Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas and Inverts

Tom Moran

A podcast devoted to the proper care and upkeep of tarantulas and other inverts. After keeping a G. porteri for over 16 years, I decided that I wanted to add another tarantula to my collection. Several years later, I now keep over 100 specimens and 90+ different species. It’s safe to say that I am now completely addicted to the hobby. I’m NOT an expert, and I’m currently still learning about keeping these fascinating creatures. In fact, there are so many species, that I suspect that I’ll still be learning years from now. A teacher by trade, I enjoy passing along what I’ve information and techniques I’ve discovered and helping others in their successful pursuit of this hobby. I enjoy hearing from folks, whether through comments on the blog or email. I have done and continue to do a lot of research, and I will only be discussing animals I personally keep, so the information I present should be current and accurate.

Episodes

Using AI for Tarantula Care Research

With AI growing by leaps and bounds, it was inevitable that some folks would start using it as a tool for tarantula research. However, how accurate is the information? Where does it come from? And how can it best be used by new keepers? In this episode, we will search up some spider care, compare the results, and discuss the results.

Aug 18

1 hr 12 min

How to Prevent (or Come Back from) Tarantula Hobby Burnout

It can happen to the best of us. Suddenly, your beloved tarantula collection has become a source of stress. How did you get to this point? In this episode, we'll discuss "hobby burnout," how to prevent it, and how to come back from it.

Aug 11

52 min

The Ultimate M. balfouri "Socotra Island Blue Baboon" Care Guide

First, we'll discuss comments from last week's podcast. Then, we'll discuss the care of one of the most beloved species of tarantulas in the hobby, the Monocentropus balfouri or "Socrata Island Blue Baboon." I've been keeping this species since 2013, and have had five females in a communal setup for over nine years. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the care for solitary specimens as well as for communal setups.

Aug 4

1 hr 7 min

Tarantulas Seized and the C. cayaneopubescens (GBB) Care

First, we'll disuss the current seizure of smuggled tarantulas at an airport. Then, I'll discuss tips and care notes for one of the hobby's most popular species, the C. cyaneopubescens or GBB!

Jul 21

51 min

Best Tarantula Species to Keep to Gain Experience

When making their wish lists, many hobbyists identify spiders like Old World tarantulas and giant tropicals that they'd like to keep one day, but don't currently feel ready to do so. Although some folks can just jump right into the deep end with an "advanced" species, others want to take their time to gain experience with other spiders before making the jump. In this episode, I'll share some of the tarantulas that I think make good stepping-stones to keeping the more advanced species.

Jul 14

57 min

The Big Guns - Updates on My Largest Tarantulas

In this episode, we'll discuss the growth rates and current legspans of the largest tarantulas in my collection.

Jul 7

53 min

Who Will Care for Your Tarantulas in an Emergency?

After I injured my shoulder, I had to have my son, Roane, help me with basic feeding and maintenance. It got me thinking about how important it is for hobbyists to plan for an event that leaves them unable to care for their animals. In this episode, we'll discuss what such planning might look like.

Jun 29

42 min

Tarantula Males Discussion

NOTE: In the podcast, I refer to Pamphobeteus sp. Duran as Phormictopus sp. Duran. This was an error on my part! Also, it's lion CUBS, not kittens. This was supposed to be up for Father's Day, but I blew out my shoulder! First, we discuss the last podcast. Then, we hear about a woman who got envenomated by a black widow through her EYE. Finally, for our main topic, we'll discuss tarantula males.

Jun 22

53 min

If I Could Only Keep 5 Tarantulas

I'm not going to lie; I've avoided this "challenge" for years because just the thought of it causes me stress. That said, in this episode, I'm going to try to choose the tarantulas I would keep if I could only have 5.

Jun 8

49 min

P. metallica "Gooty Sapphire Ornamental" Care

First off, we'll share some listener comments. Then, we'll share some spider news. Our main topic for today (14:30) is the care of one of the most popular tarantulas in the hobby - the Poecilotheria metallica or "Gooty Sapphire Ornamental."

Jun 1

1 hr 7 min