In this episode we rehouse and take a look at the care for the hobby staple Brachypelma smithi or "Mexican Redleg" Theme song by Rocket 77 - linktr.ee/Rock....
I really appreciate how you showcase "uncharacteristic" behaviors from your typically docile species! It's never wise to assume you know what an animal will do, and I think complacency is often the cause of accidents and mistakes.
Thank you Tom for mentioning that these little ones can grow faster if our homes are warmer. My two, have been growing by leaps and bounds because my office is 80° all year long.
Amazing Tom as always, I loved your advice about holding the Smithie getting hairs kicked at him well it means don't want to be held great video as always lol 😆
Brachypelmas are so pretty. I almost picked one up at the Scottish expo a few weeks ago but I’d already spent my limit lol Thanks for another brilliant video. Both of you are just epic!
Hi Tom great video as always .I have only been into the hobby a few months but find myself watching or just listening to your ultimate sling guides about every two or three weeks on average . I also love you other videos watched about five today . Some of the other creators can be very flashy but seen like they start repeating the same thing for each species . I like that you put a bit more of the indevidual traits and personalitys of the species in question . Keep up the good work . thanks .
Hey, Ant Ramblings! Thank you so much! Yeah, I know that I'm not the flashiest and most entertaining, but I really try to give the best and most thorough information possible. My goal is to make sure folks are prepared, and that means pointing out behaviors or tricks that could be useful.
I’m glad you showed this side of the red knee. I just got one that same size and it moves like a turtle I even tried to move it along all around the inside of the cage because it’s stuck in the corner and I was afraid it would never find the water dish. It was definitely frustrated but never kicked hairs and moved slow. Maybe I just got lucky?
I’ve been using a lot of peat lately. My wife read a gardening article that was saying worldwide distribution of coco fiber and similar products is more harmful than harvesting peat. I really like topsoil but I always get fungus gnats in the bags.
Hey, Erik! See, I got sent information from several subscribers describing the damage done to the areas they get the peat from. I have to do more research. And I HATE fungus gnats. haha
Brilliant video as usual Tom, it's a gorgeous spider 🕷 the B. Smithi, i actually got myself one last Christmas, it's only about half an inch or so, but their slow growers, can't wait till it starts picking up some size Tom, anyway thanks for another wonderful video Tom.
That's awesome, George! I think that everyone should have a smithi or a hamorii in their collections at some point. :) And yes...they are sloooowww. haha Thanks, George!
Ur old music was I in a million wasn't it ,stilllove ya Tom 👍 Same here to first one I saw an owned ,an got me back into the hobbie 2 years ago,10 now Hahahha super fast ahahhaha
Mr Moran! Great video as always! I'm getting a new job new month and I'm getting one to mark the new change in my life. And I found out from my older sister in the uk that this is actually the first tarantula i handled. Over twenty years ago when I was 9 and full of fear of anything spider shaped, we went to the butterflies and insect world in Edinburgh. They had so many creepy crawlies! I absolutely loved it- except the tarantulas, apparently they scared the piss out of me. But they had this thing where they let a B. hamorii walk across a bunch of people's hands. And somehow my older sister convinced me to try it! And there is somewhere out there a picture of a terrified 9year old me with a Brachypelma hamorii on my hand. And I'm looking at you with your gloved hands and wondering what the people at the institute were thinking? Wonder if we were haired and as kids we were too stupid to notice😅. Lol she's a kicky beast there lol. Wish me luck! Mausami Rai.
That's an awesome story! I believe this was the first tarantula species that I ever saw in real life. I'm sure that you were fine with the hairs. The ones that they use for demonstrations are usually not prone to kicking hairs. Good luck!
Man this spider here is what sparked a life long fascination with these big beauties also gave me nightmares to lol but I was a small kid my moms weed guy had a big one for a pet its like hell ya scared the hell outta me but also made me curious I didn't know they got this big but that was so cool back then in the early 80s haha more like 82 or 83 lmao
Hey Tom I got a couple of Brachypelmas from the pet store only because they were CHEAP lol I don't usually like to do that but couldn't pass up the price, I agree with you about handling them I personaly don't see the attraction of it but don't tell other's not to do it. Anywho I just wanted to say I love your video's and can't wait to see and learn more that you have to teach me :) Also you should have Billie in your video's more it's nice to see a woman that isn't turned off or disgusted by T's :)
That's awesome! Sometimes, you can get some great deals at pet stores...if their poor care doesn't kill the spiders first. haha And thank you so much! And I'm sure we'll get Billie on again. We just try not to make the videos about us - it's about the spiders. I honestly hate being on camera, but it's needed sometimes for the intros. haha Thanks again!
