,as a teacher you'll be proud of me. Never heard the word "festoon" before. Of course,from the way you used it,I could surmise the meaning but I looked it up anyway. I sometimes think Tarantula keepers,not you per se,and even the founders of the species are inherently color blind. This pokey is called red slate. I dont see any red in all the ones seen. I see a green spider. But time after time,I see a purple spider,the T owner says blue. Or he/she says blue and I see brown.I guess the viewer sees a different color than the camera and maybe the overhead lights play a part too. I am definitely not color blind.....not yet.
Hahaha Billie makes fun of me all of the time for busting out the odd words. haha Sorry about that! And you're not color blind...half of these things are described with the wrong colors. haha
I’m jealous that you have a table saw, mind you, if I get one my darling hubby would probs cut either his fingers off or even worse, mine. DIY was never his strong point. Bless him, he looks after me like no one else would.
That's awesome, Darcy! I finally managed to get a P. rufilata, and I also picked up a P. tigrinawesselli, a P. miranda, and a P. striata. I love them, too. haha
@@TomsBigSpiders I have an AF striata and a sling, AF regalis and two juvies, female juvie Formosa, male juvie Trigrinawesseli, two Miranda slings, mm Smithi, pen ult p met, two rufilata slings , Vitatta sling, Subfusca LL sling and an AF Hanumavilasumica. Just added the vitatta and Subfusca 😊 What’s not to love about this genus
Ahh, something I know something about, the shpagnum moss!! Yes it's bright green and people tend to think it's dyed because of that and their animal gets green on it. I had a turtle and used that moss and his feet and mouth turned green, but it's not dye, it's the equivalent of a grass stain, like when we rub grass we will get a green stain. But always be on the safe side, read the package. That said, this is a very beautiful Pokie!! Melody Trotter
Hey, Melody! Well, thank you SO MUCH for that explanation! This stuff is supposed to be 100% natural, so I'm guessing that any green I may see will be natural and from the moss. :)
Sometimes I’ll take an extra long bendy straw (appx 14”) and place it in through one of the side catch cup holes to lightly blow air on the T. Nice for getting in tighter spaces without getting too close. Great video as always, can’t believe I missed this one when you uploaded it.
Those colours are to die for, got 2 unsexed juveniles, absolutely beautiful just a shame I NEVER see them out, also questioning what is larger this or the ornata is so close
Hey, Robbie! Yup, there is nothing like a green tarantula. I'm lucky in that I catch mine out quite a bit. This one has been sitting on the side of the glass all day. Let's hope that continues. haha And I've seen a 10+" ornata as well, so they are both huge spiders.
@@TomsBigSpiders yeah my ornata is out all the time, the rufilata just hides which is a shame but if its happy it's happy I don't mind. I just did a video on all my avicularia, after this one I'm thinking I should do all my poecilotheria just to spend more time with them all lol
I want to shout to your wife, Billie or Billy, not exactly sure how she spells it so plz forgive me for that, but she seems so supportive and helpful and friendly. I love to hear her laugh and to hear the way she makes suggestions and helps out all she can, while all the while keeping a steady hand on the camera. She's truly a treasure. So thank you Tom for the solid and down to earth care info and thank you Billie for all the hard work on and off screen. This is my number 1 channel for care and keeping. I have 30 including a rufilata sling. I don't really do bio -active but I've found that springtails show up on their own with moisture dependant species. Great video. Thank you both.
It's Billie...and thank you! She truly is, and I couldn't do this stuff without her. She is BEYOND supportive! haha And thank you very much for the kind words!
Leaf litter fills many purpous. Like you said about bioactive. Another purpous is that many speicies. Ephebopus for example use leafs to incorporate in burrow construction. Many asian fossorials do the same. Also it looks nice for keeper. I seldom let plants acclamitize. I just put them in there together with spider. Sometimes i even plant a tank when apider have lived for a while if i think the terrarium needs more plants. Keep up the good work friend!
I always have people ask why I add it to enclosures that don't have plants, so I just say that I like the looks of it. It really does spruce things up! Sorry for the delay; I hope all is well!
Your timing is awesome. I have two of these. One I am waiting on to molt so I can rehouse it. It's about 4" and this video really gave me some insight on their behavior. Sad you couldn't get a full shot of her, but stunning spider just the same.
Whoohooo!!! Good timing indeed! Check out the short that I posted shortly afterward. I caught her out right after I posted this. haha ua-cam.com/video/Q71KJ2kAVOg/v-deo.html
Love your videos, just gotten my first Ts. A T. Piura, a P. Machala and a few slings. One of them a H. pulchripes after doing alot of reasearch, and still thinking it will be the right decission for me. Love your videos and podcasts! Greetings from Schleswig!
As for the poke and pray pokies method i agree staying calm helps. i just rehoused my P formosa a couple days ago. Catch cup wasnt helping at all so i slowly lined up cages and guided her. Zero problems perfect rehouse
What's your favorite Speyside? I'm a single malt guy myself, and I love the smoky/peaty Isla Scotch. That said, I've been branching out lately. What should I try? :)
@@TomsBigSpiders I have a very nice Macallan 12year double cask. Also the Aberlour 12year double cask is very good. Just bought a very tasty Glendronach 15year revival which is a very fruity highland whisky. I do like some of the Islay whisky too.
@@paulnorris982 Oh, the Macallan...of course! I LOVE Macallan. Funny story...Billie actually got me a bottle of Macallan years ago, and that bottle is what got me into scotch in the first place. And, after getting into them, the next bottle I got was Aberlour A'bunadh (which I love). I have a Glendronach, but I'd have to see which year. You have great tastes, my friend!
@@TomsBigSpiders if you like the peaty ones then the Highland Park Dragon Legend is lovely, from Orkney, cool looking bottles too. You have great taste too.
Wow!! I just rehoused my Homoeomma Chilensis today. Lol! This video really puts things in perspective as to where I am on the ladder of experience. Whew! You get a feeling of satisfaction after a rehouse like you've just redecorated a room in your own house. Something that a non arachnid keeper wouldn't understand. Great video. Held my breath.
Hey Tom great video and my favourite pokie just because of the colours I bought mine as a sling and is been growing well.i agree mine has never been defensive they would rather walk away.same has my others.dont let the potent venom put of from buying them they are amazing tarantulas to own.
Hey, James! It was my favorite pokie for this video, but I can never settle on my favorite. I love them all! haha And I'm glad that you have had the same experiences. The venom gives them a bad rap, and it's a shame.
Thanks Tom . Good one ! Against my better judgement , I bought a B boehmei from Pet co yesterday as sorta of a rescue . Explained to the lady that they were keeping they're spiders way too moist , some you couldn't see through the condensation . Anyhow , my striata's going to molt very soon . Thanks again !
My local shop has the Exo-Terra Mini Extra Tall (12x12x24in). I will grab a couple at the end of the month as all my pokies are growing like weeds. I use peat moss from the garden centre for most of my spideys, but for sphagnum moss I collect mine live from Dartmoor just a couple of miles away.
Once again another fantastic video. You are a legend and inspiration Tom. Love your page. Much love from Yorkshire England. In very new to the hobby. I have 6 species. Which I'm happy with. Next year I plan on just upgrading their husbandry with glass enclosures. 2 of my species are already in them. The others not yet as juveniles and an overgrown spiderling about 2 inch. I want to concentrate on what I have rather adding atm :)
Greetings from the US! Thanks so much, Joff...I truly appreciate that. And good on you for taking it slowly. This hobby is SO addictive that many people find that they go from a few to 50 in a year. :) Thanks again!
