James Carr - 2011-06-19 Hello. I had my blondi for about 2 months and she is just over a year old, during its first moult it lost a leg. A week later I gave her a large locust, she did not eat it that day; I went to see her in the morning to see if she had eaten it. But when I looked in she was dead! The locust was dead too. Though I don't think the locust would have killed her. HER FANGS WERE BURIED INSIDE HER OWN BODY! It obviously looks like she killed herself! Would this be the case? I was so upset about it. I have heard they can rip off their own limbs? Maybe she was stressed about the locust just being in the tank? Please help!
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Brandon M - 2011-07-09 I don't have a Goliath but I do have a Rose hair. And I've had mine for bout 5 months. When my rose hair molted, he lost a leg. If the leg doesn't come out right or is injured, they will break them off to avoid further damage. The insect could have very well have bit the spider though. A large cricket can bite a spiders leg and they'll have to break it off. Now my spider was found in his water bowl about a week ago and is now just twitching. He wont move at all so I want to go ahead and suggest, make sure your water bowl isn't bigger than the spider. I hope this helps you with your next spider. Just remember, they are dangerous but they can still be hurt. So do what I do and only feed when he/she is hungry. And make sure that the insect or whatever you feed it isn't much bigger than the spider.
Brandon M - 2011-07-09 Also, it won't kill itself with its fangs. They always have them tucked like that to protect them.
tom - 2011-09-20 You have a spackterded spider there or you DID have a spackterded spider my adivice?: put it on your teachers head or in the fridge!!
emyr thomas - 2011-10-07 Hi. you're goliath lost a limb during moulting because the enviroment in which you kept it was too dry !!! and you shouldnt have fed it for at least 2 weeks after it moulted !!! The tank it lived in should be damp and humid , about 90%. It wouldn't have lost a limb if this was the case , and when its moulted its new fangs are very fragile, they need at least 2 weeks to harden up before you feed it again !!! You obviously should read up about caring for youre spider to avoid this happening again !!! Look on the internet for care sheets on youre chosen spider !!! we all make mistakes , hopefully you wont again, poor spider !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PF - 2011-10-12 Hello. Could it be possible that something is toxic (insecticides or pesticides) in your enclosure? It's a little odd that both have died about the same time, unless the locust had puncture wounds. If not, I would evaluate the possibility of toxins, either in the substrate or other material used. Since the Goliath is bigger than the locust, the toxins might have taken 2 months to take effect and only one night for the locust since it's smaller. If you still have the cage in tact, put in a few crickets and leave them there, see if they die within a few hours to a day or two. If so, before putting another T in disenfect the cage and change every thing. Sometimes new equipement can be full of industrial residues (dust, toxins, etc.) that we ignore about, it's a good thing to clean everything before installing your T.
It happens that spiders loose a leg, but it rejuvenates at the next molt. If the loss was really bad, I suppose that it would have died a lot sooner.
lesia sammis - 2011-10-11 i just got a Goliath Bird eating Tarantula. I have had it now for almost 2 weeks. It has already ate 2 pinkies, 1 a little older and a fuzzy. It has no problem eating. I still have lots to learn. getting a bigger tank ready for it. I really hope it's a girl but they don't reach maturity for 3 years. A female can live up to 20 years and a male 4 to 5 years.
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PF - 2011-10-11 Hello, I suggest that you don't give mammals to your T. I learned from a breeder/biologist that mammals and birds are extremely hard to digest because Ts don't have the enzymes to break down the fur (feathers), bones or cartilage. Also, they are too rich (too high in calcium) which can cause molting problems. In the wild they don't eat mammals or birds or if they do, it's an extreme rare occasion. You are better off giving them insects. Your insects should be well gutted with good food that has vitamines, minerals, etc. so when your spider eats, it gets all the nutrients needed.
Teitan Kussman - 2011-06-25 I bought a goliath and all it has done is sat in its water dish for 2 weeks. I bought a mister for her for humidity and now her rear end has shriveled up and she is curled up packing the soil I have in there for her under her body is she getting ready to molt?
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Charlie Roche - 2011-06-28 Not positive but sounds like she is getting ready to molt.
James - 2010-10-12 I had my T. Blondi for about a month now. She hasn' eaten, I used 4" of Eco Earth for the bedding, Have a sterilized half log I bought from the pet store, Humidity and temperature is right. She looks as if about to die, legs are curled up underneath the body but is still alive. What should I do?
