Good morning everybody

I transferred my Poecilotheria fasciata today and I struggled like hell! :igiveup: Is there an easy way to transfer pokies from one enclosure to the next?

The first thing that I can tell you is to work on the grass (if T is big enough). Grass is their kryptonite and if they start running it is usually for very short distances. I would also get a nice soft (long) artist brush to coax the pokie into the right direction.

Secondly I would say to stay alert at all times and have respect for the beautiful T your working with. You surely wouldnt want any unpleasant surprises.

Lastly have your camera ready and take some pictures as the natural light brings out the best colouration in them.

For smaller pokies (slings) there is the bag method and also the method where you can use a plastic coldrink bottle cut in half (works great for bigger T's too).

Ive never used the bag method so you will have to use the search function for that. It seems I enjoy chasing them around the kitchen floor much more. You will also find great search results for the coldrink bottle method.

Sent with Uncle Charlie's Pokie machine

Morning CC

As Uncle Charlie mentioned in his reply, the bag method is a particularly useful method to transfer those eight-legged critters that seem to be able to teleport themselves. I had two fun experiences with my A.avicularia (Pinktoe) and my P.cambridgei (Trinidad Chevron), both of whom escaped whilst doing some maintenance. Luckily I was able to catch them. I now use the bag method to do any transfers, particularly with arboreal species.

You will need a large, clear bag of fairly thick plastic and either an elastic band or string. Clear plastic is best as you can then see where the T is. Place the bag over the enclosure and make sure that there are no gaps where the T can escape from. Remove the lid and then gently get the T to move into the top of the bag. The arboreal species tend to move upwards. Once the T is in the bag, use the elastic band or string to close the bag, giving the T enough space. Remove the bag and then you can work on the enclosure or transfer the T to its new home. Place the bag over the new enclosure, remove the elastic or string and you can safely manipulate the T into its new home. I have had used this method with my P.regalis, H.maculata, A.avicularia and P.cambridgei and it works well. If you want more info, use the search function on the site. If you like, you can get hold of me as I am also at UP (just started at the Mammal Research Institute, running an isotope lab). Oh yes, definitely keep a camera handy as well. There are always great photo opportunities when working with your T's.

Hope this helps a bit. :laugh:

Rehousing 1 pokie is a holiday. Try rehousing a communal!

We recently rehoused our regalis communal - we put the smaller enclosure inside the bigger enclosure and used gentle persuation to get them out. It worked for about 8 out of the 10 pokies, the other 2 were professional escapees and we also chased them around the house but all 10 lived happily ever after in their new home in the end

I usually leave the rehousing to my husband. He is VERY calm and never freaks out when a pokie flies through the living room - me? not so calm. I freak out and scream like the girl I am!

I think the best course of action for you will be patience. If you coax them too much, they get jittery. And try more than one method (google them all), until you are satisfied it works for you.

Thank you so much uncle Charlie

Great advice. I tried the bag method, worked well but took some time. She loved her old shack :thumbsup:

Thank you Spunky

I try to stay calm, but I have a general phobia of my eight legged babies. I used the bag method and worked well