@@TomsBigSpiders it's all good I just like seeing the people that are teaching me to much and you guys teach me soo much it's amazing, I also have the PDF file for slings that you wrote and OMG is it a god send :)
Hey Tom, great video. I'm not sure if this could be a future podcast topic, but I would be curious to hear your thoughts about how best to find a good home for mature males. Many of the specimens in my collection will be maturing in the near future. If possible, I would love for them to fulfill their duty and go on to breed. However, I worry about potentially sending males to a keeper that might not give them a good standard of care. If you met a keeper online that would take them for breeding, is it rude to ask for pictures of their enclosures/set-ups? How have you navigated this in the past? Also, I'm in education as well (school psychologist).... so cheers and best of luck with your school year!
A school psychologist? That's awesome. As a sped teacher, I work very closely with my school psychologist! And that's a great topic, Dee...I will definitely put something together for that. The other problem is that some folks take males and have ZERO idea what they are doing. That's another issue I've found. Hmmmm...time to go make some podcast notes. ;) Thank you!!!
I have 2 smithi slings i got at half inch that have grown to an inch and a half. I got mine at Micro Wilderness. Nate is good people and does his all by the book for his Mexican imports so you know you get paperwork with them.
Yeah, there is a lot out there about them needing it completely dry, but I've found that smaller specimens need some moisture. Thanks for backing that up, Joe!
Good point about the hamorii . Hamorii and Smithi are separated by a river. Hamori to the north and Smithi to the south. You have to be careful ; Smithi's that are closer to the river I'm told look a little like hamorii. The farther south you go the bigger and more different looking they get .
Got mine about a year ago and sweet bbq Jesus they grow slow. My H Pulchripes that I got the same day from the same vendor manage to turn into a mature male and the Smithi is barely 1 3/4 inches.
Way back when I bought my first tarantula the seller told me it is a Brachypelma smithi but 2 weeks after they announced that the Brachypelma smithi is now hamorii. So I asked the seller again if it is a smithi or hamorii, he insisted that it is B.smithi. Now I not sure what's the exact species of my tarantula.
If it was bought before that paper came out, I would think that it was a B. hamorii. That said, the two spiders are so similar that you're good either way.
3:44 made me laugh so hard I woke my parrots up 😂Beautiful specimen, not the spider for me but I love seeing all these gorgeous spiders that aren't my type on your channel cause it's like I can enjoy them without keeping them! Such a shame you don't have a link for those enclosures, they are absolutely adorable! I don't use any round enclosures (I have one .25" N. chromatus in a dram vial) but I'd love some pretty cylindrical enclosures! Great video as always, Tom! Keep up the awesome work! - Charlotte
Looks like u got yourself the southen species judging from the yellow carepace. I believe its the Northen Smithi that has the more jet black carepace which i prefer.
@@TomsBigSpiders Check out that video. This is the one that mentions the differences in Smithis depending on what area of Mexico they are found....ei south or north
Tom, a little help for one of your subscribers from "across the pond". Here in the UK we are facing a massive 80% increase in the cost of heating our homes from October, and further increases into the new year. We may be forced to reduce the amount we heat our homes, as a result. Can you give any advice for us Brits on alternative heat sources, such as the safe use of low-wattage heat mats, where to position them etc. or other cheap, safe and reliable ways to heat a room. Thanks in advance.
Hey, Debbie! I was reading about that recently. Dear lord, I really hope that it doesn't come to that. Yes, I can absolutely put something together on that.
Anyone know what differences there are between hamorii and smithi? I tried looking them up at one point and the suggestions didn't seem concrete or suggestions contradicted each other.
Hello! With the B. hamorii, the carapace is often (but not always) darker and the orange on the knees doesn't extend down to the second section of the legs. On the B. smithi, the orange does extend down further and they tend to be a bit more vibrant.
@@TomsBigSpiders No problem tom! I love your videos. I just found you channel last night and already watch 10 videos. You sir are the best tarantula youtuber out there in my opinion
What beautiful spiders. Honestly, I don't know the difference between B. Smithi and B. Hamorii. To me, they look the same! Are there any noticeable differences?
Tony, I would have a hard time telling them apart myself. It's amazing when people freak out about not having "the right one" when they look so darned similar. With the B. hamorii, the carapace is often (but not always) darker and the orange on the knees doesn't extend down to the second section of the legs. On the B. smithi, the orange does extend down further and they tend to be a bit more vibrant.
@@TomsBigSpiders Hi Tom! I wanted to say thank you! It was my 1st time re-housing my adult GBB (actual first time was a tiny sling). I have to be honest, I was dreading it! But I took all I learned from you and said a prayer and went for it! It went perfectly. I even used the same Simply bottle. You teach so many things that we can actually use rather than the nonsense on some other channels. So Thank You!
