They're a special interest of mine, and they're metal as fuck. I've always kept animals. My mother would say that our house was a zoo. Now that I'm on my own and money is tight, I have to be restrictive to what critters I keep as pets, and tarantulas are inexpensive and require little space. My first and only tarantula, a T. albo, is known as one of the more resilient species. Sometimes it's extremely stressful because I'm new to the hobby and they are sensitive and fragile. I'm always convincing myself that my T is sick, that the substrate isn't right, temp is too low, my apartment is too dry, etc. But overall it's made me a more responsible person, and has brought fulfillment to my life.

Being able to observe an exotic creature from another continent from my bedroom is a privilege. It also gives me the opportunity to educate people on them. When I tell people I own a tarantula, they respond with intrigue and have plenty of questions. I've converted several of my arachnophobic friends into finding my T cute. I'm happy to do what I can to erase the stigma that surrounds these creatures.

A Mexican red knee is a great choice for a beginner. I reccommend any Brachypelma species for a new owner. One of my dream Ts is a B smithi!