Can I hold my Rose Hair Tarantula?

Question

So I got a rose hair tarantula about 3 months ago. I asked the pet store if I could hold it and they said they would "advise not to"... does that mean I absolutely can't? My spider is most definitely used to it's surroundings. I touch it everyday, but everytime I do, it freaks out... so is it okay if I hold it?

Answer 1

I bought one today for my BF. I handled the spider and then put it back in the cage...moments later my hand really started to itch. What can I do to stop the itching? Will it ever not do that again? Are the hairs still in there? Now I am worried to hold him cause I dont want to go through this again...please help.

P.S. I still love it lol.

Answer 2

I've had my Tarantella for 18 years. Not only do I hold her often but I use her to teach children about tarantulas and I let them pet her. Tarantella loves it. When I put my hand in the cage she comes to me. She will often sit on my shoulder while I'm working on the computer. She doesn't ultricate hairs onto me or anyone else. The only time she has done so to me was when one of my cats was coming a bit to close for her liking.

Of course I am very in tune to her body language. Before I use her for lectures or classroom discussions I always take her out and see how she is reacting to everything around her. I can tell when she isn't in the mood to be held or anything else.

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