Anybody here keep spiders?

[reefgirl189]

Long story short I am thinking about getting a tarantula to get over my irrational fear of spiders. I figure if I have to take care of one it will force me to interact with them. My long term goal is to eventually become more accustomed to them and not freak out, screaming bloody murder when I encounter a spider in my house or while out for a walk. I want to be comfortable holding it eventually. I'd like a *gentle* type of tarantula that is friendly and relatively easy to care for.

Anyway who here keeps spiders and what do you like/what don't you like about them? Any tips for a beginner spider enthusiast and where to get one?

[Aquattro]

What's wrong with irrational fears?

[reefgirl189]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

What's wrong with irrational fears?

I like to challenge myself. Unfortunately zombies and ghosts are kind of hard to find in real life these days. And also they generally don't interact on your terms only or fit conveniently in a small aquarium so this year is going to be the year of getting over spiders for me.

[mrhasan]

Originally Posted by reefgirl189

I like to challenge myself. Unfortunately zombies and ghosts are kind of hard to find in real life these days. And also they generally don't interact on your terms only or fit conveniently in a small aquarium so this year is going to be the year of getting over spiders for me.

Living in my home country for a few months will easily take your fear away since you would have to interact with spiders all the time....well not as a pet but shoooooo them away

[reefgirl189]

Originally Posted by mrhasan

Living in my home country for a few months will easily take your fear away since you would have to interact with spiders all the time....well not as a pet but shoooooo them away

You'd think living lakeside for a couple years on Cold Lake would have done it, but no, sadly I'm worse that I've ever been. I know my fear is irrational. I've kept snakes as pets and have no problem with them at all. For some reason it's just the spiders and most other insects that make my skin crawl.

[mrhasan]

Originally Posted by reefgirl189

You'd think living lakeside for a couple years on Cold Lake would have done it, but no, sadly I'm worse that I've ever been. I know my fear is irrational. I've kept snakes as pets and have no problem with them at all. For some reason it's just the spiders and most other insects that make my skin crawl.

Understandable....I hate creepy crawlies!

[allie_san]

Originally Posted by kien

I do not keep nor fear spiders but I do have an irrational fear of slugs..

x2.. Where's that salt..

[MMAX]

I've had 2 in the past, a Chilean Rose Hair and a Salmon Pink Birdeater. You'll want to go with a Rosehair but make sure it's a female. Both mine were males and they'll typically only last for about 5 years where as a female will live much longer--possibly 20-30 years. I was able to handle my rosy but be very careful of their hairy abdomens. When threatened, they'll kick off these hairs which will cause great discomfort if they get lodged in your skin and you don't want them in your eyes. Do your research and you'll do fine. I too was terrified of spiders but not not anymore.