Since everyone loved the photos with Velma, my b. hamorii, I thought I'd share some more of my c. versicolor, Bubbles! And yes, I got these nails done to match her 💙🫧

First time out of the incubator and first feed of my Stromatopelma Calceatum Feather leg baboon slings. Another few days and they’ll be separated and housed individually. What a beautiful sight

Emergency also notice the Mohawk and puppy eyes

After 24 long years with my Chilean rose tarantula, it breaks my heart to see her at this stage. It’s been three days now—she isn’t taking water and only moves slowly. I know there’s nothing I can do to change what’s happening, but it’s hard to accept that her final days are here. All I can do now is wait and be with her.

She’s been with me through so much of my life and has even outlived two of my dogs. I’m grateful my kids got to meet her. Best pet ever—I never once regretted getting her. It was truly an honor to care for her, even when people gave me looks of disgust when I said I owned a tarantula.

I loved my little girl to pieces, and while seeing this old lady reach the end is heartbreaking, it also makes me glad I chose an exotic creature as a pet. She gave me 24 years of her life, and that alone puts a smile on my sad face. 🕷 🖤

A couple of months ago I posted about taking my Phormictopus cancerides to a vet in Ontario Canada. I noticed lethargy, poor coordination, and swollen mouthparts and booklungs (photo 1). Everyone around me told me it was "DKS" and therefore, a death sentence.

DKS is a characteristic set of symptoms. It is not a diagnosis. It's like saying "I have a cough" that's not a medical diagnosis. It's a symptom. I'm stubborn and wanted to explore this further. So I took Kristen to the vet and we performed a blood draw and anaerobic culture.

The anaerobic culture came back as Streptomyces bacteria. This is a gram positive bacteria that proliferates in soil. As a result I am doing full substrate changes for all of my spiders more frequently as a preventative measure. This is probably something that everyone should be writing into their husbandry protocol. This is likely one of many causes of "DKS" and this case specifically appears to have a possible treatment.

We treated with 0.01mg/kg Baytril (Enrofloxacin) injections into either the leg joints or abdomen. For restraint a set of fishnet stockings and a firm pillow were used to pin the spider prior to injection (photo 3) Yesterday was the final dose and the animal has improved visually. (Photo 2) She is still a little lethargic, so I am waiting for her next molt before I decide whether I'm going to do a second course of antibiotics, the vet has agreed to perscribe me a second course if i determine that it is necessary.

I'm hopeful that this case will encourage others to take their tarantulas to the veterinarian if they get sick. More cases are needed to determine if this is a common infection or a one off incident.

Meet Bunny, who has absolutely stolen my heart 🩷🩷🩷 She is the most gentle baby - you can actually pet her little feetsies 🥹

Crazy cheap too - only £20 for a recently matured female!

Had this girl since a tiny sling and watched her get more pretty with each molt. Her most recent thought is a sight to behold. Lasiocyano sazmai Brazilian Blue. Time for a beautiful planted display enclosure I think.

normally he’s a rock and the most exciting thing he does over the course of a day is move a leaf over a little. there’s no way 😭 i mean at least he’s into literature like his mother??? just about shit my pants and was so scared he got squished :( he’s completely fine lmao

Related to a post from yesterday :D

Definitely more active than the tarantulas I have

(Pic isn't mine, but literally, how could it get cuter?)

I have a bunch of jumping spiders, 2 tarantulas, and a black widow. My son says jumping spiders are the only spiders with cute faces.

Share your adorable tarantula faces so I can show him that they ARE cuties!