4.  Choose the right spider !

 

Research, and decide on the right  species for you. Terrestrials are generally speaking, easier to look after than arboreals, and to an extent move less fast. New world species are generally less defensive than old world spiders, and are more suitable for new keepers. I would recommend the following as good starter spiders...

Another consideration is how much you would like to see your spider. If you do not want a 'pet hole', get a species that does not like to burrow too much, and won't spend its entire life underground where you can't see it. All on the list above like to be out and basking some of the time. 

 

Male or female ? Logic would dictate that on a 'value-for-money' basis alone, a female T is preferable to a male, simply because they live so much longer. If you buy a sling, there is simply no way to know, so be aware you take a 50/50 chance on the sex of your spider. Males are not necessarily more aggressive, but for the last year or 2 of their lives, would like to be 'wandering' to find a female, and so will try to escape the cage more, and eventually will require you, its keeper, to find it a mate from within the spider keeping community. The last thing to bear in mind on this point is that a lot of people will claim to be able to accurately sex spiders, even young ones, and will get it wrong. Expect most pet shops to categorically inform you all their spiders are female. They will be wrong 50% of the time.

 

Temperament is worth a mention too; stay away from overly large and aggressive / defensive spiders as your first T. You need time to adjust to the ways and habits of calm spiders before you are ready for anything else. There will be time later to expand your collection, but you will appreciate the experience you have gained from dealing with an easier spider first.

 

Lastly, you need to decide if you'd like to look after a sub-adult, or a spiderling. Either are fascinating, but my instinct would advise getting a larger spider as your first, as they are more hardy and robust, and tolerant of 'newbie keeper' mistakes.

 

However, as soon as you gain more confidence, I can heartily recommend the joys and rewards of watching a tiny sling grow to full adult size. Yes, it is more effort, more care and attention required, and more tank changes as they grow, but well worth it, in my opinion.