I have 3 juvie/SA B smithi and mine RARELY kick hairs. They are quite docile although they were skittish as slings. Question. Since when are smithi called Mexican red leg? I was under the impression that smith was the Mexican giant red knee and the B emilia was the red leg. Of course I don't put a lot of stock in common names and rarely use them but some of your viewers may. Great job once again bud. Thanks for the content
Hey, bud! Yeah, I put the wrong name. haha I HATE common names. I went and changed it in the title and on the thumbnail - thanks for the heads up. And sounds like you have two sweethearts! Both these guys and my B. hamorii were quite the kickers! Thanks again!
Beautiful B. smithi juvies you have there ! Owning a B. hamorii, I'm probably gonna catch a bit of flak for the following comment : Given that they are so similar in pattern, unless you're an absolute completist and must own every species in a genus, I personally wouldn't purchase a similar looking spider. The same applies with B. boehmei, owning one, I'm not going to bother hunting after the extremely rare B. baumgarteni, which looks pretty close to it. B. auratum, however, while similar in pattern to hamorii and smithi, does have that flame tip on the knees that REALLY stands out ! That's one I would definitely consider if sold at a reasonable price, along with B. klaasi (Dream Brachy for me !), B. emilia and B. albiceps. Bottom line is that you can't go wrong with any Brachy. Some may more skittish than others, but that's mostly down to the individual. I'm fortunate that both my Brachys rarely if ever kick hairs nowadays. I really need to pester them good for it to happen. Stay safe and thanks for sharing :)
Hey, Luc! I agree about the appearance. I wanted both specifically to compare them when they are adults, but they are just so similar that most can't even tell them apart. And I, too, will not be getting a B. baumgarteni for the same reason. Hope all is well!
lucky, i got a lazy exemplar xD only moves quck when I touch it the first time, then its like "no i woun't move" ... kicks some hairs when its got enough of it lol
Awesome video and rehousing! Those juvies are little stinkers it seems! The only Brachypelma I have right now is a juvenile B. emilia. She's a burrower so I don't see her out that often! Anyway, I'm sure you've mentioned it somewhere before, but where do you get that green moss you use? I love the pop of color it adds to the enclosures!
Thanks so much, Chenin! Yeah, these guys have been quite the handful. I can picture some folks being freaked out by that. And I was getting it super cheap on Amazon, but the price basically trippled recently. Here's a link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KZDT346/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Hey Tom! I'm currently looking into bonnetina minax or mexican copperhead tarantula. Was curious if you have ever posted any husbandry information on them?
Hi Tom! Great video! Was searching rehousing videos on here getting ready to rehouse my own juvenile red knee. 1st ever T, will be 1 year I've had her next month. 3 inches in size...3 molts in that time span. Have had her in one of those small kritter keepers you find at pet shops and moving her into a herpcult acrylic enclosure. Wanted your opinion on substrate. Since day 1 I've used zoo med creature soil, which she only burrowed in for the 1st molt 2 months after I got her. She hasn't dug in it since...could care less about the hide I have in there. Always out in the open or hanging off side of the enclosure as she seems to love to climb. Someone suggested zoo med excavator clay substrate mixed with peat as it closer resembles the red knees desert like conditions? Any help would be appreciated. I'm a rookie in the hobby 😆
Hi, Jorge! Congrats on getting one - I love this species. Is the substrate moist? At 3", they tend to not like moist substrate (I'll keep them dry with a water dish at that point). They are also less inclined to burrow or hide once they hit that size. The one in this video (and her sibling) are out in the open all of the time now. You could do the excavator clay/peat thing, but there is a good chance that she won't burrow again. You could try peat, coco, topsoil, or a mixture of any of those. I also use a a lot of the Terra Aranea substrate from the Bio Dude if you're looking for "premium" stuff. Hope that helps!
What size enclosure do you recommend for a full grown Mexican red knee? I have a 7 yr old female that is currently in a 10 gallon. Would a 20 be too large? I see so many videos of juveniles but none with adults.
Great video as always Tom! I'm getting back into the hobby as I've been away for about 5 years now. I see you're using BioDude substrate but if you weren't using that what substrate would you use? I remember you used to use the 40 40 20 mix if I'm not mistaken? That would be 40% top soil, 40% peat and 20% Coco coir I think? Would you still recommend that? I'm just using straight up Coco Coir at the moment! Sorry for all the questions!👍
Hey, man...how's it going? Great to hear from you! Funny that you should ask, as I just mixed up a bunch of my own. This time, I used 50 coco fiber, 40 peat, and 10 vermiculite. That said, I just didn't have any top soil on hand, or I would have mixed up the one you just listed. haha Yes, that still works great!
