Reddit reviews Tarantula Keeper's Guide, The

I would get a sling, but with that species it doesn't matter as much just my preference. I like seeing them grow and I get much more attached. If you do get a sling, don't use a critter keeper as small spiders can fit through the grading. I think B. emilia is a great first choice, great small spider (only about 3.75 " if I remember correctly) and very quirky and they live FOREVER (also means that it will grow very slow). Stan Shultz (author of The Tarantula Keepers Guide) had a female that passed that was at least 34 years old (he thinks it was probably close to 40!). Please buy that book as well, it is sooooooo helpful.

You do not need a heat pad or light for your tarantula so don't worry about that. As a sling I would wet down one corner for humidity and gradually move to a bowl over time, but no need to mist. They also are burrowers especially as slings, so make sure it can dig if it wants. Good luck, you will enjoy your little sling!

First, get this book: http://www.amazon.com/Tarantula-Keepers-Guide-Stanley-Schultz/dp/0764100769

Question 1: I have been keeping spiders since I was about 15 (35 years ago!). I currently keep 7 or 8 species. In the last 10 years, I have held or touched tarantulas less than 10 times. They don't enjoy human contact, and it is actually a little dangerous for both parties. For example, new world tarantulas have hairs on their abdomens (urticating hairs) that some people are really sensitive to (including me). I am so sensitive that I have to clean their cages while wearing thick rubber gloves. Another example: if you drop your tarantula (or she/he falls) from a considerable height, there is a really good chance it will rupture its abdomen. Even the slightest wound is going to kill it. It is just best to have them remain terrarium pets.

Question 2: I use long handled tweezers to pick up dead insects and body parts. When I have to clean the entire enclosure (roughly every six months), I use a soft-bristled paint brush to nudge the spider into a smaller container with a lid (I use one of those cheap plastic cages they give you when you buy a mouse at a pet store). I also use a good pair of tongs to pick up their water dish for cleaning. I sterilize it once a week (soaking it in hot water with some chlorine bleach) and keep it filled with fresh water (inexplicably, crickets like to drown themselves in it, so fish them out whenever you see one).