Hey guys and girls what method do you use for handling tarantulas and what would you say is the easiest way for a newbie

I really wouldn't even consider it until you have a bit more experience. You really need to learn about their reactions and their moods. Remember that they get nothing out of being handled, it only stresses them out. Some will tolerate it but they do not 'enjoy' it. I handle mine but purely for selfish reasons.

That being said if you are going to do it you should know how to do it with the least danger to your T. Keep everything low to the ground to minimise the damage from a fall. With terrestrials you want to put your hand flat into the enclosure and encourage the T onto it and then lift it out slowly, try not to breath on it too. Let the T walk from one hand to the other. Try not to cough or squeal or jump as you may spook your T. With arboreals (I only recommend holding Avics) you'll want to encourage them out and up onto your hand. These can jump mind so be careful.

I use the same method i first tap the enclosure with a paint brush just to let the t know its me and then touch it with the paint brush to see in what mood it is if all still seems fine i stick in my hand and do everything the same that you said to do i love handling my avic avic the most coz of the jumping but their is still some ts i would not try and handle till i get some more experience like my c.fasciatum tiger rump coz its a bit on the skittish side and i know id crap myself if it had to start bolting all over me i just wanted to start this topic coz i couldnt find one. Thanks

Fair enough :thumbsup: .

There are a number of mine I wouldn't even try with too. Even my A. purpurea is a bit too mental to be held. She is worse than some of my pokies.

There is a lot of controversy about handling in Britain. It seems the majority of keepers don't do it at all. Is this the same in SA?
I do it for the interaction, I know they don't love me but I love them regardless.

Like the British Tarantula Society we also try and encourage people not to handle any Tarantula no matter how docile or brave/ knowledgeable you are.

It's like fireworks : We are not liable for any loss or accident. I have seen a G.rosea that is almost more agro than a P.irminia. But people handle tarantulas regardless even a few venomous T's "hence the bite report thread "

In my opinion its personal preference handling a T or not. The only golden rules I would say is keep close to the ground, gauge the T's mood before sticking your hand in, Don'st flinch or get a fright if it has a little bursts of speed. Commit to the situation!!!! And always know that no matter how sweet a T is it can turn at any second... dont chuck your T if you get tagged.

Paintbrush to test mood is a must! I know all my T's very well and I still test them before even thinking of sticking my hand in there. 6 years and I have never been tagged, and handle most of my T's twice a week one by one for 5 min each... if they will let me.