@@TomsBigSpiders Thanks so much for the reply! Even though I was away from the hobby for 5 years I still kept up with most of your videos! Your passion and knowledge always show through in your videos! Keep up all the great work you do for the hobby!😀👍
@@RaginMoose100 I really appreciate that! It's funny, because I was back on an older video a couple weeks ago and I saw one of your comments. I was wondering how you were. Good timing! haha
I love my B.smithi's I have 3 that range from 2 to 4 inches. I just sexed molts a few days ago to find out I have 1 confirmed female and 1 possible female. So happy to have at least 1 female out of the 3. Awesome video as always Tom 👌.
Yes, Rodney. That's EXACTLY what I'm trying to do. See, this channel isn't about tarantula care and how to grow them up; I'm actually putting together snuff videos featuring spiders. All joking aside, there are ventilation holes in all of the containers. So...no.
Hi, Zane! Many reptile supply places and tarantula dealers will sell the tongs. Here's a link to some on Amazon: www.amazon.com/WOLEDOE-Stainless-Tweezers-Tarantula-Hedgehog/dp/B08V1377H4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1DTLAU9H1Y5ZO&keywords=reptile+tongs&qid=1662493989&sprefix=reptile+tongs%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1 Paint brushes you can buy in any craft stores.
Hey, Eric! The B. hamorii are generall darker overall, including the carapace. However, the orange on the knees stops at the knee. On the B. smithi, the orange continues down onto the next leg segment. That said, they both look so similar that it cracks me up when someone freaks out over which one they have. haha
People keep fish but they don't try to hug them. Why do people want to pet their T's? If you want to pet something get a dog or guinea pig. T's should be prized and watched but not held.
Man I can attest the hairs on certain Brachypelma are quite nasty thats for ddam sure this boehmei I got man a fresh molt ur getting welts where them hairs go oh man one night had em up both arms ma neck and I'll be dammed got some on my upper lip and shit far looked like I been kicked in the mouth by an old farm mule dam lip was all puffed up just in one spot though lol
Hey, Eric! YES on the Boehmei hairs...I agree completely. I got some hair on me once from mine, and it burned and bubbled quit e bit! Hahaha That sounds absolutely horrible!
I really appreciate how you showcase "uncharacteristic" behaviors from your typically docile species! It's never wise to assume you know what an animal will do, and I think complacency is often the cause of accidents and mistakes.
Hi, Lilly! I love it when they do stuff like that because it shows that even the beginner species can be naughty at times. Thank you!
Thank you Tom for mentioning that these little ones can grow faster if our homes are warmer. My two, have been growing by leaps and bounds because my office is 80° all year long.
My pleasure, Shoshannah!
Getting my curly hair tomorrow. Cant wait anymore.
That's awesome, Carla...congrats!
@@TomsBigSpiders I had one for 8years. Shy was sooooo big. So I'm ready after 3years for another one. Thank you so much
3:05, right on cue, lol... temper, temper little Missy...
I love when they help me out like that. haha
Amazing Tom as always, I loved your advice about holding the Smithie getting hairs kicked at him well it means don't want to be held great video as always lol 😆
Hey, Jimmy! Exactly! And thank you so much!
Brachypelmas are so pretty. I almost picked one up at the Scottish expo a few weeks ago but I’d already spent my limit lol
Thanks for another brilliant video. Both of you are just epic!
You'll have to grab one next time, Bobbi! And thank you so much!
the first tarantula i ever seen was a red knee too. it was my dads friends spider. i was hooked on tarantulas from there on.
Me too, bud! That's awesome!
Hi Tom great video as always .I have only been into the hobby a few months but find myself watching or just listening to your ultimate sling guides about every two or three weeks on average . I also love you other videos watched about five today .
Some of the other creators can be very flashy but seen like they start repeating the same thing for each species . I like that you put a bit more of the indevidual traits and personalitys of the species in question .
Keep up the good work . thanks .
Hey, Ant Ramblings! Thank you so much! Yeah, I know that I'm not the flashiest and most entertaining, but I really try to give the best and most thorough information possible. My goal is to make sure folks are prepared, and that means pointing out behaviors or tricks that could be useful.
I’m glad you showed this side of the red knee. I just got one that same size and it moves like a turtle I even tried to move it along all around the inside of the cage because it’s stuck in the corner and I was afraid it would never find the water dish. It was definitely frustrated but never kicked hairs and moved slow. Maybe I just got lucky?
I would love to have one of these beauties in my collection. They are stunning ! Great Vid Tom !
Thank you so much, Amz!
I’ve been using a lot of peat lately. My wife read a gardening article that was saying worldwide distribution of coco fiber and similar products is more harmful than harvesting peat. I really like topsoil but I always get fungus gnats in the bags.
Hey, Erik! See, I got sent information from several subscribers describing the damage done to the areas they get the peat from. I have to do more research. And I HATE fungus gnats. haha
Hey mr Moran cool spiders
Thank you so much!
Thanks for the video. I have two smithi slings I’m raising up. I can’t wait to see those colors.
