I
got Baby from a pet store in 2000. Children were banging on her cage,
a loud, screeching bird was right beside her and a breeze from a fan was
blowing on her. She was frightened and in response she was showing
aggression, pacing her cage and showing her fangs, so they had named her
'Psychospider'. Feeling sorry for her, I gave her a new, clean cage
then brought her home to my quiet apartment and she calmed right down
and stopped displaying aggression. However, because of her time in that
pet store, she still becomes skittish and runs for cover if there is any
sudden movement or loud noise near her tank.
My parents couldn't fathom why I'd want a large spider in my house and
were initially quite nervous about coming for visits, but they have
warmed right up to her. They happily "Baby-sit" when I am away from
home for more than few days and when they come to visit, their first
stop is Baby's tank for a moment to coo and talk to her. They even
cared for her in their home for close to four months when I had to be in
hospital for an extended period of time in 2002. No human grandchildren
are in sight, so Baby is their Grandspider.
In 2000, based on her size, it was estimated that she was about 2-3
years old, which would make her ten years old now. However, her shedding
pattern has revealed that she's older than originally thought, about
13-17 years old. Female tarantulas can live up to 12-20 years depending
on breed, so Baby's time may be short. However, for as long as she does
live, she's got a safe, comfortable home.
Baby says: "Hello! Don't let my furry legs and beady eyes frighten you;
I'm a very quiet, gentle little girl - I only hurt flies (and crickets)!
I like 'guarding' my water dish, sleeping in my hidey hole and coming as
close to Mommy as I can, showing her my tummy when she sits in her chair
next to my cage. Thank you for letting me be Pet of the Day!"
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