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Donkes - 2010-12-19 Did you ever put a shallow water dish?
Barbara - 2011-04-02 Have you called or attempted to take her to a spider specialist or someone that can help you with her?
Mr. Emile/Carter/jun - 2011-05-02 She might be molting or sleeping. I have 21 t.blondis 10 spiderlings and thats very common.
Mikolaj - 2010-10-17 We handle my sisters T. blondi regularly - they can be tricky to get out of the cage, but once out, they're just as docile as any other tarantula. We have had practically zero threat display from her, especially during handling (she only gets nervous when taking her out of the cage).
No, it's not for beginners, but I know many people with T. blondi's that handle them constantly and have never had any bad results. It's all in knowing how!
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rose - 2010-10-24 Omg that is big!
Phil - 2010-11-12 I just obtained a large female Burgundy Bird Eater, about half her mature size. I have handled her twice (3 hrs the first time) so far without a problem. So far she seems to be as calm as my Rosehair which I have had for 21 years or so. My Mexican Redleg has shown more aggression than my Goliath.
learrn yur SHeit - 2011-02-16 If you do further research online tho it shows that every spider is different some can be handled like nothing and others will try striking for no reason it has nothing to do with knowing how it's about knowing your specimen and making sure it's comfortable with you and you it. It's rated 9 out of 10 for hardest spider to care for. Make sure you don't go tell someone that hasn't ever held a spider to go mess with their new bird eater.
Gary - 2007-11-18 Having kept various species of spiders over the years, I recently aquired a Goliath and straight away was blown away by its truely aggressive nature. This spider means business and if you put your hand anywhere within striking distance, your gonna get bit! If you are looking for a Tarantula to handle then this one is not for you. If you are new to keeping Tarantulas then I would suggest starting out with a Chile Rose or a Mexican Red Knee. These species are far easier to keep and far less aggressive. If you have got your heart set on a Goliath then try to get as much info on them as you can because tank size, humidity, diet and temperature are very important to get right. A very rewarding spider to keep, growing up to 12" in size and living to the ripe old age of 25 years in some cases.
joe craig - 2009-09-07 My name is joe. I have a goliath bird eater on the way, can't wait to get it. I have a beautiful pink toe and one sunburst baboon tarantula. She is a handful, mean as can be, but a fun pet although not for beginners. Anyway found this site, and everyones comments are informative. I strongly suggest to anyone looking to get one of these beautiful creatures to look into each and everyone's unique needs. They are all different and deserve a good environment. Enjoy your furry friends. JOE
key - 2008-12-06 I recently bought a goliath bird eating spider and was told by a friend that it would be ok as a first hobby pet. This friend also said that this spider would be ok to handle, bearing in mind this is my first spider. I have been totally misadvised by him. Any advice from experienced keepers would be grateful as I dont think I can trust the advice I've had so far. thanks
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Tom - 2010-08-31 The usual recommendation for a first spider would be the Chilean Rose (Grammostola Rosea). They are placid, in fact most of them are so calm that they are outright boring. I would consider getting a pet rock instead :)
My first spiders were two Avicularia Versicolor babies, cute fluffy blue ones. They can be a little skittish (meaning they run around a lot when spooked), but I have never been bitten by one. Avicularia are arboreal (tree-dwelling), so as they grow, you should have a tank that sits upright so as to allow for climbing space. They spin a lot of web, too. Avicularia need high humidity (you can find the care sheets on the web). Good luck!
hunter - 2010-09-20 Well since they are so big they will try to over power you or threaten you. It would be better if you got a smaller more docile one like a mexican red leg or a rose hair. And don't get a cobalt they're very aggressive even though they look the best.
Yikes - 2011-03-02 It's kinda funny if somebody already has a spider and asks for help how other people suggest what other spider to get. Now I suppose since it's already a while ago since you wrote you got the hang of your pet but for others and future reference if you plan to get a spider don't ask just anyone but a person that already experienced several species/the seller/people in pet stores also researching online is always helpful. If you already got the spider well either you try to transfer it to another keeper and a good home or if you plan to keep it anyway you will need a lot of patience (as with any pet) you'll have to study its behavior carefully. Don't stress the animal or yourself and in doubt avoid to touch the spider they don't really need to be handled and can do quite well by themselves :)
Ivgotagoatcalledclover - 2011-03-14 I like the way you are so interested in finding information on your wee spider. Now, I have loads of reptiles at my home and I work with them all the time so I think you should study up on the internet and read some books about them! Goliath spiders are nice as long as you squeeze and cuddle them when they are sad! :) Nice talking to you.