I love pokies, mine are very calm when moving. I have had good luck (knock on wood) walking from one enclosure to another with lite and calm use of a paint brush. I know they large and have the potential of a nasty bite but they aren’t a cranky spider. I know you probably don’t agree but I think that they are probably the best old world beginner T. Love your information. Watching you got me started in this hobby.
Me too, Larry. And I've found the same thing...they are usually pretty easy to keep calm. And I think that under the correct circumstances, someone could do quite well with them. The only issue is that people that first get into old world spiders start off being very intimidated by them. This can lead to rehousing mistakes that could, in theory, result in a defensive pokie. They are great when someone treats them with respect and stays calm...it's when people freak out that the accidents can happen. Thanks!
Nice tank and spider. Never too early for a drink. I agree!!🙂. Its often the people that have problems with maskulinety that says rubbish like that! On to setups. I always mix in cow dung into the substrate in those terrariums that are planted. I live on the countryside so we have lots of cows living here. I have done it for years. Provides good nutricion for the plants. I use maybe 30% cowdung and the rest soil or clay. I dry out the dung after collecting it. Iften it us rather dry anyway. Then i crumble it and mix it in Good for the substrate. Good for the climate, and free of charge. So there is a tip for you!
Hey, bud! Hahaha Never have truer words been spoken! Yeah, those type of comments REALLY irriate me. NO, getting bit makes me stupid...not a man. haha And I have actually avoided using anything with animal dung in it as I was afraid of undesirables (like flies). That's a great tip. Thanks, bud!
@@TomsBigSpiders No, its nit going to spawn flies. Not when i use it. I always use it when ut is has dried. I cant think of any more natural fertilizer? Sometimes one have to think outside the box.
Amazing setup and gorgeous spider ! While you were setting up the enclosure, I couldn't help but notice that spider tattoo on your arm. Versicolor ? Glad to see that the transfer didn't pose too much problem. I applaud your focus on safety rather than getting the best shot. Wish more UA-camrs would follow your example. Stay safe and thanks for sharing :)
Hey, Luc! Thank you so much. I was rather proud of that setup. haha Hopefully, she doesn't cover everything in poo. Yeah, I know that we don't always get the good shots, but I'm not about to put the spider or Billie and I at risk trying to pose her. That's just not what we do here. :) Thanks again!! Tom
Such a pretty tarantula can't wait to get into these just waiting till my little boy gets a bit older first 😊 & Can't have a favourite pokie each one is stunning in its own right 😊 great vid Tom 👍
My rufilata is an amazingly beautiful T and a favorite of mine ( all of them are my favorite but you get it lol). I have never had the "scary" experience with this T. My wife and I are truly grateful to you for your videos and podcasts, that knowledge base has really helped my wife and get into the hobby with out many of the fears and common mistakes.
By the way full disclosure my wife is the "keeper" and has brought me on this fun journey. The rufilata is my first T, I wanted a beautiful green T as my first. Thanks to you and all the research my wife did my first T has been an awesome experience.
I love that you did a rufilata video. When In comparison to other pokies, I believe they are underappreciated. So far, I have four rufilatas, which I prefer to the others.
Brilliant video Tom as usual, very informative and very enjoyable, magnificent species and a brilliant set up, always very agreeable viewing, without a doubt, thanks to you and Billie for all the wonderful content you put out!!!!.
This is such an amazing spider! Thank you so much for sharing. Watching your videos has encouraged me to get two slings and begin an amazing hobby. I got my "beginner" slings from Fear Not Tarantulas and you came highly recommended. Thank you again
I have never done a setup i started watching dart frog videos and northern frogger does an excellent job with bioactive his tips will help with mold problems I see in a lot of tarantula enclosure videos. He hasn't posted in a long time computer issues. If you get a chance check him out.
I'll check him out. To be clear, this is NOT a bioactive enclosure. It's an enclosure with a plant. Bioactives must be kept much more moist and rely on good bacteria and fungus to keep the correct levels in the tank. It's basically it's own little eco system. I don't try to do that with my tarantulas.
Winter drives me nuts, I teach myself not to over-do moisture but then it gets hard not to obsess over it again once the heater dries up enclosures so quickly this time of year. 😥
Another great vid, Tom! Learned how to rehouse my Pokies from you and my rufilata was the first. Thank you! Just got a P. tigrinawesseli today. Hope to see a vid of one of them from you soon. Great camera work as usual, Billie!
Hey, Fred! Man, thank you so much. That means a lot! Unfortunately, my P. tigrinawesseli is an old man. :( I have to try to get more. And thanks for noticing Billie's work!
What a gorgeous spider! Thank You for filming the enclosure set up too, it was very informative. I personally don't keep old worlds, but videos like this help with aa kinds. You have always said if the keeper stays calm, the spider will be calm. That statement has gotten me through many re-houses!
Thank you so much, Toni! Yeah, I've had a lot of folks ask why I don't show the setups, so I figured that I'd start including them. And I'm so glad that it's worked for you. Thank you!
I like to break the top opening of the cork round at an angle so the opening is more to the side or front that straight out the top and it seems to help because the spider will sit right in the opening and tends to come out and rest on the outside of the bark quite often because it's so easy to slip back in. My rufilata and my psalmopoeus irminia are set up this way and it's funny ....they'll keep one toe in the door at all times when they're out and when disturbed they'll jump back in and go deep but after a brief hide they'll be right back out.
Hey Tom! We must have similar collections as these guys are probably my favorite Pokies. I actually ended up with a boy and girl. Love these guys and my male has the most vibrant reddish colored hairs - he's magnificent! The green in these guys is what sealed the deal for me. There aren't very many green tarantulas out there and these guys are just beautiful! Thanks again for the excellent content and for some ideas for the next / final homes for my pair. At what age do you think maturity is reached (roughly) ? As for the dye in the moss, I did find the review that discussed this concern. Please contact me under the same name on the "boards" and we can discuss further.
Yup, the green is what did it for me, too. There just aren't enough green tarantulas! Enough with the blue already! haha As for maturity, it would be difficult to put an age on it because depending on temps and genetics, one person's female might be mature at 3 years while another might take 5. I would say that they are likely mature at 8+" or so. The TF boards? Thanks for chiming in!
@@TomsBigSpiders My male is 7" now and might be a year old. He looks ready to go but my girl is a bit smaller. Just afraid she's not going to reach maturity before his time is up.... Either TF or AB will work. I have accounts on both.
Local shop has one of these and I came here to see what Tom said about them … I’m considering getting one … video dose not do the color way of it justice… it is a absolutely beautiful spider
Always honest and real, not edited and I know what I’m getting into. Thanks!! Just one question- what is that standard leaf litter I see everyone use? Can I just use crushed up oak leaves?
@@TomsBigSpiders I am new to the hobby. I did a ton of research and I just went for it! I just got a Metallica and I was so nervous to get it out of the vile and into the enclosure. it is barely an inch and harmless, so it was no big deal and it didn’t even run. But maybe when it’s 7 inches I will mail it to you😆.
just got one of these along with a few others. it's only 1.5" or so but man what a crazy eater! I also have a regalis that's been in premolt for a super long time. just sorta hanging out and not eating but getting more and more bloated everyday lol
@Tom Moran it molted this morning. tried to get a look at the molt but it chewed it up so bad haha it was basically impossible. ventrally though it looks female. Pokies are pretty easy to tell ventrally
Mine just molted out female! I definitely want to try something like this when she gets bigger. I only have two tarantulas, so I really want to create something cool for them to live in.
