Theraphosa blondi. Goliath bird eater.

[GoliathBirdMuncher]

Can you help? If you have experience working with Goliaths then it's you I need to hear from! I have a few questions... But to explain I have allready done tons of research but everything I found is all very conflicting compared to other sources. What I need to know is what substrate do I need to use? How do you keep humidity level high? How often should I feed the wee muncher? And most importantly how do you befriend a Goliath i.e husbandry I would appreciate it if you could reply to this if you can help! Thankyou!

[sinflspeed]

Ok, I use a cocofiber sphagmum moss mix. I general go by sight when mixing so there is no rhyme or reason as to how much. It holds water and it makes for easy ceaning when your T's eat alot they poop alot. Depending upon what you plan on housing your T in depends on how you keep the humidity up.

How big is your blondi gonna be?

I can go on but depending upon what size your T is changes how/what you feed your T and how you handle it.

[GoliathBirdMuncher]

As I have only ordered it (Exotic Pets - Amphibian, Reptile and Invert UK exotic pet shop) I am unsure of the size at present but I know it is a Juvenile - I have also bought a Exo Terra Faunarium (large) for now but I will have to get a bigger one soon as they can grow to 12" I am unsure of the sex of it yet but am hoping it is a female! Thanks for your reply so soon I wasn't expecting it as I thought it was an inactive site but take it it's pretty busy! Cheers

[sinflspeed]

It actually isn't a busy site. I just like to see info on T's and don't mind helping. There are way better sites for T's. The Exo Terra is 18x18x18 correct? I don't see a need to go any bigger. Some people leave thiers in Deli cups or shoebox containers. It should be more than enough room, just concentrate on the decor and your T should thrive. I'll take some pics of my set ups and give you a little bit of an idea.

[GoliathBirdMuncher]

you don't know how appreciated that would be! I know goliath live in rain Forrest regions of south America in swampy/marshy areas... How you replicate that I don't know - is there certain plants etc I should be using?

[sinflspeed]

To tell you the truth the only thing you have to replicate is the humidity. That is my opinion. I do not use live plants, they some times attract unwanted ants. With an Exo I would look into possibly sealing it to retain some moisture. If you mist the tank using a spray bottle every day you should be fine. One thing I have learned is to keep it pretty simple. Don't over think your lay out. Both my guys(girls I think) have different needs and are temperamental. Sometimes they burrow and hide for extended times or they lay around. leaving them options is the keys. In an enclosure plants sometimes mold over and like I said attract unwanted bugs.

[sinflspeed]

This is my Texas Tan enlosure. Exo Terra 18x18x18 She is hiding in the burrow just below the front doors.



Side view



This is my Pink Salmon enclosure. Exo Terra 12x12x12 I will switch tier tanks as she grows larger. This tank in my opinion is large nouch for the 5.5 inch Texas Tan. She is hiding under the cork wood leaning up against the glass. Dug herself a burrow and pounches out to catch prey. She's awesome.



sideview

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...d/SSPX0015.jpg

[GoliathBirdMuncher]

they look awesome, I didn't even think about artificial plants! I take it I'm complicating things trying to replicate their natural habitat? I hope you don't mind but I've got one last question... Your 'T's... Do you handle them? If you do what's the best way to get them used to it! As mine is wild collected I know it will be a bit p....d off when it arrives so I don't know what I should do first! On you tube there is guys holding them and letting them crawl up their t-shirts but also some are attacking prongs and rulers etc!

[sinflspeed]

I do handle my Texas tan. She is WC and has adapted very well. At first she was very stand offish. She'd rear up and posture, but over time she has become very passive. I simply put my hand down in front of her and coax her with my other hand slowly. She will walk on to my hand and move around. No sudden or jerky movement. She might get spooked and jump or fall which can be fatal. My Pink Salmon is to small. She is very fast and would be disasterious to handle. Almost an accident waiting happen if I tried. It takes time to get use to if you have never handled a T. It isn't something you want to jusmp into as you put it. I would recommend watching at first and see the quirks, attitude, and gestures your T gives. Take your time. It is your T and isn't going anywhere. I would say I didn't pick up my T for the 1st 6 month of owning her. I transfered her using various methods that would stress her the least amount. I would recommend looking up bite info on your T and prepare yourself only because it can happen and you should know what to expect. If and when you decide to start handling your T do so with respect know doing anything wrong can jeopardize the health, well being, and life your T. I hope this helps. I look forward to seeing pictures and info as you get to know the T world. Please ask as many questions as need be I do not mind helping.

[GoliathBirdMuncher]

Well thankyou again for all your advice, you are a gentleman! I get my Goliath on Saturday so I will upload some photos, and if I run into any trouble I know who I can ask! I will certainly think about everything you have told me! This sounds cheesy but if you are on bebo I'm RichardW4266 - sometimes it's good to see who you are talking to! If not then thanks again! Gimme luck for Saturday! Cheers bud!