T - 2009-10-26 I have had my t.blondi, Dave, for a few months now. She's got a legspan of about 3 inches. she's always so scared of me, and always hides from me. I keep the tank incredibly humid and the temperature is usually between 18 and 30, depending on the heat of the day, is it dangerous that it gets that low? I keep her food in the tank with her also, as I thought this is how it would be in the wild. But I've read "over feeding" them is bad. I don't understand why since she only eats when she's hungry, and isn't that how it would be in the wild? tho there's been a huge cockroach in there for about 2 weeks now, and a small one too at the same time. She doesn't eat em, :s. I was told i should gently rub her back legs when she's pissed off to calm her down, tho she just has no reaction to it. Tho when I use a stick to do it, cus I think she's gonna try to bite me again, she usually moves or goes into attack pose. does anyone know how often she is supposed to molt?? its been a month since she molted a month after i got her. also how bad is it that i use a torch to see her in her burrow? she has no reaction to it but i read somewhere that they dont like bright lights. i think im doing things wrong but i just want to look after her.. >.< my first tarantula, tho i kept a huntsman before her. any advice is welcome.
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tim - 2010-08-19 Hey I have the same breed of spider as you don't panic too much about her always being upset I open my tank and mine tries to attack me lol the t.blondi is one of the most aggressive breeds with your food don't put too many crickets in at a time or they will gang up and attack her if she doesn't eat the food you provide for her after a while take it out and try again later.
catpoopkillz - 2010-10-05 Ok I'm no spider genius but I'm pretty sure that spider would not like a torch in its face and as I remember the goliath spider like swampy and marsh like areas, and those areas are usually murky and the lighting is usually dim so I don't think they take too kindly to bright light.
keels - 2010-08-13 I just bought a bird eating spider today for a pet shop and I live in australia in n.s.w but I don't know what kind, it is I was just wondering if anyone could help me figure it out? They said it was a rainforest spider but I'm still not sure and also I have my light on but it keeps going over the set temp so I have to turn it off to keep her from over heating. By doing this can I stress her out more because of the temp changes from hot to mild? I have it set at 28 c because that's what they told me to put it as but it keeps going to 29c so I turn it off then it drops to 23c is that bad?
What's big, fast, hairy and has an attitude? The Goliath Bird-eating Spider!
Hello. I had my blondi for about 2 months and she is just over a year old, during its first moult it lost a leg. A week later I gave her a large locust, she did not eat it that day; I went to see her in the morning to see if she had eaten it. But when I looked in she was dead! The locust was dead too. Though I don't think the locust would have killed her. HER FANGS WERE BURIED INSIDE HER OWN BODY! It obviously looks like she killed herself! Would this be the case? I was so upset about it. I have heard they can rip off their own limbs? Maybe she was stressed about the locust just being in the tank?
Please help!
I don't have a Goliath but I do have a Rose hair. And I've had mine for bout 5 months. When my rose hair molted, he lost a leg. If the leg doesn't come out right or is injured, they will break them off to avoid further damage. The insect could have very well have bit the spider though. A large cricket can bite a spiders leg and they'll have to break it off. Now my spider was found in his water bowl about a week ago and is now just twitching. He wont move at all so I want to go ahead and suggest, make sure your water bowl isn't bigger than the spider.
I hope this helps you with your next spider. Just remember, they are dangerous but they can still be hurt. So do what I do and only feed when he/she is hungry. And make sure that the insect or whatever you feed it isn't much bigger than the spider.
Also, it won't kill itself with its fangs. They always have them tucked like that to protect them.
You have a spackterded spider there or you DID have a spackterded spider my adivice?: put it on your teachers head or in the fridge!!