Hey Tom, been catching up on youtube/podcasts since I unplugged for a while while I was house hunting and going through that whole process. I'm finally moving into my first home and I'll have a T/invert room and might be able to finally attempt some breeding in the future. Awesome video and an absolutely stunning species! I'm really excited for my rufilata to begin to show it's green colorations. I absolutely love my pokies and am really excited because I'm about to FINALLY get my hands on a couple ornatas since someone here has produced a sac (I've never been able to find ESA species available here). Hope you and your family had a fantastic holiday and new year!
First off, congrats on moving into your first home...that's fantastic! And even better that you'll have your own T room. Talk about living the dream. :) I wonder if you're getting your P. ornatas from the same place I'm looking at getting them... ;) Happy New Year, bud!
It is tough to move to a new school in midterm. How are you doing? Kids are able to fit in most places and are very flexible with new situations. It is only people my age who dislike change. How is Billie adjusting? I bet she loves the extra space. It is a great set up and a pretty T, although Pocis are not my fave. We are looking for a doodle of some kind *smaller or medium*. They go anywhere from 1800 to 3000 dollars. Mike would rather spend that on a dog, but still won't let me get a female T who is less than three years old. My hands are very bad due to RA. So I guess an older pup or young dog would be best.
Hi, Joyce! Well, we finally have kids back in school full time, so I'm feeling much better this school year. I'm also in charge of my own literacy class, which I am LOVING. Last year, I was in more of a co-teaching role, and there wasn't much for me to do. I like teaching, not standing around trying to get kids to participate on thier computeres. Billie is LOVING the new house as well. We are buying a plot of land right next to our house so that we are buffered on both sides. After years of "interesting" neighbors, we are enjoying the privacy. Awwwww...keep us updated on the puppy hunt. We have four dogs of our own and adore them. :)
Hey Tom, My Rufilata has just molted,couple of days ago,is now a big juvenile-however is putting on loads of Size,down to heavy eating !! 😊 Can I send you some pics,?? James.....🕷
Can only uploads vids on here,for my channel,but can't send pics ect...... If you have Facebook or email or something,I'd luv to see some of your pokies and can Show you some of the Pokies I've got 👌
It's funny that you're doing a rehouse when I just did a rehouse of the same species but one of mine escaped in my T room and I had to Tear up the whole spider room to find her but I got her what a fight lucky me I didn't kill her trying to catch her ,they are super fast omg and that's what happened to me I tried to tong feed her and she bolted out of enclosure all over the t room after I did the rehousing
Tom just wondering if cutting the bottom off a second simply limeade (not a sponsor :p ) might make a removable cover for bottom of your jug for rehousing instead of cardboard. It may sleeve over/into jug and be easier to juggle and can be seen through.
Hey, Charles! I like the cardboard because I can slip it beneath the spider in tight spaces. That said, a piece of clear Plexiglass would probably be better...thanks!
Hey Tom what’s the biggest jump between molts did you have with the Poecilotheria rufilata. Our female just molted and I’m blown away by the growth spurt. Her previous molt measured 3.75” and this new molt is 5” so she’s at least 5.25”. That’s at least a 1.5” growth spurt.
@@TomsBigSpiders oh wow. That’s a huge jump. I noticed the 4 front legs have massive pads for foots. Was looking at a few others of my Poecilotheria and they seem to be the only ones with those massive pads!!!
That is correct! You will not die, but the experience would be quite unpleasant. That said, if your confident and you practice safe care and rehousing technique, they shouldn't be a problem. They usually want to hide first or bolt next when startled.
Tom always a great video I just acquired 2 Poci myself Thanks for the NEHERP info im in CT also can you go to the place or is it mail order only again thanks for all the info
Tom I have had my Regalis and Metallica for 4 weeks my Metallica is fine but the Regalis dirt curtain the cork bark and haven't seen it since I bought it at the breeder what do I do sorry to bother you
If you had left them on the cork bark would you feel safe lifting that out and putting it in the new enclosure? Often they will just stay on the cork and transfer over but I know it wouldn't be as controlled/safe
Yes, absolutely. I've done that many times before. I don't do it in the videos as there IS a chance that they can bolt, and I'm trying to show the most controlled way as possible. Thanks for chiming in!
Hi tom its amazing rehousing video and glad she didnt try to bolt out and escape. I have old model exa terra tank so I couldnt find anyone that does custom lids for those in etsy site so do you know anyone that make custom lids for old exo terra tanks? I managed to remove the mesh on my own but I am not very comfortable trying to put it together with silicone. I dont know what to do and I would appreciate any help you can give :)
Sadly, because of their bad reputation, many are scared of them. The rep is undeserved, though. They are actually very shy spiders overall. They are often demonized because of their speed and potent venom.
Tom,I gotta question for you. I'm a snake guy.Had 57 diff snakes at one time. Caught,kept,bred all that. What type of venom do the Old World tarantulas posses? Is it hemotoxic or neurotoxin? Cytotoxic? Or a mixed cocktail? My guess,based on your saying muscle spasms,heart palpitations,short of breath etc are symptoms of T envenomation would be mild neurotoxic.. Has anybody done a study on this? You know I just found out recently that Brian Frey of "Monster Bug Wars" is a top expert in the field of venous. That show.....was THE reason I got interested in tarantulas. Whenever a tarantula was fighting a scorpion,a centipede,or the like,they always lost and were eaten. I felt real sorry for them. Somehow watching those bug fights I saw one of your T videos. I was hooked. Plus,my buddie Gary,my upstairs neighbor had a "Smithi" T while I had snakes.
Right when you said "Dirt" I felt sooooo dirty..Then you said "It feel so good" c'mon lad it's a housing video not a porn.. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 .. Wicked good video,keep it up mate
I just got a 6x6x8 Tarantula Cribs arboreal enclosure in a giveaway. It's too pretty to not fill. Do you have any species recommendations that could live in it as an adult? -I'm relatively new. 2 Ts rn. I'd love a C. versi or Y. diversipes, but I'm worried they'd get too big
Hello and congrats! What a cool prize! Unfortunately, most adult arboreal species that I can think of would definitely outgrow an enclosure that size. It would be a great home until they hit about 4" or so, though!
Drove 2.5 hours to a reptile expo this weekend with this T being the main T we were gonna snag. Walked in. Half the tables were no shows. ZERO tarantula people there. So bummed. kids got geckos
Hey, Joyce! Although they are doing experiments with tarantula venom and pain relief, their is no antivenin that I know of. This is probably because none have fatal bites.
@@TomsBigSpiders Unless there is an allergic reaction to the venom. On me a mosquito bite leaves a huge welt that becomes inflamed. I have to use things that kill the pain and take Benadryl and get a shot to get the thing down. The last time I got stung by a bee my left arm swelled so bad I had to wear a pressure bandage. Also had a shot of adrenaline and Benadryl at the ER. Another reason I cannot own a T. Some kick hairs and if I got bit it could kill me from the allergy to it.