Hopefully, you see them soon, Jeremiah!
Brilliant video as usual Tom, it's a gorgeous spider 🕷 the B. Smithi, i actually got myself one last Christmas, it's only about half an inch or so, but their slow growers, can't wait till it starts picking up some size Tom, anyway thanks for another wonderful video Tom.
That's awesome, George! I think that everyone should have a smithi or a hamorii in their collections at some point. :) And yes...they are sloooowww. haha Thanks, George!
Hello great video information and rehouseing Tom
Thank you so much, Moon!
Ur old music was I in a million wasn't it ,stilllove ya Tom 👍
Same here to first one I saw an owned ,an got me back into the hobbie 2 years ago,10 now
Hahahha super fast ahahhaha
Hey, bud! Great to hear from you. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one!
I recently got a 1" sling B. smithi. I'm excited for when it starts to show it's colors.
Congrats, Stan!
Mr Moran! Great video as always! I'm getting a new job new month and I'm getting one to mark the new change in my life. And I found out from my older sister in the uk that this is actually the first tarantula i handled. Over twenty years ago when I was 9 and full of fear of anything spider shaped, we went to the butterflies and insect world in Edinburgh. They had so many creepy crawlies! I absolutely loved it- except the tarantulas, apparently they scared the piss out of me. But they had this thing where they let a B. hamorii walk across a bunch of people's hands. And somehow my older sister convinced me to try it! And there is somewhere out there a picture of a terrified 9year old me with a Brachypelma hamorii on my hand. And I'm looking at you with your gloved hands and wondering what the people at the institute were thinking? Wonder if we were haired and as kids we were too stupid to notice😅. Lol she's a kicky beast there lol. Wish me luck!
Mausami Rai.
That's an awesome story! I believe this was the first tarantula species that I ever saw in real life. I'm sure that you were fine with the hairs. The ones that they use for demonstrations are usually not prone to kicking hairs. Good luck!
Great as always, Tom. The B. smithi gave me more trouble with husbandry than the B. hamorii, but they're both wonderful.
They really are awesome spiders. Thank you!
What kind of trouble did you have with B. smithi?
My 2nd tarantula was a B. Hamori sling who escaped and died all because of my stupidity, next tarantula I'm learning from my mistakes.
Aww! That sounds awful! I’m so sorry that happened to you. :(
@@Setsunadiava149 that's okay, I could get another one but I want to hold off to focus on my reptiles.
Awwwww...I'm so sorry to hear that.
Man this spider here is what sparked a life long fascination with these big beauties also gave me nightmares to lol but I was a small kid my moms weed guy had a big one for a pet its like hell ya scared the hell outta me but also made me curious I didn't know they got this big but that was so cool back then in the early 80s haha more like 82 or 83 lmao
Hey, Eric! Ha! I hear you! When I first saw mine, it had to be early 80s as well. I was scared to death of it but fascinated at the same time.
The most iconic of all tarantulas.
Agreed.
my smallish individual [ in between sling and juvenile ] is super picky. only eats food that isnt alive. pretty chill tho
its a hamorii tho
Yeah, these were quite coy with food early on, too.
Great video Tom I've got the harmorii and mine is no exception she bolts around kicks hairs alot. But like u said they may be calmer as adults.
Hey, James! Glad to know that I'm not the only one experiencing that. haha They DO seem to calm down with age (at least I hope that mine do. haha).
Hey Tom I got a couple of Brachypelmas from the pet store only because they were CHEAP lol I don't usually like to do that but couldn't pass up the price, I agree with you about handling them I personaly don't see the attraction of it but don't tell other's not to do it. Anywho I just wanted to say I love your video's and can't wait to see and learn more that you have to teach me :) Also you should have Billie in your video's more it's nice to see a woman that isn't turned off or disgusted by T's :)
That's awesome! Sometimes, you can get some great deals at pet stores...if their poor care doesn't kill the spiders first. haha And thank you so much! And I'm sure we'll get Billie on again. We just try not to make the videos about us - it's about the spiders. I honestly hate being on camera, but it's needed sometimes for the intros. haha Thanks again!
@@TomsBigSpiders it's all good I just like seeing the people that are teaching me to much and you guys teach me soo much it's amazing, I also have the PDF file for slings that you wrote and OMG is it a god send :)
Awesome vid as always! 🕷🧡🧡🧡🕷
Thank you, Lisa!
Hey Tom, great video. I'm not sure if this could be a future podcast topic, but I would be curious to hear your thoughts about how best to find a good home for mature males. Many of the specimens in my collection will be maturing in the near future. If possible, I would love for them to fulfill their duty and go on to breed. However, I worry about potentially sending males to a keeper that might not give them a good standard of care. If you met a keeper online that would take them for breeding, is it rude to ask for pictures of their enclosures/set-ups? How have you navigated this in the past?