Hi. you're goliath lost a limb during moulting because the enviroment in which you kept it was too dry !!! and you shouldnt have fed it for at least 2 weeks after it moulted !!! The tank it lived in should be damp and humid , about 90%. It wouldn't have lost a limb if this was the case , and when its moulted its new fangs are very fragile, they need at least 2 weeks to harden up before you feed it again !!! You obviously should read up about caring for youre spider to avoid this happening again !!! Look on the internet for care sheets on youre chosen spider !!! we all make mistakes , hopefully you wont again, poor spider !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello. Could it be possible that something is toxic (insecticides or pesticides) in your enclosure? It's a little odd that both have died about the same time, unless the locust had puncture wounds. If not, I would evaluate the possibility of toxins, either in the substrate or other material used. Since the Goliath is bigger than the locust, the toxins might have taken 2 months to take effect and only one night for the locust since it's smaller. If you still have the cage in tact, put in a few crickets and leave them there, see if they die within a few hours to a day or two. If so, before putting another T in disenfect the cage and change every thing. Sometimes new equipement can be full of industrial residues (dust, toxins, etc.) that we ignore about, it's a good thing to clean everything before installing your T.
It happens that spiders loose a leg, but it rejuvenates at the next molt. If the loss was really bad, I suppose that it would have died a lot sooner.
Good luck in you enquirery!
PF
i just got a Goliath Bird eating Tarantula. I have had it now for almost 2 weeks. It has already ate 2 pinkies, 1 a little older and a fuzzy. It has no problem eating. I still have lots to learn. getting a bigger tank ready for it. I really hope it's a girl but they don't reach maturity for 3 years. A female can live up to 20 years and a male 4 to 5 years.
Hello, I suggest that you don't give mammals to your T. I learned from a breeder/biologist that mammals and birds are extremely hard to digest because Ts don't have the enzymes to break down the fur (feathers), bones or cartilage. Also, they are too rich (too high in calcium) which can cause molting problems. In the wild they don't eat mammals or birds or if they do, it's an extreme rare occasion. You are better off giving them insects. Your insects should be well gutted with good food that has vitamines, minerals, etc. so when your spider eats, it gets all the nutrients needed.
I bought a goliath and all it has done is sat in its water dish for 2 weeks. I bought a mister for her for humidity and now her rear end has shriveled up and she is curled up packing the soil I have in there for her under her body is she getting ready to molt?
Not positive but sounds like she is getting ready to molt.
I had my T. Blondi for about a month now. She hasn' eaten, I used 4" of Eco Earth for the bedding, Have a sterilized half log I bought from the pet store, Humidity and temperature is right. She looks as if about to die, legs are curled up underneath the body but is still alive. What should I do?
Did you ever put a shallow water dish?
Have you called or attempted to take her to a spider specialist or someone that can help you with her?
She might be molting or sleeping. I have 21 t.blondis 10 spiderlings and thats very common.
We handle my sisters T. blondi regularly - they can be tricky to get out of the cage, but once out, they're just as docile as any other tarantula. We have had practically zero threat display from her, especially during handling (she only gets nervous when taking her out of the cage).
No, it's not for beginners, but I know many people with T. blondi's that handle them constantly and have never had any bad results. It's all in knowing how!
Omg that is big!
I just obtained a large female Burgundy Bird Eater, about half her mature size. I have handled her twice (3 hrs the first time) so far without a problem. So far she seems to be as calm as my Rosehair which I have had for 21 years or so. My Mexican Redleg has shown more aggression than my Goliath.
If you do further research online tho it shows that every spider is different some can be handled like nothing and others will try striking for no reason it has nothing to do with knowing how it's about knowing your specimen and making sure it's comfortable with you and you it. It's rated 9 out of 10 for hardest spider to care for. Make sure you don't go tell someone that hasn't ever held a spider to go mess with their new bird eater.
Having kept various species of spiders over the years, I recently aquired a Goliath and straight away was blown away by its truely aggressive nature. This spider means business and if you put your hand anywhere within striking distance, your gonna get bit! If you are looking for a Tarantula to handle then this one is not for you. If you are new to keeping Tarantulas then I would suggest starting out with a Chile Rose or a Mexican Red Knee. These species are far easier to keep and far less aggressive. If you have got your heart set on a Goliath then try to get as much info on them as you can because tank size, humidity, diet and temperature are very important to get right. A very rewarding spider to keep, growing up to 12" in size and living to the ripe old age of 25 years in some cases.