Hi Tom, I have just got a 3cm Rufilata,it is only in a small plastic tube at the moment,with its cork bark ect inside,but there isn't room to place a water dish inside.So whats the best way to provide water for the T ? The enclosure is 9 inches tall, by 2.5 inches wide approx.There is plenty of moss,nice tall cork bark,1 or 2 plastic plant leaves ect,but it's almost impossible to get a water dish in 🤔 Thanks Tom.... James
Hi, James! If there is plenty of moss, just make sure that the moss stays moist. You could also gently mist the enclosure and plants right before bed time a couple times a week. Hope that helps!
Thanks Tom 👌 Yes I have been lightly spraying every 2,3 days,but yes moss is the answer....... Once into a bigger enclosure,I'll add a milk bottle top,but at this size,it's impossible to get one in.Ill add a big lump of moss down the side and give it a good soak 👌 Thanks Tom
Hi Tom, My Regalis has just molted and is now 5.5 inches long and is only 6monthes old.I couldn't sex it this time as the molt tore.Ive taken aload of pictures,can I send to you,to see if you have an idea if it's M/F ? James
That is one beautiful T, i really want to get my first T BUT i asked the wife and she said "no way" lol kinda bummed but maybe i will keep trying. I was looking at a Sub adult Pink toe at my local pet shop.
Just a quic question Tom have you a idea of how many arachnids in your care? Or is it a estimate. I’ve always been curious. All the best pal. Tom in the UK.
@@TomsBigSpiders that's a pretty impress amount of T's mate 🤟🏻, great video, i love pokies, I've got a regalis community '5' and a breeding pair of mettalicas, I want a pair of rufilata as I like their colours, cheers from Scotland 🏴💪🏻
Hey Tom how often do change your substrate, especially the old worlds that web a lot? I haven't change my substrate for 2 years since it doesn't get moldy.
Hey, bud! For dry species, not often at all. For moisture dependent ones, I will rehouse if I discover prey rotting in burrows or if I feel that the soil is too dirty. I don't usually do that until 2 or 3 years though.
I have 7 species of pokies but I still don’t have a rufilata. I’m so glad you do these pokie videos to show that if you stay calm they are really easy to deal with. I’ve never gotten any defensive behavior with mine but, I watched you for 2 years before I got my first t. You have taught me so much over the past 4 years. Thank you for all the info between your vids and podcasts. You are most definitely a benefit to the hobby.
Hey, Darcy! Awwww...that means so much! I really appreciate that. I do these videos specifically to make folks feel better about rehousing theirs. It makes it worth it to hear that they were actually helpful. :)
@@TomsBigSpiders 💜💜
I just got one as one of my 1st OW, got an OBT sling too :)
Getting a few pokies next week and a free Metallica my first pokies and some of my first T’s in general I don’t really care what they say about their behavior my first T was actually an orange baboon so I go against the rules a little 😂
Love your stuff Tom. I just purchased a 3 1/2” female. I have quite a few pokies but this one just stands out like the Metallica. Keep up the great work. From one metal head to another!!🤘🏼
Love the video can't wait until my 2.5 sling gets bigger!!
Thanks, Juan! And it won't be long!
This video helped so much. My wife and I just rehoused our 5 inch rufilata. You've mentioned many times to do a walkthrough beforehand, and it's amazing how much easier it makes things. It gave us the confidence we needed for a very smooth rehouse.
I didn't really understand the red slate part of the name, but we lit it up with LED after it had time to settle in and WOW!
I'm so glad that this was helpful and that your rehousing went well. That's awesome!!! Happy New Year!
I was feeding my Ts and great timing for this Vid
Awesome! Hopefully, you enjoyed it. :)
Rufilatas are such underrated pokies. I love those greens and yellows. Just gorgeous!
I agree completely, Boo!
I just got mine home and fed them. They ate right away and showed off BLUE PEDIPALPS!!!?!?! Amazing spider!
Tom,as a teacher you'll be proud of me.
Never heard the word "festoon" before.
Of course,from the way you used it,I could surmise the meaning but I looked it up anyway.
I sometimes think Tarantula keepers,not you per se,and even the founders of the species are inherently color blind.
This pokey is called red slate.
I dont see any red in all the ones seen.
I see a green spider.
But time after time,I see a purple spider,the T owner says blue.
Or he/she says blue and I see brown.I guess the viewer sees a different color than the camera and maybe the overhead lights play a part too.
I am definitely not color blind.....not yet.
Hahaha Billie makes fun of me all of the time for busting out the odd words. haha Sorry about that! And you're not color blind...half of these things are described with the wrong colors. haha
I’m jealous that you have a table saw, mind you, if I get one my darling hubby would probs cut either his fingers off or even worse, mine. DIY was never his strong point.
Bless him, he looks after me like no one else would.
I LOVE my table saw, Bobbie. And I always check that all of my fingers are still there after using it. haha Thanks so much!
Beautiful girl and lovely enclosure. Also a very entertaining rehouse.
Thank you so much, Kim!
I finally got two rufilata slings last week. That brings me to 14 pokies now. Man I love this genus
That's awesome, Darcy! I finally managed to get a P. rufilata, and I also picked up a P. tigrinawesselli, a P. miranda, and a P. striata. I love them, too. haha
@@TomsBigSpiders I have an AF striata and a sling, AF regalis and two juvies, female juvie Formosa, male juvie Trigrinawesseli, two Miranda slings, mm Smithi, pen ult p met, two rufilata slings , Vitatta sling, Subfusca LL sling and an AF Hanumavilasumica. Just added the vitatta and Subfusca 😊
What’s not to love about this genus
You're getting good at timing uploads. Gold star for you 🌟
Ha! I'm so glad that I didn't disappoint this week. haha
Ahh, something I know something about, the shpagnum moss!! Yes it's bright green and people tend to think it's dyed because of that and their animal gets green on it. I had a turtle and used that moss and his feet and mouth turned green, but it's not dye, it's the equivalent of a grass stain, like when we rub grass we will get a green stain. But always be on the safe side, read the package. That said, this is a very beautiful Pokie!! Melody Trotter
Hey, Melody! Well, thank you SO MUCH for that explanation! This stuff is supposed to be 100% natural, so I'm guessing that any green I may see will be natural and from the moss. :)
@@TomsBigSpiders yes, if you take your fingers and handle that moss, like rubbing it, your fingers will turn green.
@@RealMelodyBlue And then I will FINALLY have a green thumb...instead of the black one I currently possess. hahaha ;)
Your spider cave is looking great!
Thank you very much...it's getting there!
Yes the big Guns the beast from the East the big kahuna my Love 🇺🇲🕸️🐺🕷️🇺🇲
Hahaha Thanks, Ambermichaels!
Beautiful spider awesome enclosure great video
Thank you very much, Angie!
Great vid Tom, love to You, Billy and the Bubba’s ❤️❤️💕 xx
Thank you so much, Caron! :)
Sometimes I’ll take an extra long bendy straw (appx 14”) and place it in through one of the side catch cup holes to lightly blow air on the T.
Nice for getting in tighter spaces without getting too close.
Great video as always, can’t believe I missed this one when you uploaded it.
Thats a great idea! That would definitely make it easier to direct the airflow. Thanks!
