Thai Black Bird Spider (scientific name: Haplopelma minax) is native to the tropical rainforests of Myanmar and Thailand. It is one of the earliest species to enter the European and American pet bird spider markets. Its fierce temperament quickly gains fame among enthusiasts. Compared to the Thai Metal Blue, which entered the European and American markets in large quantities during the same period, its color is not as vivid, but its size is larger, with adult individuals reaching a body length of 16-17 cm including legs.
The young juveniles of the Thai Black Bird Spider are similar to those of the Metal Blue, also being grayish-black in color. In terms of feeding, like other species of the Haplopelma genus, they need to be provided with moist and thick substrate for burrowing and nest building. The appropriate temperature is 26-28℃ and the appropriate humidity is 85%. It is recommended to use damp peat moss, coconut bricks, or clay as substrate. They inhabit the ground of rainforests, but they are also found in relatively dry grasslands, so they can tolerate slightly lower humidity, even as young juveniles. Young juveniles eat a lot and grow rapidly, digging holes and building nests to protect themselves.
In theory, they should be very abundant in their native habitat, but strangely, this species is almost never seen in the pet bird spider market on the mainland. Similarly, few people breed them, and occasionally CB (captive-bred) young juveniles appear, commanding relatively high prices.
It is one of the earlier species to enter the European and American pet bird spider markets. Their fierce temperament quickly gained popularity among enthusiasts. Compared to the Thai Metallic Blue, which also entered the European and American markets in large numbers during the same period, they have a different color layout but possess a larger body size.
It is recommended to keep Thai Black Bird Spiders for those who love pet bird spiders and have high experience in breeding. They have high venom toxicity, aggressiveness, and speed. Therefore, they are only recommended for experienced breeders due to their large venom toxicity and high aggressiveness.
1. Emaciation
When you find that the spider's body becomes dull and its skin starts to dry and turn yellow, it is likely that it has emaciation. This condition is usually caused by the spider not eating well and experiencing long-term hunger, leading to malnutrition.
2. Enteritis
In contrast to emaciation, this condition occurs when the spider eats too much. The owner keeps feeding the spider, or the food is provided at a low temperature, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain in the spider, eventually resulting in enteritis.
3. Hemiplegia
Spiders do not have high requirements for their environment, but when the temperature is too high, especially in summer when it is hot and humid, if the spider's cage is far from the ventilation openings, the spider will be in a state close to heatstroke. Its legs will become paralyzed, causing it to become partially immobile.
4. Constipation
Constipation is often caused by a lack of water. In addition to food, spiders also need water for hydration. If the owner only feeds the spider without providing water, the water content in the food cannot provide the necessary moisture for the spider's body.
5. Black Decay Disease
Lack of appetite and movement, decreased vitality, and the appearance of black ulcerative lesions in the abdomen are manifestations of black decay disease in spiders. The cause of this condition is that the water and food are not fresh. If a spider eats food with bacteria, it may contract black decay disease, which can lead to death if severe.
6. Mold Spot Disease
Especially in the south, the hot and humid weather in summer is likely to expose the spider's body to bacterial invasion. The spider's joints become increasingly stiff, and its body becomes increasingly damp, providing a favorable environment for bacterial survival and reproduction, resulting in the appearance of mold spots on the spider.
7. Parasites
Parasites can be said to be the most disgusting disease for spiders. If they are small insects, it is manageable, but when there are parasites that crawl on the spider's body, it looks very disgusting. Apart from affecting the spider's rest, they may also carry other viruses, causing repeated infections and posing a threat to the spider's life.
1. Temperature
Temperature is best controlled between 25~30 degrees Celsius, with minimal temperature differences between day and night. In summer, attention should be paid to cooling and preventing heatstroke, while in winter, focus should be on heating and keeping warm to ensure the health of the juvenile spiders.
2. Humidity
The humidity should be kept at around 65%. Low humidity can cause dehydration and eventually lead to emaciation and death in juvenile spiders. If the humidity is too high, they are prone to edema and death due to water accumulation or fungal infections.
3. Ventilation
A good ventilation environment can strengthen the body of juvenile spiders, reduce diseases, and ensure safe molting. Air pollution, dampness, and high temperature are the main reasons for the death of juvenile spiders.
4. Food
Feeding small animals, such as yellow mealworms and small earthworms, is the main method of feeding spiders. Animal blood (without adding salt) can also be used. If conditions permit, artificial feed can be used. The formula can consist of 50% egg yolk, 20% honey, 20% milk, 4% vitamin additives, and 3% mother's milk. After mixing, it can be fed on a plate or a sponge.
5. Lighting
Firstly, lighting should be sufficient, and when conditions allow, they can be taken outside to see the light (spiders do not like light, so there should be a shaded place to ensure their safety). Windows should be opened frequently, but direct sunlight should be avoided.
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