Handling your Tarantula

A tarantula is a wild animal and can be unpredictable, it has the ability to defend itself against predators if put under pressure. A tarantulas temperament can also vary depending on what species it is and also its individual character

(More of which will be covered in the Selecting Your Tarantula section).

Some spiders are non aggressive and would rather turn and run and only use force as a last resort, some display a warning before attacking, whilst others are not to be messed with and will attack anything that moves without warning.
It is due to the above statement that I cannot recommend the handling of any spider firstly you may get hairs kicked at you or even bitten, hair kicking can be more of a problem than being bitten. If a tarantula kicks hairs at you and these hairs come into contact with your skin you will most probably develop a rash. If they enter the eyes you may suffer irreparable eye damage so be warned. If you are holding your spider and it decides to go for a run (Never underestimate the speed of your spider. As any tarantula owner will tell you they can move FAST!!!) it may fall and sustain a fatal injury.
REMEMBER YOUR SPIDERS ABDOMEN CAN BE COMPARED WITH A WET PAPER BAG FILLED WITH JELLY, IF DROPPED IT WOULD SPLIT OPEN ON IMPACT.
I would only recommend the handling/moving of any tarantula only if absolutely necessary for example when transporting to another container when cleaning the spiders usual home.
Methods Of Handling:
There are three methods of picking up your spider. .

1. Some people pick up their spider from above using their thumb and forefinger placed between the four pairs of legs. This is a method used by experts. It only needs the slightest pressure to crush the spiders internal organs therefore I cannot recommend using this method.

ONLY USE THIS METHOD IF YOU ARE SURE OF WHAT YOU ARE DOING AS YOUR SPIDER COULD SUSTAIN A FATAL INJURY
2. Another method which may be used is where one hand is placed in front of the spider whilst the other hand strokes the spiders abdomen in order to gently coax it into walking forward onto the open hand. This procedure also has its risks to both you and your spider. Firstly there is a risk of being bitten and as mentioned previously if your spider is suddenly startled and tries to run their is a chance it might fall from your hand and consequently suffer injury.
3. The third method proves to be the safest method to both you and your spider. Cut a large plastic pop bottle in half and throw away the bottom half. Making sure the lid is secured slowly place the upper half over your spider taking care not to trap its legs. The spider will usually climb upwards, then a piece of card can be placed across the open end and your spider can safely be transported to its new destination. On reaching its new destination remove the card and gently place the bottle on its side, your spider will find its own way out when it is ready. This is the method which I use and non of my spiders or myself have suffered as a result.
REMEMBER THAT YOUR SPIDER IS A WILD ANIMAL AND SHOULD BE TREATED WITH CARE, BOTH HANDS AND FINGERS ARE VUNERABLE.