Those colours are to die for, got 2 unsexed juveniles, absolutely beautiful just a shame I NEVER see them out, also questioning what is larger this or the ornata is so close
Hey, Robbie! Yup, there is nothing like a green tarantula. I'm lucky in that I catch mine out quite a bit. This one has been sitting on the side of the glass all day. Let's hope that continues. haha And I've seen a 10+" ornata as well, so they are both huge spiders.
@@TomsBigSpiders yeah my ornata is out all the time, the rufilata just hides which is a shame but if its happy it's happy I don't mind. I just did a video on all my avicularia, after this one I'm thinking I should do all my poecilotheria just to spend more time with them all lol
Another great video. Thanks Tom!
Thank you so much, Wes!
I want to shout to your wife, Billie or Billy, not exactly sure how she spells it so plz forgive me for that, but she seems so supportive and helpful and friendly. I love to hear her laugh and to hear the way she makes suggestions and helps out all she can, while all the while keeping a steady hand on the camera. She's truly a treasure. So thank you Tom for the solid and down to earth care info and thank you Billie for all the hard work on and off screen. This is my number 1 channel for care and keeping. I have 30 including a rufilata sling. I don't really do bio -active but I've found that springtails show up on their own with moisture dependant species. Great video. Thank you both.
It's Billie...and thank you! She truly is, and I couldn't do this stuff without her. She is BEYOND supportive! haha And thank you very much for the kind words!
Hey no problem. Thank YOU sir... and Mrs. Moran for all your hard work.
Leaf litter fills many purpous. Like you said about bioactive. Another purpous is that many speicies. Ephebopus for example use leafs to incorporate in burrow construction. Many asian fossorials do the same. Also it looks nice for keeper. I seldom let plants acclamitize. I just put them in there together with spider. Sometimes i even plant a tank when apider have lived for a while if i think the terrarium needs more plants. Keep up the good work friend!
I always have people ask why I add it to enclosures that don't have plants, so I just say that I like the looks of it. It really does spruce things up! Sorry for the delay; I hope all is well!
Your timing is awesome. I have two of these. One I am waiting on to molt so I can rehouse it. It's about 4" and this video really gave me some insight on their behavior. Sad you couldn't get a full shot of her, but stunning spider just the same.
Whoohooo!!! Good timing indeed! Check out the short that I posted shortly afterward. I caught her out right after I posted this. haha ua-cam.com/video/Q71KJ2kAVOg/v-deo.html
@@TomsBigSpiders I saw that! It was like a satisfying story arc.
Even Haplopelma have this, i rarely have threatpostures, they usually hunker up and don't wanna move. Nice rehouse!
Hey, Ferdy! Yup, I've found the same. They all tend to get a bad rep.
@@TomsBigSpiders same. I got 65 asian Ts, 2 of which are as portrayed online XD
Love your videos, just gotten my first Ts. A T. Piura, a P. Machala and a few slings. One of them a H. pulchripes after doing alot of reasearch, and still thinking it will be the right decission for me. Love your videos and podcasts! Greetings from Schleswig!
Thank you so much! And congrats on your new slings; you have some awesome ones coming there! Thanks again, and greetings from the US!
As for the poke and pray pokies method i agree staying calm helps. i just rehoused my P formosa a couple days ago. Catch cup wasnt helping at all so i slowly lined up cages and guided her. Zero problems perfect rehouse
Yup, it can definitely work out if the spider stays calm, Jason!
A Scotch is a great idea after a tricky rehouse. A lovely speyside single malt.
What's your favorite Speyside? I'm a single malt guy myself, and I love the smoky/peaty Isla Scotch. That said, I've been branching out lately. What should I try? :)
@@TomsBigSpiders I have a very nice Macallan 12year double cask. Also the Aberlour 12year double cask is very good. Just bought a very tasty Glendronach 15year revival which is a very fruity highland whisky. I do like some of the Islay whisky too.
@@paulnorris982 Oh, the Macallan...of course! I LOVE Macallan. Funny story...Billie actually got me a bottle of Macallan years ago, and that bottle is what got me into scotch in the first place. And, after getting into them, the next bottle I got was Aberlour A'bunadh (which I love). I have a Glendronach, but I'd have to see which year. You have great tastes, my friend!
@@TomsBigSpiders if you like the peaty ones then the Highland Park Dragon Legend is lovely, from Orkney, cool looking bottles too. You have great taste too.
Wow!! I just rehoused my Homoeomma Chilensis today. Lol! This video really puts things in perspective as to where I am on the ladder of experience. Whew! You get a feeling of satisfaction after a rehouse like you've just redecorated a room in your own house. Something that a non arachnid keeper wouldn't understand. Great video. Held my breath.
Ha! I hope that it went well! Thank you so much!
@@TomsBigSpiders Yes. It went well. She's just a woopy-oopie cutie-pootie. Lol.
Just finished building some enclosures! Great vid as always
That's awesome, Lilly! And thank you!
Hey Tom great video and my favourite pokie just because of the colours I bought mine as a sling and is been growing well.i agree mine has never been defensive they would rather walk away.same has my others.dont let the potent venom put of from buying them they are amazing tarantulas to own.
Hey, James! It was my favorite pokie for this video, but I can never settle on my favorite. I love them all! haha And I'm glad that you have had the same experiences. The venom gives them a bad rap, and it's a shame.
Thanks Tom . Good one ! Against my better judgement , I bought a B boehmei from Pet co yesterday as sorta of a rescue . Explained to the lady that they were keeping they're spiders way too moist , some you couldn't see through the condensation . Anyhow , my striata's going to molt very soon . Thanks again !
We've all been there, Dan...myself included. I have a very hard time leaving an animal to die in poor conditions. I hope that it does well for you!
Beautiful enclosure as always... great work!
Thank you so much, Zq!
Nicely done!
Thank you, James !
My local shop has the Exo-Terra Mini Extra Tall (12x12x24in). I will grab a couple at the end of the month as all my pokies are growing like weeds. I use peat moss from the garden centre for most of my spideys, but for sphagnum moss I collect mine live from Dartmoor just a couple of miles away.
I love those enclosures myself, Simon. And they are great for large pokies. And that sounds awesome!
Once again another fantastic video. You are a legend and inspiration Tom. Love your page. Much love from Yorkshire England. In very new to the hobby. I have 6 species. Which I'm happy with. Next year I plan on just upgrading their husbandry with glass enclosures. 2 of my species are already in them. The others not yet as juveniles and an overgrown spiderling about 2 inch. I want to concentrate on what I have rather adding atm :)
Greetings from the US! Thanks so much, Joff...I truly appreciate that. And good on you for taking it slowly. This hobby is SO addictive that many people find that they go from a few to 50 in a year. :) Thanks again!
I love pokies, mine are very calm when moving. I have had good luck (knock on wood) walking from one enclosure to another with lite and calm use of a paint brush. I know they large and have the potential of a nasty bite but they aren’t a cranky spider. I know you probably don’t agree but I think that they are probably the best old world beginner T. Love your information. Watching you got me started in this hobby.
Me too, Larry. And I've found the same thing...they are usually pretty easy to keep calm. And I think that under the correct circumstances, someone could do quite well with them. The only issue is that people that first get into old world spiders start off being very intimidated by them. This can lead to rehousing mistakes that could, in theory, result in a defensive pokie. They are great when someone treats them with respect and stays calm...it's when people freak out that the accidents can happen. Thanks!
Great rehouse video as always
Thank you, Channy!
