Mike's Basic Tarantula
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Theraphosa blondi
Common name: Goliath Birdeater
Indigenous: Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela
Habitat: Brazil - Most of Brazil has high annual average temperatures, above 22°C (72°F). Only in the South and in the highest elevations does the average fall below this.
A tropical wet climate characterizes much of northern Brazil, with abundant rainfall and little or no dry season. Temperatures average 25°C (77°F). Rainfall averages about 2,200 mm (about 90 in) a year. Over central Brazil rainfall is more seasonal, characteristic of a savanna climate. Eighty percent of the rain falls in summer (October through March). Here rainfall averages about 1,600 mm (about 60 in) a year. In the interior Northeast, seasonal rainfall is even more extreme. The semiarid region receives less than 800 mm (30 in) of rain, which falls in a period of two or three months.
Guyana has a tropical climate, with little seasonal temperature change. The annual rainfall (about 1,525 to 2,030 mm/about 60 to 80 in) on the coast occurs mainly from April to August and November to January. The savanna region receives some 1,525 mm (60 in) of rain annually, mainly from April to September. The climate of coastal Guyana is extremely mild for a low-lying tropical area because of the persistent trade winds blowing in off the Atlantic Ocean.
The climate of Venezuela is tropical on the Llanos and along the coast and temperate in the mountainous regions. The average temperature in Venezuela is 21.1 °C (70 °F). The warmest average max/ high temperature is 27 °C (81 °F) in March, April, May, August, September. The coolest average min/ low temperature is 14 °C (57 °F) in January & February. The month with the driest weather is March. The relative humidity for an average year is recorded as 80.7% and on a monthly basis it ranges from 76% in March to 84% in November. Most precipitation falls from May through November, with the northern mountain slopes receiving less rain than those on the south.

Temp/humidity: 784°F degrees/80-90%  humidity. Of the three Theraphosa species I have kept, the T. Blondi is more moisture dependent, especially as an adults. Therefore, for humidity in her setup, before I put the substrate, I lay two inches of pebble gravel the size of a sweet pea first . Then I pour water in the tank just below the pebbles. Afterward, I pack four inches of substrate.  
Enclosure: Adults should be given a large terrarium. I use a twenty (20) gallon long aquarium. I have found that, when I simulate their natural environment by decorating the cage with foliage, they tend to stay out and wonder more. But make sure the plants you use doesn't have any pesticide on it.
Substrate: four inches of substrate. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).
Retreat/Hide: Place a bark for a starter burrow/hide
Food Consumption: Because the spiderlings of this species are born large, I start feeding them half inch (1.37cm) baby crickets. My adult Goliath Birdeater, I give 3 adults B. dubia roaches or fifteen (15) adult crickets weekly. This species is a voracious eater, and devours its prey. I also give her one pinkie-mouse or a house gecko every three month for variety.
Water Requirements: I keep a large water dish in the cage, even though after twelve (12) years, I have never seen mine drink. I also dampen one-half of the substrate in the terrarium by overflowing the water dish.
Growth Rate:The growth rate for this species is medium-fast. With proper heating and feeding it may attain a leg length of four inches in a year.
Adult Size: It is said that this species may attain a leg length of eleven inches (27.94cm). My girl, after twelve years has only attain a leg length of 10.5" (26.67cm) but is still growing. I know, everyone wants to see proof. (MOLT)
Temperament: When young, this tarantula is skittish, but not aggressive as an adult. They are more laid back. It may use a defensive pose, but would rather kick urticating hairs rather than stand and fight. And the hairs are very irritating. For this reason I don't handle my Theraphosa species; not to mention that they have over one inch fangs, which if bitten, may be traumatizing.
Comments: This girl was given to me as a freebie with an order from John Hoke's Spider World. This is an aggressive eating T. She have never refused a meal unless near a molt. I recommend purchasing this species as a captive born spiderling vs wild caught, unless for breeding purposes. Wild caught species don't fair to well in captivity. Plus most have parasites. Spiderlings are fuzzy and a solid charcoal grey. The Goliath Birdeater is the ultimatum in tarantula care and their size is spelled bounding. Their size, whenever out, makes this tarantula one of the better display species. I keep this species in a natural decorated  enclosure in my office and of all my tarantulas they receive the greatest rave, because of their size.

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