Quote (Act1 @ Oct 11 2011 12:05am)
So if I were to get one, I shouldn't hold it/play with it?
Are they typically fast moving?
I always see them as being slow.
I just don't want to get hurt or bitten.
Do they clamp their jaws or whatever when they bite?
Or do they release right away?
The best way to describe how a tarantula looks at being handled is it tolerates it. At no point during the spider's life will it yearn for your attention, or run up to you and be like "Hold me!". Keep handling sessions short and to a minimal to avoid stress to your animal. Look up some signs of when you know your tarantula is about to strike, it's pretty specific.
They only move fast when they need to, that being said their speed can be very impressive.
They don't really have jaws, it's more fangs that inject then they wait. So no, no clamp. Any spider bite will be met with redness, swelling, and pain. Most tarantulas are not, however, venomous enough to kill you. Their defense are those little hairs on their abdomen. So also yes, they will ruin carpet/furniture if they get those on it. And this is
NOT a pet you can let roam free, it must stay caged for his own protection.
Also, a diet of purely mice would kill your tarantula fast I believe... Too much fat in pinky's for their metabolism to properly digest if it's their only food. You'll want to mix in some big crickets.
Google a caresheet for the exact spider you're looking for, they're pretty thorough.