My name is joe. I have a goliath bird eater on the way, can't wait to get it. I have a beautiful pink toe and one sunburst baboon tarantula. She is a handful, mean as can be, but a fun pet although not for beginners. Anyway found this site, and everyones comments are informative. I strongly suggest to anyone looking to get one of these beautiful creatures to look into each and everyone's unique needs. They are all different and deserve a good environment. Enjoy your furry friends. JOE
I recently bought a goliath bird eating spider and was told by a friend that it would be ok as a first hobby pet. This friend also said that this spider would be ok to handle, bearing in mind this is my first spider. I have been totally misadvised by him. Any advice from experienced keepers would be grateful as I dont think I can trust the advice I've had so far. thanks
The usual recommendation for a first spider would be the Chilean Rose (Grammostola Rosea). They are placid, in fact most of them are so calm that they are outright boring. I would consider getting a pet rock instead :)
My first spiders were two Avicularia Versicolor babies, cute fluffy blue ones. They can be a little skittish (meaning they run around a lot when spooked), but I have never been bitten by one. Avicularia are arboreal (tree-dwelling), so as they grow, you should have a tank that sits upright so as to allow for climbing space. They spin a lot of web, too. Avicularia need high humidity (you can find the care sheets on the web). Good luck!
Well since they are so big they will try to over power you or threaten you. It would be better if you got a smaller more docile one like a mexican red leg or a rose hair. And don't get a cobalt they're very aggressive even though they look the best.
It's kinda funny if somebody already has a spider and asks for help how other people suggest what other spider to get. Now I suppose since it's already a while ago since you wrote you got the hang of your pet but for others and future reference if you plan to get a spider don't ask just anyone but a person that already experienced several species/the seller/people in pet stores also researching online is always helpful. If you already got the spider well either you try to transfer it to another keeper and a good home or if you plan to keep it anyway you will need a lot of patience (as with any pet) you'll have to study its behavior carefully. Don't stress the animal or yourself and in doubt avoid to touch the spider they don't really need to be handled and can do quite well by themselves :)
I like the way you are so interested in finding information on your wee spider. Now, I have loads of reptiles at my home and I work with them all the time so I think you should study up on the internet and read some books about them! Goliath spiders are nice as long as you squeeze and cuddle them when they are sad! :) Nice talking to you.
I have had my t.blondi, Dave, for a few months now. She's got a legspan of about 3 inches. she's always so scared of me, and always hides from me. I keep the tank incredibly humid and the temperature is usually between 18 and 30, depending on the heat of the day, is it dangerous that it gets that low? I keep her food in the tank with her also, as I thought this is how it would be in the wild. But I've read "over feeding" them is bad. I don't understand why since she only eats when she's hungry, and isn't that how it would be in the wild? tho there's been a huge cockroach in there for about 2 weeks now, and a small one too at the same time. She doesn't eat em, :s. I was told i should gently rub her back legs when she's pissed off to calm her down, tho she just has no reaction to it. Tho when I use a stick to do it, cus I think she's gonna try to bite me again, she usually moves or goes into attack pose.
does anyone know how often she is supposed to molt?? its been a month since she molted a month after i got her. also how bad is it that i use a torch to see her in her burrow? she has no reaction to it but i read somewhere that they dont like bright lights.
i think im doing things wrong but i just want to look after her.. >.<
my first tarantula, tho i kept a huntsman before her.
any advice is welcome.
Hey I have the same breed of spider as you don't panic too much about her always being upset I open my tank and mine tries to attack me lol the t.blondi is one of the most aggressive breeds with your food don't put too many crickets in at a time or they will gang up and attack her if she doesn't eat the food you provide for her after a while take it out and try again later.
Ok I'm no spider genius but I'm pretty sure that spider would not like a torch in its face and as I remember the goliath spider like swampy and marsh like areas, and those areas are usually murky and the lighting is usually dim so I don't think they take too kindly to bright light.
I just bought a bird eating spider today for a pet shop and I live in australia in n.s.w but I don't know what kind, it is I was just wondering if anyone could help me figure it out? They said it was a rainforest spider but I'm still not sure and also I have my light on but it keeps going over the set temp so I have to turn it off to keep her from over heating. By doing this can I stress her out more because of the temp changes from hot to mild? I have it set at 28 c because that's what they told me to put it as but it keeps going to 29c so I turn it off then it drops to 23c is that bad?