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I'm going to purchase a Mexican Redleg spiderling (approx. size 1/2" to 3/4" and I just wanted some clarification on caring for spiderlings.

I've read that most breeders will ship the spiderlings in vials and then the purchasers will keep them in that vial until they grow out of it...then graduate them to baby food jars, and continue to graduate them to other enclosure until they reach maturity. Does this scenario sound correct to any of you?

Naturally I'm apprehensive about purchasing such a small tarantula, so any information about caring for such a small spiderling would be greatly appreciated.

My apologies...I meant Mexican FIRE leg

>>My apologies...I meant Mexican FIRE leg

Brachypelma boehmei? Nice looking Ts. Yes the housing description you gave is completely accurate. Keep them in the vial until their legspan equals the diameter of the vial, sounds cruel, but it isn't. They will be burrowing anyway, so they'll be using much more than just the floor space of the vial. The next container you can put them in should have maybe 3-4 times the length or diameter of their legspan, then let them grow into that. (usually a delicup or sandwich container) By that time they'll be ready to go into a Kritter Keeper or other nicer looking home.
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KJ Vezino
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Thanks for the information.

I'm just a little concerned about purchasing such a tiny spider. I'm a complete novice..meaning I've never owned a tarantula before. As a beginner, do you think that I should take a risk on 1/2" spiderling, or should I purchase a juvenile that is around 2 inches?

Thanks in advance!

Here's my advice, get a 2" juvenile. Or maybe even a larger individual of a different species, to get your feet wet in the hobby first. As new owners we usually want the instant gratification that comes from seeing a big spider day to day and possibly handling it at times. Tiny spiders around the ½ inch mark are fairly boring day to day. (I know, I have several) And at that size, they take forever to grow. Brachypelmas are some of the slowest to grow at that size. You'd be lucky if it hit 1" in a years time. I have an Aphonopelma chalcodes that is over a year old and is still ¾". Do you have the patience for that? I know I didn't at first. A 2" spider is going to have adult coloration and will be more active. Plus it will grow a little faster than a s'ling.

Have you looked into other species? There are better species for your first one, not that B. boehmei is a bad choice. You may look into getting a Grammostola rosea or something else that is an adult ($20 at the pet store) to see how you like it, then after a little experience and the headache that goes with learning the ins and outs and what is normal in arachnid husbandry/behavior, then you can move on to get a s'ling. Just something to ponder.
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KJ Vezino
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American Tarantula Society
British Tarantula Society
Nebraska Tarantula Enthusiasts Club
Wiccan Tarantula Circle

Thank you for the suggestions!

I've found 2" red knee juveniles for sale, so I may consider going that route. I have also considered just the rose hair as you suggested. I'm definitely weighing all of my options. I always make it a habit to read, research, and ask questions before I purchase any new animal that I'm not familiar with. Not only does it save me grief, but it also saves the animal from any unnecessary harm and suffering I think I will definitely stick with a juvenile or an adult.

Thanks for the help!

I'm the same way. I read and researched tarantulas for a year before I got my first one. I read everything there was online and had several books, before I made my decision.

If you want a good book here are some suggestions:

Hands down the best book is "The tarantula Keeper's Guide" by Stanley A. Schultz.

A couple slighly cheaper, but way smaller books are:
"Tarantulas and Other Arachnids" by Samuel Marshal
And
"Quick and Easy Tarantula Care" by Robert G. Breene III

Also read through the old posts, go back a few pages and you'll probably learn many of the answers to questions you haven't asked yet or haven't even thought of yet.
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KJ Vezino
My Gallery

American Tarantula Society
British Tarantula Society
Nebraska Tarantula Enthusiasts Club
Wiccan Tarantula Circle