I don’t think I have a non favorite spider, lol. I love them all
Neither do I, dude. That's my problem. haha
18:10 is never to early lol. I’m already waisted. Rated PG people😌 watching Tom can’t get better!!! Piece and love✌🏼
BAHAHAHAHA This got a huge laugh out of BOTH Bilie and I, Jorge!!!
She’s gorgeous!!! I find the same thing... like jewels in pulp fiction said: BE COOL
and in fact, they’re cool🤘🏽😎 have a
Happy thanksgiving brother!
Thank you! I hope that you and yours had a Happy Thanksgiving!
Bahahaha Great quote!
Nice vid and set up 👍
Thank you very much!
Nice tank and spider. Never too early for a drink. I agree!!🙂. Its often the people that have problems with maskulinety that says rubbish like that! On to setups. I always mix in cow dung into the substrate in those terrariums that are planted. I live on the countryside so we have lots of cows living here. I have done it for years. Provides good nutricion for the plants. I use maybe 30% cowdung and the rest soil or clay. I dry out the dung after collecting it. Iften it us rather dry anyway. Then i crumble it and mix it in Good for the substrate. Good for the climate, and free of charge. So there is a tip for you!
Hey, bud! Hahaha Never have truer words been spoken! Yeah, those type of comments REALLY irriate me. NO, getting bit makes me stupid...not a man. haha And I have actually avoided using anything with animal dung in it as I was afraid of undesirables (like flies). That's a great tip. Thanks, bud!
@@TomsBigSpiders No, its nit going to spawn flies. Not when i use it. I always use it when ut is has dried. I cant think of any more natural fertilizer? Sometimes one have to think outside the box.
As always great video
Thanks so much, Anthony!
Amazing setup and gorgeous spider ! While you were setting up the enclosure, I couldn't help but notice that spider tattoo on your arm. Versicolor ?
Glad to see that the transfer didn't pose too much problem. I applaud your focus on safety rather than getting the best shot. Wish more UA-camrs would follow your example.
Stay safe and thanks for sharing :)
Hey, Luc! Thank you so much. I was rather proud of that setup. haha Hopefully, she doesn't cover everything in poo.
Yeah, I know that we don't always get the good shots, but I'm not about to put the spider or Billie and I at risk trying to pose her. That's just not what we do here. :)
Thanks again!!
Tom
Such a pretty tarantula can't wait to get into these just waiting till my little boy gets a bit older first 😊 & Can't have a favourite pokie each one is stunning in its own right 😊 great vid Tom 👍
Hi, Charlene! That makes total sense to me! And you are 100%...you CAN'T have a favorite. It's impossible. haha Thanks again!
Oh my gosh! I've been looking for a place here I CT to order from! Thank you!
Ohhh they are out of Plainville? It's an online store only. I wish they had a store front 😭 haha I'm placing an order now.
Glad that I could help, Adrianna! :)
My rufilata is an amazingly beautiful T and a favorite of mine ( all of them are my favorite but you get it lol). I have never had the "scary" experience with this T. My wife and I are truly grateful to you for your videos and podcasts, that knowledge base has really helped my wife and get into the hobby with out many of the fears and common mistakes.
By the way full disclosure my wife is the "keeper" and has brought me on this fun journey. The rufilata is my first T, I wanted a beautiful green T as my first. Thanks to you and all the research my wife did my first T has been an awesome experience.
Yup, all of mine are my favorites, too! I TOTALLY get that. haha Thank you both so much for the very kind words...this made my day! :)
Fall expo in Edmonton, Canada this weekend. Ordered a 3" female for pick up tomorrow
That's awesome Mike - Congrats!
Funny I guess I do it wrong.... I take a drink before rehoming. You are for sure braver and calmer than me. 🙃 lol
Bahahahaha I can definitely see that...calm the old nerves! haha
I love that you did a rufilata video. When In comparison to other pokies, I believe they are underappreciated. So far, I have four rufilatas, which I prefer to the others.
Thank you, Anthony! I agree completely. Heck, I slept on them for quite some time.
great video tom .
Thank you very much!
Brilliant video Tom as usual, very informative and very enjoyable, magnificent species and a brilliant set up, always very agreeable viewing, without a doubt, thanks to you and Billie for all the wonderful content you put out!!!!.
Thank you so much, George! I tried to pack this one with info. And I was pretty proud of that setup, so thanks!
This is such an amazing spider! Thank you so much for sharing. Watching your videos has encouraged me to get two slings and begin an amazing hobby. I got my "beginner" slings from Fear Not Tarantulas and you came highly recommended. Thank you again
They really are, Josh! And that's awesome! Thank YOU for taking the time to comment!
I have never done a setup i started watching dart frog videos and northern frogger does an excellent job with bioactive his tips will help with mold problems I see in a lot of tarantula enclosure videos. He hasn't posted in a long time computer issues. If you get a chance check him out.
I'll check him out. To be clear, this is NOT a bioactive enclosure. It's an enclosure with a plant. Bioactives must be kept much more moist and rely on good bacteria and fungus to keep the correct levels in the tank. It's basically it's own little eco system. I don't try to do that with my tarantulas.
Winter drives me nuts, I teach myself not to over-do moisture but then it gets hard not to obsess over it again once the heater dries up enclosures so quickly this time of year. 😥
Me too, Zulema. I tend to be extra careful this time a year due to how quickly things dry out.
Another great vid, Tom! Learned how to rehouse my Pokies from you and my rufilata was the first. Thank you!
Just got a P. tigrinawesseli today. Hope to see a vid of one of them from you soon.
Great camera work as usual, Billie!
Hey, Fred! Man, thank you so much. That means a lot! Unfortunately, my P. tigrinawesseli is an old man. :( I have to try to get more. And thanks for noticing Billie's work!
19:25 I was like: do not turn the bottle round.. do not turn the bottle.. She's a beauty Tom
Hahaha Nothing like creating some unintentional suspense! hahaha Thanks, bud!
What a gorgeous spider! Thank You for filming the enclosure set up too, it was very informative. I personally don't keep old worlds, but videos like this help with aa kinds. You have always said if the keeper stays calm, the spider will be calm. That statement has gotten me through many re-houses!
Thank you so much, Toni! Yeah, I've had a lot of folks ask why I don't show the setups, so I figured that I'd start including them. And I'm so glad that it's worked for you. Thank you!
Great a trouble free rehousing we'll done tom
Just the way we like the, Paul...thank you!
I like to break the top opening of the cork round at an angle so the opening is more to the side or front that straight out the top and it seems to help because the spider will sit right in the opening and tends to come out and rest on the outside of the bark quite often because it's so easy to slip back in. My rufilata and my psalmopoeus irminia are set up this way and it's funny ....they'll keep one toe in the door at all times when they're out and when disturbed they'll jump back in and go deep but after a brief hide they'll be right back out.
Great tip!
Aaah I have the exact same plastic boxes! But I use them for burial Ts ;D
They are great for the diggers! :)
Hey Tom! We must have similar collections as these guys are probably my favorite Pokies. I actually ended up with a boy and girl. Love these guys and my male has the most vibrant reddish colored hairs - he's magnificent! The green in these guys is what sealed the deal for me. There aren't very many green tarantulas out there and these guys are just beautiful! Thanks again for the excellent content and for some ideas for the next / final homes for my pair.
At what age do you think maturity is reached (roughly) ?
As for the dye in the moss, I did find the review that discussed this concern. Please contact me under the same name on the "boards" and we can discuss further.
