295 episodes

A podcast devoted to the proper care and upkeep of tarantulas and other inverts. After keeping a G. porteri for over 16 years, I decided that I wanted to add another tarantula to my collection. Several years later, I now keep over 100 specimens and 90+ different species. It’s safe to say that I am now completely addicted to the hobby.I’m NOT an expert, and I’m currently still learning about keeping these fascinating creatures. In fact, there are so many species, that I suspect that I’ll still be learning years from now. This blog is a bit of a journal to track my interest in the hobby and to share some of the information I’ve learned. A teacher by trade, I enjoy passing along what I’ve information and techniques I’ve discovered and helping others in their successful pursuit of this hobby. I enjoy hearing from folks, whether through comments on the blog or email.I have done and continue to do a lot of research, and I will only be discussing animals I personally keep, so the information I present should be current and accurate. I also regularly update older posts with current photos, observations, and information. However, this is an ever-evolving hobby, so I implore anyone interested in keeping these animals to use whatever they find here as a springboard for further research on techniques or species-specific care.

Tom's Big Spiders - Tarantulas and Inverts Tom Moran

    • Kids & Family
    • 4.9 • 184 Ratings

A podcast devoted to the proper care and upkeep of tarantulas and other inverts. After keeping a G. porteri for over 16 years, I decided that I wanted to add another tarantula to my collection. Several years later, I now keep over 100 specimens and 90+ different species. It’s safe to say that I am now completely addicted to the hobby.I’m NOT an expert, and I’m currently still learning about keeping these fascinating creatures. In fact, there are so many species, that I suspect that I’ll still be learning years from now. This blog is a bit of a journal to track my interest in the hobby and to share some of the information I’ve learned. A teacher by trade, I enjoy passing along what I’ve information and techniques I’ve discovered and helping others in their successful pursuit of this hobby. I enjoy hearing from folks, whether through comments on the blog or email.I have done and continue to do a lot of research, and I will only be discussing animals I personally keep, so the information I present should be current and accurate. I also regularly update older posts with current photos, observations, and information. However, this is an ever-evolving hobby, so I implore anyone interested in keeping these animals to use whatever they find here as a springboard for further research on techniques or species-specific care.

    Eresus walckenaeri Care and the Velvet/Jumping Spider "Fad"

    Eresus walckenaeri Care and the Velvet/Jumping Spider "Fad"

    Having just rehoused my juvenile Eresus walckenaeri (Velvet Spider), I figured that it was time to talk a bit about how I care for it.
    Also in this episode, is the current Jumping Spider and Velvet Spider social media fad and rampant anthropomorphization leading to decline in overall appropriate husbandry in the spider hobby? I'll discuss what I feel are the realistic pros and cons of the attention these "cute" spiders are currently receiving. 

    • 53 min
    Tarantula Enclosure Blowout!

    Tarantula Enclosure Blowout!

    In this episode, I'll go through all of the types of tarantula enclosures I've used, from cheap to pemium, and share my pros and cons of each.

    • 1 hr 15 min
    A History of Tom's Big Spiders and Why I Do This

    A History of Tom's Big Spiders and Why I Do This

    Last week, I had a few folks contact me a bit upset that there was no episode for Sunday.  And, to be honest, this happens every time I miss a week. Although I completely understand that this podcast has become very important to folks for a myriad of reasons, I thought that it might be a good time to explain why I do the Tom's Big Spiders stuff . In this episode, I'll go through the entire history of TBS from the original blog, to YouTube, and now the podcast. My hopes are that folks will understand my motivations for putting out this information and appreciate that, sometimes, I just need a day off. 

    My apologies for spending an entire episode talking about me. Next week, it's back to spiders! 

    • 50 min
    The Fastest Spiders That I Have Kept

    The Fastest Spiders That I Have Kept

    I've been asked to do this one many times over the years, but there is honestly no way for me to scientifically prove which ones are faster. However, in this episode, I will share the ones that I think are fastest based on my own personal experience. 

    What are YOUR fastest spiders? 

    • 1 hr 8 min
    Is Your Enclosure and Setup Killing Your Juvenile Arboreal Tarantula?

    Is Your Enclosure and Setup Killing Your Juvenile Arboreal Tarantula?

    First, I read a listener question and talk about last week's episode. Then, I get a lot of emails and comments from panicked keepers who are alarmed to discover that their arboreal slings and juveniles are actually burrowing.  The fact is, MANY arboreal species will do some burrowing as slings and juveniles, and the correct setup should allow for and encourage this behavior. Unfortunately, many folks don't do enough research, and some of the "sling" and "juvenile" tarantula enclosures being sold do not permit for an appropriate setup. In this episode, we discuss how to keep these species correctly, why it's important to have the correct setup, and why this issue has become so prevalent. 

    • 56 min
    When Losing Confidence Leads to Mistakes

    When Losing Confidence Leads to Mistakes

    Deaths can really rattle a tarantula keeper and cause them to second guess their tarantula care. In this episode, I speak about a few recent instances I had where my fear of deaths led me to do some pretty stupid things. 

    • 41 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
184 Ratings

184 Ratings

Chett Manly ,

A must listen if you’re even remotely interested in the hobby

Tom is a wonderful source of knowledge about Tarantulas and true spiders. I love that he does this as a passion instead of monetizing everything. Every episode I learn something or come away with a different perspective.

Clnfreak ,

I watch the YouTube videos and just got into listening to podcasts

I have watched almost every youtube video from Tom I always go to Tom to learn about a new species thst I’m interested in before I get them. Tom had great videos on just about everything in the hobby. I just got in to listening to podcasts (I know I’m late to the game)… I am learning more then I ever thought listening. Thank you Tom and billie for what you do for the hobby.

mb3513 ,

Love

Really enjoy having a tarantula podcast to listen to. I especially loved the one with your wife and the one with Luis. I hope you’ll have more guests but I enjoy every episode 😊

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