Also, I'm in education as well (school psychologist).... so cheers and best of luck with your school year!
A school psychologist? That's awesome. As a sped teacher, I work very closely with my school psychologist! And that's a great topic, Dee...I will definitely put something together for that. The other problem is that some folks take males and have ZERO idea what they are doing. That's another issue I've found. Hmmmm...time to go make some podcast notes. ;) Thank you!!!
@@TomsBigSpiders I just finished listening to the podcast!! Thanks so much for answering my question so thoroughly!!
I have 2 smithi slings i got at half inch that have grown to an inch and a half. I got mine at Micro Wilderness. Nate is good people and does his all by the book for his Mexican imports so you know you get paperwork with them.
Man, that's some great growth, Bill!
My B smithi sling hangs out in the water dish and moist corner. Definitely seems to appreciate some moisture.
Yeah, there is a lot out there about them needing it completely dry, but I've found that smaller specimens need some moisture. Thanks for backing that up, Joe!
Great stuff Tom hope your well fella👍🏽
Thanks so much, Lee! And I can't complain! :) Hope all is well with you!
Good point about the hamorii . Hamorii and Smithi are separated by a river. Hamori to the north and Smithi to the south. You have to be careful ; Smithi's that are closer to the river I'm told look a little like hamorii. The farther south you go the bigger and more different looking they get .
Thanks so much!
Great video 🇬🇧
Thank you, Wayne!
Like number one !
Thanks, Dan!
Thanks! I have a small juvenile B boehmei, but I figure a lot of this probably applies to them as well. I'll look out for it starting a zooming phase.
Hey, Brian! My B. boehmei is a bit crazy and kicky, so yes! haha
@@TomsBigSpiders That's what everyone says. Oddly, mine is super chill so far. But, also a boy, so there's that : (
Love your video learning a lot
Thank you so much, Martin!
Great video as usual
Thanks, Anthony!
Got mine about a year ago and sweet bbq Jesus they grow slow. My H Pulchripes that I got the same day from the same vendor manage to turn into a mature male and the Smithi is barely 1 3/4 inches.
Hahahaha I hear that, bud!
Great information
Thanks, Chantal!
Way back when I bought my first tarantula the seller told me it is a Brachypelma smithi but 2 weeks after they announced that the Brachypelma smithi is now hamorii. So I asked the seller again if it is a smithi or hamorii, he insisted that it is B.smithi. Now I not sure what's the exact species of my tarantula.
If it was bought before that paper came out, I would think that it was a B. hamorii. That said, the two spiders are so similar that you're good either way.
🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤
Thank you, Candy!
3:44 made me laugh so hard I woke my parrots up 😂Beautiful specimen, not the spider for me but I love seeing all these gorgeous spiders that aren't my type on your channel cause it's like I can enjoy them without keeping them! Such a shame you don't have a link for those enclosures, they are absolutely adorable! I don't use any round enclosures (I have one .25" N. chromatus in a dram vial) but I'd love some pretty cylindrical enclosures!
Great video as always, Tom! Keep up the awesome work!
- Charlotte
5:30 Nailed it.
Thank you, sir... hahaha
Looks like u got yourself the southen species judging from the yellow carepace.
I believe its the Northen Smithi that has the more jet black carepace which i prefer.
Great info! I'll have to see what happens as it gets older!
@@TomsBigSpiders th-cam.com/video/nWw2xX7ekz0/w-d-xo.html
@@TomsBigSpiders Check out that video. This is the one that mentions the differences in Smithis depending on what area of Mexico they are found....ei south or north
Tom, a little help for one of your subscribers from "across the pond". Here in the UK we are facing a massive 80% increase in the cost of heating our homes from October, and further increases into the new year. We may be forced to reduce the amount we heat our homes, as a result. Can you give any advice for us Brits on alternative heat sources, such as the safe use of low-wattage heat mats, where to position them etc. or other cheap, safe and reliable ways to heat a room. Thanks in advance.
Thinking of an oil filled Radiator instead of heat pads.......as I've always avoided heat pads with spiders.
Hey, Debbie! I was reading about that recently. Dear lord, I really hope that it doesn't come to that. Yes, I can absolutely put something together on that.
@@TomsBigSpiders Thanks Tom, I know much of it is common sense, but I have had very conflicting advice on heat mats, especially for fossorial species.
I almost bought a juvie of this exact spider today and didn’t
Oh well!
I have a really chill red knee juvenile
These two are actually starting to chill out a bit. :)
Anyone know what differences there are between hamorii and smithi? I tried looking them up at one point and the suggestions didn't seem concrete or suggestions contradicted each other.
Hello! With the B. hamorii, the carapace is often (but not always) darker and the orange on the knees doesn't extend down to the second section of the legs. On the B. smithi, the orange does extend down further and they tend to be a bit more vibrant.