Yup, the green is what did it for me, too. There just aren't enough green tarantulas! Enough with the blue already! haha
As for maturity, it would be difficult to put an age on it because depending on temps and genetics, one person's female might be mature at 3 years while another might take 5. I would say that they are likely mature at 8+" or so.
The TF boards?
Thanks for chiming in!
@@TomsBigSpiders My male is 7" now and might be a year old. He looks ready to go but my girl is a bit smaller. Just afraid she's not going to reach maturity before his time is up....
Either TF or AB will work. I have accounts on both.
Absolutely gorgeous, mine's only about 2", I can't wait to see it at that size!💜💚
It won't be too long, Bobbi! :)
Awesome video man 🤘 I find the rufilata to be the worst for doing the 'poop cannon' thing 😆
Hey, Dan! I actually got video of this one pooping last night. haha It's so true!
Local shop has one of these and I came here to see what Tom said about them … I’m considering getting one … video dose not do the color way of it justice… it is a absolutely beautiful spider
Nope those colors just don't come out as well on video. I would grab one if you feel ready. :) Mine both molted again recently and are pushing 9".
Always honest and real, not edited and I know what I’m getting into. Thanks!! Just one question- what is that standard leaf litter I see everyone use?
Can I just use crushed up oak leaves?
Thanks so much, Chrystal! And if they are clean, yes you can!
@@TomsBigSpiders thanks!
@@TomsBigSpiders I am new to the hobby. I did a ton of research and I just went for it! I just got a Metallica and I was so nervous to get it out of the vile and into the enclosure. it is barely an inch and harmless, so it was no big deal and it didn’t even run. But maybe when it’s 7 inches I will mail it to you😆.
I don't have any "Pokie" species yet. I think I'm going to order the Rufilata soon.
Beautiful spider!
just got one of these along with a few others. it's only 1.5" or so but man what a crazy eater! I also have a regalis that's been in premolt for a super long time. just sorta hanging out and not eating but getting more and more bloated everyday lol
Hey, Dylan! They really are awesome hunters. And hopefully your P. regalis molts for you soon!
@Tom Moran it molted this morning. tried to get a look at the molt but it chewed it up so bad haha it was basically impossible. ventrally though it looks female. Pokies are pretty easy to tell ventrally
Vry nice Tom 👌 😊
Thank you, Jay!
Mine just molted out female! I definitely want to try something like this when she gets bigger. I only have two tarantulas, so I really want to create something cool for them to live in.
Congrats on getting a lady, Marina!
Hey Tom, been catching up on youtube/podcasts since I unplugged for a while while I was house hunting and going through that whole process. I'm finally moving into my first home and I'll have a T/invert room and might be able to finally attempt some breeding in the future. Awesome video and an absolutely stunning species! I'm really excited for my rufilata to begin to show it's green colorations. I absolutely love my pokies and am really excited because I'm about to FINALLY get my hands on a couple ornatas since someone here has produced a sac (I've never been able to find ESA species available here). Hope you and your family had a fantastic holiday and new year!
First off, congrats on moving into your first home...that's fantastic! And even better that you'll have your own T room. Talk about living the dream. :) I wonder if you're getting your P. ornatas from the same place I'm looking at getting them... ;) Happy New Year, bud!
Tom is the tarantulaman. Worldwide
Hahahaha Thanks, Columbo!
@@TomsBigSpiders haha. Happy new Year.
What a beautiful 🕷️🥰
Thank you, Kenny!
It is tough to move to a new school in midterm. How are you doing? Kids are able to fit in most places and are very flexible with new situations. It is only people my age who dislike change. How is Billie adjusting? I bet she loves the extra space. It is a great set up and a pretty T, although Pocis are not my fave. We are looking for a doodle of some kind *smaller or medium*. They go anywhere from 1800 to 3000 dollars. Mike would rather spend that on a dog, but still won't let me get a female T who is less than three years old. My hands are very bad due to RA. So I guess an older pup or young dog would be best.
Hi, Joyce! Well, we finally have kids back in school full time, so I'm feeling much better this school year. I'm also in charge of my own literacy class, which I am LOVING. Last year, I was in more of a co-teaching role, and there wasn't much for me to do. I like teaching, not standing around trying to get kids to participate on thier computeres. Billie is LOVING the new house as well. We are buying a plot of land right next to our house so that we are buffered on both sides. After years of "interesting" neighbors, we are enjoying the privacy. Awwwww...keep us updated on the puppy hunt. We have four dogs of our own and adore them. :)
Great video Tom, the rufilata has always been on my wishlist. Also great tattoo! Is it still on healing?
Thanks so much, Fred! It's been about a month, so it's getting there!
AWESOME Pokies i have an adult female she had a bad molt but shes doing fine just a few mangled legs but shes moving about ok and eating
Thank you, Michael!
@@TomsBigSpiders Your welcome Tom
I need to get myself a Pokie 😍
Yes, yes you do. haha ;)
Hey Tom,
My Rufilata has just molted,couple of days ago,is now a big juvenile-however is putting on loads of Size,down to heavy eating !! 😊
Can I send you some pics,??
James.....🕷
That's awesome! You'll have a monster spider on your hands very soon!
Can't wait 😊 you have somewhere I can send you some pics Tom ?
Can only uploads vids on here,for my channel,but can't send pics ect......
If you have Facebook or email or something,I'd luv to see some of your pokies and can Show you some of the Pokies I've got 👌
It's funny that you're doing a rehouse when I just did a rehouse of the same species but one of mine escaped in my T room and I had to Tear up the whole spider room to find her but I got her what a fight lucky me I didn't kill her trying to catch her ,they are super fast omg and that's what happened to me I tried to tong feed her and she bolted out of enclosure all over the t room after I did the rehousing
Oh man, Tim...that doesn't sound like fun! Yeah, I avoid tong feeding for just that reason. For me, it's just not worth the risk. Thanks!
@@TomsBigSpiders it was a big roach at that but I'm so glad I got her with no harm no foul
Tom just wondering if cutting the bottom off a second simply limeade (not a sponsor :p ) might make a removable cover for bottom of your jug for rehousing instead of cardboard. It may sleeve over/into jug and be easier to juggle and can be seen through.
Hey, Charles! I like the cardboard because I can slip it beneath the spider in tight spaces. That said, a piece of clear Plexiglass would probably be better...thanks!
Hey Tom what’s the biggest jump between molts did you have with the Poecilotheria rufilata. Our female just molted and I’m blown away by the growth spurt. Her previous molt measured 3.75” and this new molt is 5” so she’s at least 5.25”. That’s at least a 1.5” growth spurt.
Hey, Stuart! Mine went from about 4 to 5.5. I've found that many of the pokies have that one big molt when they put on some massive size!
@@TomsBigSpiders oh wow. That’s a huge jump. I noticed the 4 front legs have massive pads for foots. Was looking at a few others of my Poecilotheria and they seem to be the only ones with those massive pads!!!
Is my understanding correct? Please correct me if I'm wrong. For a normal healthy person their venom is not deadly. Just lots of nasty effects.
That is correct! You will not die, but the experience would be quite unpleasant. That said, if your confident and you practice safe care and rehousing technique, they shouldn't be a problem. They usually want to hide first or bolt next when startled.
