My husband and I are keepers and collectors of herps and tarantulas in general. We have 36 tarantulas of 21 species, 16 snakes of 8 species, and 11 lizards of 7 species. Although we've only had herps for 11 months, both of us have had previous experience of 2-8 years of care. We're not new to properly caring for our animals. I'm not here for any arguments, sacastic remarks, or other ridiculous comments from those who are not trying to truly help. (I've gotten WAY TOO MANY annoying responces on Kingsnake from idiotic keepers).

So onto why I'm here. There's a pair of Tokays at a reputble store near my home. The guy I deal with doesn't know how to sex them, but he trusts the dealer he purchased from and says they are 75% a true pair. They are 5-6" long and B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! Tony has wanted a Tokay for awhile now, so I want to get them for his birthday - we have 1 month before that, and the guy will hold onto them for us until then, so we have a little bit of time to get everything set up and research them a bit more before they come home.

We'll build them a cage, and will likely want it to be a live terrarium that will need little extra-upkeep (normal cleaning of fecal matter and such). What dimentions would be good for this? What would be the best plants to include for these? And would a container for the feeders be good, or free-roaming crickets/roaches/etc? Also, how mmuch ventalation would be best for them? I want to think about making the top screened and have screened holes in the sides as well, but...

Also, how long will it take for them to get full grown if they have the ideal habitat and food (they are 5-6" right now)? At what size might they start breeding? What suggestions would you suggest to be prepared for the breeding season to make sure she'll be able to lay and the eggs be viable if fertalized? I've read up on this, but I just want to see what YOU will say.

Also, what are NOT good foods for them? What are the most common mistakes you see that I can avoid?

Thanks for all your help!

~Krystie

ps - if I do say something stupid, please respond respectfully - otherwise I'll likely ignore all you say cuz I refuse to deal with jerks anymore. Too frustrating. Thankyou for your consideration.

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