I think you should do more scorpion videos, you should check out arachnid rarities, they have a pretty good scorpion selection
Hey, Kevin! I'll get around to doing some more eventually! And I'll definitely check them out!
He's so right, they love kicking hairs
Thanks, Three Shot!
@@TomsBigSpiders No problem tom! I love your videos. I just found you channel last night and already watch 10 videos. You sir are the best tarantula youtuber out there in my opinion
What beautiful spiders. Honestly, I don't know the difference between B. Smithi and B. Hamorii. To me, they look the same! Are there any noticeable differences?
Tony, I would have a hard time telling them apart myself. It's amazing when people freak out about not having "the right one" when they look so darned similar. With the B. hamorii, the carapace is often (but not always) darker and the orange on the knees doesn't extend down to the second section of the legs. On the B. smithi, the orange does extend down further and they tend to be a bit more vibrant.
@@TomsBigSpiders Hi Tom! I wanted to say thank you! It was my 1st time re-housing my adult GBB (actual first time was a tiny sling). I have to be honest, I was dreading it! But I took all I learned from you and said a prayer and went for it! It went perfectly. I even used the same Simply bottle. You teach so many things that we can actually use rather than the nonsense on some other channels. So Thank You!
I have 3 juvie/SA B smithi and mine RARELY kick hairs. They are quite docile although they were skittish as slings. Question. Since when are smithi called Mexican red leg? I was under the impression that smith was the Mexican giant red knee and the B emilia was the red leg. Of course I don't put a lot of stock in common names and rarely use them but some of your viewers may. Great job once again bud. Thanks for the content
Hey, bud! Yeah, I put the wrong name. haha I HATE common names. I went and changed it in the title and on the thumbnail - thanks for the heads up. And sounds like you have two sweethearts! Both these guys and my B. hamorii were quite the kickers! Thanks again!
Beautiful B. smithi juvies you have there ! Owning a B. hamorii, I'm probably gonna catch a bit of flak for the following comment : Given that they are so similar in pattern, unless you're an absolute completist and must own every species in a genus, I personally wouldn't purchase a similar looking spider. The same applies with B. boehmei, owning one, I'm not going to bother hunting after the extremely rare B. baumgarteni, which looks pretty close to it.
B. auratum, however, while similar in pattern to hamorii and smithi, does have that flame tip on the knees that REALLY stands out ! That's one I would definitely consider if sold at a reasonable price, along with B. klaasi (Dream Brachy for me !), B. emilia and B. albiceps.
Bottom line is that you can't go wrong with any Brachy. Some may more skittish than others, but that's mostly down to the individual. I'm fortunate that both my Brachys rarely if ever kick hairs nowadays. I really need to pester them good for it to happen.
Stay safe and thanks for sharing :)
Hey, Luc! I agree about the appearance. I wanted both specifically to compare them when they are adults, but they are just so similar that most can't even tell them apart. And I, too, will not be getting a B. baumgarteni for the same reason. Hope all is well!
lucky, i got a lazy exemplar xD
only moves quck when I touch it the first time, then its like "no i woun't move" ... kicks some hairs when its got enough of it lol
Hahaha It's got some attitude, eh? :)
I love your videos!! I have a tank 40x25x25 cm. 🕷️ Would this be an adequate size for an adult?
Thank you so much! Yes, but just make sure that you put enough substrate in to make sure that if the spider climbs, it doesn't fall and hurt itself!
Awesome video and rehousing! Those juvies are little stinkers it seems! The only Brachypelma I have right now is a juvenile B. emilia. She's a burrower so I don't see her out that often! Anyway, I'm sure you've mentioned it somewhere before, but where do you get that green moss you use? I love the pop of color it adds to the enclosures!
Thanks so much, Chenin! Yeah, these guys have been quite the handful. I can picture some folks being freaked out by that. And I was getting it super cheap on Amazon, but the price basically trippled recently. Here's a link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KZDT346/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Actually, I just sent you a bag. It should be coming the 15-16th. Let me know what you think about it!
@@TomsBigSpiders Wow! Thank you so much! I can't wait to give it a try!
ooOOoo they're beautiful 😍❤️ love these.
When are you going to do a M. balfurry ?
Thanks, Melody! And as soon as I can get some shots of mine!
@@TomsBigSpiders thank you ❣️
I think if One doesn't want to breed Them later, it doesn't matter that much. They're all awesome T's anyway. You have a little Runner there😄
Agreed, Mike! And I sure do! haha
Hey Tom! I'm currently looking into bonnetina minax or mexican copperhead tarantula. Was curious if you have ever posted any husbandry information on them?
Hey, Gerald! I have not yet, although I do have one that I plan to cover in the future!
