Hi, my name is 8legpet! [trigger warning: Contains spider photos]

8legpet

Hi Community.
I am late to the parade it seems, but drawn here by a post that resonated perfectly with me.

Hope I can gain and give to this community in equal measure. Looking forward to it.

Albus_Scope

Hey there @8legpet and welcome to the community, I hope you're keeping well?

So which post drew you to us and most importantly (for me anyway) do I detect a spider keeper?

8legpet

Haha Yes. I have a Mexican Red Knee. The only remainer from my former collection of about 30 different pals. I downsized and had to pass the others to a zoo collection.

The post that drew me was about ESA , PIP and starting a small enterprise. I have been in touch with a local Enterprise Agency, but they didn't appear to have the skills or knowledge to advise me properly. I have R.A. but am also neurodivergent. Compound issues, and I feel they were out of their depth.

Albus_Scope

Ah a beautiful little spood @8legpet! Sorry to hear you had to downsize, but it sounds like they've gone to a great home. 😁 I used to keep regal jumping spiders, I loved those lil critters.

I see, so you're looking for help with starting up your own business? That sounds very exciting! Scope actually offer employment support services, I'm wondering if one of those wonderful people may be able to give you some better advice, or at least point you in the right direction?

markf87

yes a fellow tarantula person! Me and the wife have about 40 + inverts and reptiles.

We love them! Shame

You had to downsize

Albus_Scope

I'm thinking we need to start an odd pets picture discussion soon! With a trigger warning, just in case anyone's scared of pets with more than four legs.😊

8legpet

It's an unusual thread that's certain, but yes. In my life I've had pals with 4, 6, 8 and no legs at all! I appreciate it isn't for everyone but I sort of fell into it and was immediately hooked. Because of certain life events, I have moved home and downsized, so I only have "Mrs. Smith" to keep me company now.

Cantilip

Guys, can't you keep hamsters or canaries. Well, all right, how about an alligator? I guess you need a good amount of space, though.

Albert the alligator was seized and his owner wants him back: What to know about the dispute (msn.com)

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8legpet

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/894813#Comment_894813

It's a reasonable question. My MKR is actually bigger than the average Hamster, but she eats less, is easier to look after, and is far and away more intriguing than the hamster I used to have!

Embrace diversity. (Oh - I used to have 3 budgies as well?) If it's not going to cause any issues, I'm prepared to share a photograph of Mrs. S that I took recently. I enjoy photography as well.

Jimm_Scope

I don't see why it would cause too many issues, maybe a little "warning spider picture" just before it but I find some of them cute myself 😋

8legpet

OK. WARNING!
SPIDER PICTURE

- ALTHOUGH I WOULD LOVE YOU TO EMBRACE IT AND CHALLENGE YOUR FEARS.

Albus_Scope

Oh what a beautiful specimen! I used to breed praying mantis, which took up a whole room. I started with one and just kinda kept going. 😆

I've put a trigger warning on the post, so people know there's spoods in here.

Jimm_Scope

I find it cute personally