Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A little girl came in to work today with her Mom to get puppy shots and asked some questions about keeping a black widow spider that they found. The little 10 yr old found it and Mom says she can keep it if she finds out how to care for it. Anyone know of a little caresheet I could give her? I checked for caresheets on the Pethobbiest Arachnid Forums but don't really have time to put hours into it, and one wasn't readily available. Just thought I'd ask you folks. She kinda reminds me of myself.

Thanks,
Linda

Linda,
...This one seems pretty basic. It may be ideal for someone starting out.
www.repticzone.com/caresheets/315.html
Jeff

www.desertusa.com/july97/du_bwindow.html
>>Linda,
>>...This one seems pretty basic. It may be ideal for someone starting out.
>>www.repticzone.com/caresheets/315.html
>>Jeff
>>
>>
>>

Thanks Jeff,
I printed those and will take them with me to work this morning.

For a 10 year child, I'd advise a non-venomous spider or millipede. Even a trantula or emperor scorpion would be better option. Here in AZ, just around my house, I've counted 14 black widow webs and removed the spiders from my house back into the desert because I have a four year old around. Black widow bites can be quite damaging to children and elderly. I'd suggest the child to let it go and if kept certain precautions have to be taken to make sure it wouldn't escape, wasn't a gravid female, or handled. I've seen black widows move pretty fast when startled and just think they should be kept with care, experience, and under very close adult supervision.
My thoughts,
Uncloudy

..the spider is probably already dead. I didn't encourage this youngster to try and keep this creature as a pet...but, if her Mom allows it to be so it is not my place to agree or disagree with her. (I kill any that I find around the house) If a child or anyone who asks me for suggestions to properly care a for pretty much any creature I try to offer what I can. That doesn't mean I believe it's the right thing to do. I can only offer information, not judgement. The Mom will make the appropriate decision, and noe she will be better informed to do so.

No hard feelings from me, like I said I agree with you.

Linda

BTW....maybe that bold lettered CALL POISON CONTROL will be the deciding factor.

>>For a 10 year child, I'd advise a non-venomous spider or millipede. Even a trantula or emperor scorpion would be better option. Here in AZ, just around my house, I've counted 14 black widow webs and removed the spiders from my house back into the desert because I have a four year old around. Black widow bites can be quite damaging to children and elderly. I'd suggest the child to let it go and if kept certain precautions have to be taken to make sure it wouldn't escape, wasn't a gravid female, or handled. I've seen black widows move pretty fast when startled and just think they should be kept with care, experience, and under very close adult supervision.
>>My thoughts,
>>Uncloudy