Hi Tom! Great video! Was searching rehousing videos on here getting ready to rehouse my own juvenile red knee. 1st ever T, will be 1 year I've had her next month. 3 inches in size...3 molts in that time span. Have had her in one of those small kritter keepers you find at pet shops and moving her into a herpcult acrylic enclosure. Wanted your opinion on substrate. Since day 1 I've used zoo med creature soil, which she only burrowed in for the 1st molt 2 months after I got her. She hasn't dug in it since...could care less about the hide I have in there. Always out in the open or hanging off side of the enclosure as she seems to love to climb. Someone suggested zoo med excavator clay substrate mixed with peat as it closer resembles the red knees desert like conditions? Any help would be appreciated. I'm a rookie in the hobby 😆
Hi, Jorge! Congrats on getting one - I love this species. Is the substrate moist? At 3", they tend to not like moist substrate (I'll keep them dry with a water dish at that point). They are also less inclined to burrow or hide once they hit that size. The one in this video (and her sibling) are out in the open all of the time now. You could do the excavator clay/peat thing, but there is a good chance that she won't burrow again. You could try peat, coco, topsoil, or a mixture of any of those. I also use a a lot of the Terra Aranea substrate from the Bio Dude if you're looking for "premium" stuff. Hope that helps!
What size enclosure do you recommend for a full grown Mexican red knee? I have a 7 yr old female that is currently in a 10 gallon. Would a 20 be too large? I see so many videos of juveniles but none with adults.
They are pretty a pretty sedentary species overall, so something around a 10-gallon (as long as it's not too tall) would be just fine.
Great video as always Tom! I'm getting back into the hobby as I've been away for about 5 years now. I see you're using BioDude substrate but if you weren't using that what substrate would you use? I remember you used to use the 40 40 20 mix if I'm not mistaken? That would be 40% top soil, 40% peat and 20% Coco coir I think? Would you still recommend that? I'm just using straight up Coco Coir at the moment! Sorry for all the questions!👍
Hey, man...how's it going? Great to hear from you! Funny that you should ask, as I just mixed up a bunch of my own. This time, I used 50 coco fiber, 40 peat, and 10 vermiculite. That said, I just didn't have any top soil on hand, or I would have mixed up the one you just listed. haha Yes, that still works great!
@@TomsBigSpiders Thanks so much for the reply! Even though I was away from the hobby for 5 years I still kept up with most of your videos! Your passion and knowledge always show through in your videos! Keep up all the great work you do for the hobby!😀👍
@@RaginMoose100 I really appreciate that! It's funny, because I was back on an older video a couple weeks ago and I saw one of your comments. I was wondering how you were. Good timing! haha
I love my B.smithi's I have 3 that range from 2 to 4 inches. I just sexed molts a few days ago to find out I have 1 confirmed female and 1 possible female. So happy to have at least 1 female out of the 3. Awesome video as always Tom 👌.
Congrats on getting a lady, Ajay!
why do you put lids on? Tryingto suffocate them?
Yes, Rodney. That's EXACTLY what I'm trying to do. See, this channel isn't about tarantula care and how to grow them up; I'm actually putting together snuff videos featuring spiders.
All joking aside, there are ventilation holes in all of the containers. So...no.
i recently got in to the hobbie and i would like to know where i could get the tongs and brushes
Hi, Zane! Many reptile supply places and tarantula dealers will sell the tongs. Here's a link to some on Amazon: www.amazon.com/WOLEDOE-Stainless-Tweezers-Tarantula-Hedgehog/dp/B08V1377H4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1DTLAU9H1Y5ZO&keywords=reptile+tongs&qid=1662493989&sprefix=reptile+tongs%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
Paint brushes you can buy in any craft stores.
Is the difference between smithi and hamorii in the carapace color?
Hey, Eric! The B. hamorii are generall darker overall, including the carapace. However, the orange on the knees stops at the knee. On the B. smithi, the orange continues down onto the next leg segment. That said, they both look so similar that it cracks me up when someone freaks out over which one they have. haha
I can speak atilean and it’s really hard I’m a learning btw
That's awesome, Holly!
People keep fish but they don't try to hug them. Why do people want to pet their T's? If you want to pet something get a dog or guinea pig. T's should be prized and watched but not held.
Hey, Joyce! I have not idea. That's what I have my dogs for. haha
Man I can attest the hairs on certain Brachypelma are quite nasty thats for ddam sure this boehmei I got man a fresh molt ur getting welts where them hairs go oh man one night had em up both arms ma neck and I'll be dammed got some on my upper lip and shit far looked like I been kicked in the mouth by an old farm mule dam lip was all puffed up just in one spot though lol
Hey, Eric! YES on the Boehmei hairs...I agree completely. I got some hair on me once from mine, and it burned and bubbled quit e bit! Hahaha That sounds absolutely horrible!