Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas and Inverts
A podcast devoted to the proper care and upkeep of tarantulas and other inverts. After keeping a G. porteri for over 16 years, I decided that I wanted to add another tarantula to my collection. Several years later, I now keep over 100 specimens and 90+ different species. It’s safe to say that I am now completely addicted to the hobby. I’m NOT an expert, and I’m currently still learning about keeping these fascinating creatures. In fact, there are so many species, that I suspect that I’ll still be learning years from now. A teacher by trade, I enjoy passing along what I’ve information and techniques I’ve discovered and helping others in their successful pursuit of this hobby. I enjoy hearing from folks, whether through comments on the blog or email. I have done and continue to do a lot of research, and I will only be discussing animals I personally keep, so the information I present should be current and accurate.
Episodes
387 episodes
The "Confounding" Caribena versicolor Care and Tips
First, we'll take some listener feedback and discuss an article about a 500-year-old fossil that rewrites chelicerate history.Then, they've been one of the most popular pet tarantulas for years, yet many still struggle with them. Why? In...
Some Harmful Practices, Myths, or Misconceptions in the Tarantula Hobby
First, I have an update on the Phormictopus that went to the vet. Then, I share some frustrations that I've had with correspondence lately before discussing a recent catastrophic molt with my Grammostola iheringi.Finall...
Tarantula History: Which Species Have Been in the Hobby the Longest?
First, we have an update for last week's episode where we discussed a tarantula going to a vet.Then...have you ever wondered which tarantula species were the first to be kept as pets in the hobby? In this episode, we'll break down when s...
Theraphosa apophysis "Pinkfoot Goliath" Care
First, we'll read some listener comments. Then, we'll discuss an article about a veterinarian treating Kristen the tarantula.For our main topic this week, I will discuss the care for the amazing Theraphosa apophysis!
Death By Tarantula Bite! Fact or Myth?
Welcome to season 9! In this episode, we start by discussing some listener comments from last week's episode about T. vagans.Then..."Can a tarantula bite kill you?" Despite being told that one can't die from a tarantula b...
The Infamous "Mexican Redrump" Tliltocatl vagans Care and Notes
Happy New Year! First, we'll discuss a listener question about whether or not tarantulas can "learn" to accept handling.Then, this species has been described as "aggressive", "nasty", and even "evil," which is laughable. In t...
Tarantula Hoarding - A Discussion
First off, we'll take listener comments about last week's episode on feeding.Then, we discuss the article,
Tarantula Feeding Revisited
First, we discuss an amazing genus of orbweaver that uses an incredible form of defensive mimicry. Then, over the years, I've made a lot of changes to my feeding schedules and what I feed my spiders. In this episode, I'll break down...
C. lividus "The Cobalt Blue Tarantula" Care
First, we'll take some listener comments and talk a bit about shipping spiders in the winter.Then, I revisit care for the hobby staple (and the original blue tarantula!) Cyriopagopus lividus or the "Cobalt Blue Tarantula."
Are Tarantula Enclosures too Small and Cruel?
I'm back! First off, we'll discuss why I haven't been as consistent with the podcast.Then, we'll take a look at an article about a shocking spider discovery in a cave on the Greece-Albanian border.Finally, in our main topic, we'll...
The H. maculata "Togo Starburst Baboon" Care Revisited
First, we discuss a rather ridiculous care sheet that someone sent me, which was posted by a pet store.Then, we discuss a new trapdoor spider species identified in California.For our main topic, I'm going to share care and behavio...
The Best Non-Tarantula Spiders for the First Time Keeper
First, we have an update on the Joro spider in the news.Then, are you currently keeping tarantulas and looking to branch out into "True Spiders" or Mygalomorphs? Or, have you never kept any spider before and are looking for a good one to...
9 Controversial Tarantula Topics
First, we'll discuss an article about a new species of spider discovered in Thailand that was also bilaterally gynandromorphic. Then, these are the topics that are sure to whip both sides of the argument into a frenzy. We'l...
Wild Caught Tarantulas in the Hobby
First, we'll discuss a study on the brains of communal huntsman spiders.Then, we'll break down the issue with wild caught tarantulas in the hobby, and why this will always remain an ethical stain on the tarantula pet trade.
The Ten Least Visible Spiders I Keep
First, we'll hear listener comments and discuss the article, "Mystery of dancing spiders' DNA could explain how they develop into new species". Then, I'll share the 10 spiders I keep that have proven to be the most shy and elusive. ...
Green Tarantulas!
First, we'll discuss some listener comments on our last episode about using AI for researching tarantula care.Then, I've been asked many times to make a list of green tarantulas. The problem? There just aren't that many. In this episode,...
Using AI for Tarantula Care Research
With AI growing by leaps and bounds, it was inevitable that some folks would start using it as a tool for tarantula research. However, how accurate is the information? Where does it come from? And how can it best be used by new keepers? In this...
How to Prevent (or Come Back from) Tarantula Hobby Burnout
It can happen to the best of us. Suddenly, your beloved tarantula collection has become a source of stress. How did you get to this point? In this episode, we'll discuss "hobby burnout," how to prevent it, and how to come back from it.
The Ultimate M. balfouri "Socotra Island Blue Baboon" Care Guide
First, we'll discuss comments from last week's podcast.Then, we'll discuss the care of one of the most beloved species of tarantulas in the hobby, the Monocentropus balfouri or "Socrata Island Blue Baboon." I've been keeping thi...
Tarantulas Seized and the C. cayaneopubescens (GBB) Care
First, we'll disuss the current seizure of smuggled tarantulas at an airport.Then, I'll discuss tips and care notes for one of the hobby's most popular species, the C. cyaneopubescens or GBB!
Best Tarantula Species to Keep to Gain Experience
When making their wish lists, many hobbyists identify spiders like Old World tarantulas and giant tropicals that they'd like to keep one day, but don't currently feel ready to do so. Although some folks can just jump right into the deep end wit...
The Big Guns - Updates on My Largest Tarantulas
In this episode, we'll discuss the growth rates and current legspans of the largest tarantulas in my collection.
Who Will Care for Your Tarantulas in an Emergency?
After I injured my shoulder, I had to have my son, Roane, help me with basic feeding and maintenance. It got me thinking about how important it is for hobbyists to plan for an event that leaves them unable to care for their animals. In this epi...
