Avicularia avicularia, pet trade

Avicularia avicularia, pet trade



The species known as Avicularia avicularia is sometimes known as avic avic for short, or the Common Pink Toe.  I use the name Avicularia avicularia, pet trade because this species in the pet trade is not pure blood and not completely the same as the actual species in the wild.  The early days of captive breeding led to cross breeding with other Avicularia species that looked very similar and were misidentified.  In the wild their home ground covers a number of countries throughout northern South America, such as New Guinea.  This genus covers much of the rain forests of South America and all species that I know of are Arboreal, or tree climbers.
This species and many other of the Avicularia genus are very good for a beginner in the invert hobby.  They are very very mellow and usually can be handled.  I don't recommend handling alot personally, but this species has a very mellow temper for such an endeavor.  They do require a bit of moisture since they are a rain forest species and aren't as hardy as other desert species like Rosehairs and such, but they are pretty easy to care for.  Spiderlings can be next to impossible and I would require buying multiples if you wish to start from babies.  Their venom is comparible to something like a yellow jacket without the likelihood of being allergic.  I'd recommend this as a starter for the hobby and is very safe.
When caring and keeping this species, use a tall tank.  This species only touches the ground when hunting or searching for a female to mate with, and will require height.  Not a lot, but it will need verticle space.  Also, they vary on where they place their sock web home.  They may make one touching the ground, they may make one on the lid making it hard to open said lid, and they may make one on the decorations, so expect surprises.  I'd recommend putting a water dish on the ground, but don't expect it to be used.  You might also put a dish on the decorations.  One such idea would be gluing a small plastic cup, like a deli cup from a restaraunt onto a branch.  If one isn't provided, try misting the sides of the glass once in a while, especially in the summer when it is dry or in the winter when heaters dry out the air.
The best food I've found is crickets.  Roaches stay on the ground but crickets attract their attention and will climb so they provide the best food in my opinion.  Feel free to try others.  If an escape happens, this species likes to wander a bit so don't panic.  Just keep your eyes open.  Especially at night, they will wander and explore and that's the best time to find them.  You may find them on the floor but best bet would be that they will be found on the wall or ceiling.  I would recommend putting the card board tubes from paper towel rolls taped to corners and then checking them for the little Pink Toe hiding inside.
This is a great species for the invert hobby, and is very common at pet stores and is often found by captive breeders.  If you are considering a tarantula, this one is a great one to start with.