Tom always a great video I just acquired 2 Poci myself Thanks for the NEHERP info im in CT also can you go to the place or is it mail order only again thanks for all the info
Congrats on your Pocies! And I believe that they are in Meriden, and you can go to the storefront.
Tom I have had my Regalis and Metallica for 4 weeks my Metallica is fine but the Regalis dirt curtain the cork bark and haven't seen it since I bought it at the breeder what do I do sorry to bother you
If you had left them on the cork bark would you feel safe lifting that out and putting it in the new enclosure? Often they will just stay on the cork and transfer over but I know it wouldn't be as controlled/safe
Yes, absolutely. I've done that many times before. I don't do it in the videos as there IS a chance that they can bolt, and I'm trying to show the most controlled way as possible. Thanks for chiming in!
Hi tom its amazing rehousing video and glad she didnt try to bolt out and escape. I have old model exa terra tank so I couldnt find anyone that does custom lids for those in etsy site so do you know anyone that make custom lids for old exo terra tanks? I managed to remove the mesh on my own but I am not very comfortable trying to put it together with silicone. I dont know what to do and I would appreciate any help you can give :)
Hey, Suleyman! I'm honestly not sure if anyone is doing them at the moment. I replace all of mine myself usually. I'll keep a look out!
Awesome when I do it I'm gonna make the silicone look like a spider web even if you cant see it lol
Let me know how that goes, Travis!
So I’ve seen some UA-camrs claim they don’t keep pokies? What’s the reasoning for most?
Sadly, because of their bad reputation, many are scared of them. The rep is undeserved, though. They are actually very shy spiders overall. They are often demonized because of their speed and potent venom.
Tom,I gotta question for you.
I'm a snake guy.Had 57 diff snakes at one time.
Caught,kept,bred all that.
What type of venom do the Old World tarantulas posses?
Is it hemotoxic or neurotoxin?
Cytotoxic?
Or a mixed cocktail?
My guess,based on your saying muscle spasms,heart palpitations,short of breath etc are symptoms of T envenomation
would be mild neurotoxic..
Has anybody done a study on this?
You know I just found out recently that Brian Frey of "Monster Bug Wars" is a top expert in the field of venous.
That show.....was THE reason I got interested in tarantulas.
Whenever a tarantula was fighting a scorpion,a centipede,or the like,they always lost and were eaten.
I felt real sorry for them.
Somehow watching those bug fights I saw one of your T videos.
I was hooked.
Plus,my buddie Gary,my upstairs neighbor had a "Smithi" T while I had snakes.
venous>venom
Right when you said "Dirt" I felt sooooo dirty..Then you said "It feel so good" c'mon lad it's a housing video not a porn.. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 .. Wicked good video,keep it up mate
That's what we're about here at Tom's Big Spiders...thinly veiled innuendo for the adults in the audience. It's how we roll... hahaha Thanks, bud!
I just got a 6x6x8 Tarantula Cribs arboreal enclosure in a giveaway. It's too pretty to not fill. Do you have any species recommendations that could live in it as an adult?
-I'm relatively new. 2 Ts rn. I'd love a C. versi or Y. diversipes, but I'm worried they'd get too big
Hello and congrats! What a cool prize! Unfortunately, most adult arboreal species that I can think of would definitely outgrow an enclosure that size. It would be a great home until they hit about 4" or so, though!
Their a very nice looking pokie tom how come people say their under rated ??
I think that some pass them up for other Poecilotheria species.
❤
Thank you!
I've the're the largest T among arboreal species so I was wondering if an big enclosure (10x 10x 14) is appropiate.
Yes, they can reach sizes of 10". That enclosure would be fine for a larger specimen.
What do you do about the care of your spiders when you go on vacation?
Hi, Dawn! I haven't been on vacation in 30 years. haha I'm a huge homebody. :)
Drove 2.5 hours to a reptile expo this weekend with this T being the main T we were gonna snag. Walked in. Half the tables were no shows. ZERO tarantula people there. So bummed. kids got geckos
Hey, Jason! Oh man, that SUCKS. I'm so sorry to hear that.
Yeah i was ready to tear a T table up
I always wondered if there is an antivenin for T's.
Hey, Joyce! Although they are doing experiments with tarantula venom and pain relief, their is no antivenin that I know of. This is probably because none have fatal bites.
@@TomsBigSpiders Unless there is an allergic reaction to the venom. On me a mosquito bite leaves a huge welt that becomes inflamed. I have to use things that kill the pain and take Benadryl and get a shot to get the thing down. The last time I got stung by a bee my left arm swelled so bad I had to wear a pressure bandage. Also had a shot of adrenaline and Benadryl at the ER.
Another reason I cannot own a T. Some kick hairs and if I got bit it could kill me from the allergy to it.
Those exoterra min talls provide right type of ventilation for abhoreals?
I've had no issues with them as long as there is good air circulation in the room.
Hi Tom,
I have just got a 3cm Rufilata,it is only in a small plastic tube at the moment,with its cork bark ect inside,but there isn't room to place a water dish inside.So whats the best way to provide water for the T ?
The enclosure is 9 inches tall, by 2.5 inches wide approx.There is plenty of moss,nice tall cork bark,1 or 2 plastic plant leaves ect,but it's almost impossible to get a water dish in 🤔
Thanks Tom....
James
Hi, James! If there is plenty of moss, just make sure that the moss stays moist. You could also gently mist the enclosure and plants right before bed time a couple times a week. Hope that helps!
Thanks Tom 👌
Yes I have been lightly spraying every 2,3 days,but yes moss is the answer.......
Once into a bigger enclosure,I'll add a milk bottle top,but at this size,it's impossible to get one in.Ill add a big lump of moss down the side and give it a good soak 👌
Thanks Tom
Hi Tom,
My Regalis has just molted and is now 5.5 inches long and is only 6monthes old.I couldn't sex it this time as the molt tore.Ive taken aload of pictures,can I send to you,to see if you have an idea if it's M/F ?
James
That is one beautiful T, i really want to get my first T BUT i asked the wife and she said "no way" lol kinda bummed but maybe i will keep trying. I was looking at a Sub adult Pink toe at my local pet shop.
Ugghhhh... we have to keep working on her, Ed. She has to give in eventually. :)
@@TomsBigSpiders thanks for your reply and concern lol I really hope so!!
Do you need to clean out a hollow cork ever? My chevron molted in there, and I pulled it out
I haven't had to. If they live in there, they usually keep it rather clean.
Just a quic question Tom have you a idea of how many arachnids in your care? Or is it a estimate. I’ve always been curious. All the best pal. Tom in the UK.
Right now, I have 224 tarantulas, 17 true spiders, 2 centipedes, and 10 scorpions.
Thanks for that my pal Tom in the USA.
Also that is a very impressive collection, well done my friend!
@@TomsBigSpiders that's a pretty impress amount of T's mate 🤟🏻, great video, i love pokies, I've got a regalis community '5' and a breeding pair of mettalicas, I want a pair of rufilata as I like their colours, cheers from Scotland 🏴💪🏻
Hey Tom how often do change your substrate, especially the old worlds that web a lot? I haven't change my substrate for 2 years since it doesn't get moldy.
Hey, bud! For dry species, not often at all.
For moisture dependent ones, I will rehouse if I discover prey rotting in burrows or if I feel that the soil is too dirty. I don't usually do that until 2 or 3 years though.
@@TomsBigSpiders okay, I will do the same. Thanks.