Understanding Free Tarantula Additions From Reputable Breeders

Dec. 3, 2025, 7:04 a.m.

Tags: friction palpa

The practice of including complimentary items with purchases is common across many industries, and the exotic pet trade is no exception. Among tarantula enthusiasts and breeders, some sellers occasionally include additional specimens at no extra charge, a practice that has generated interest and discussion within the community. This article examines the phenomenon of free tarantula additions, focusing on information gathered from customer experiences and forum discussions about Palp Friction, a breeder known for occasionally including such complimentary specimens with orders.

Palp Friction as a Tarantula Breeder

Palp Friction appears to be an established breeder in the tarantula community based on forum discussions and customer reports. While the exact origins and history of the business are not detailed in the available sources, customer interactions indicate that Palp Friction has built a reputation within the tarantula enthusiast community. Forum members mention that the breeder follows them on social media platforms, suggesting an active presence in the online tarantula community.

The breeder offers various tarantula species for sale, with customers noting that they often have specimens available that may appeal to hobbyists. Based on forum discussions, Palp Friction appears to be a mid-to-large scale operation that "does a lot of business," which may explain why communication is not always immediate or comprehensive, as noted by some customers.

The Practice of Including Free Tarantulas

One notable aspect of Palp Friction's business practice, according to customer reports, is the occasional inclusion of complimentary tarantulas with orders. These free additions appear to be unexpected surprises that customers receive along with their purchased specimens. Forum posts indicate that these freebies are typically smaller or less healthy specimens that the breeder includes rather than discarding.

In one reported case, a customer received a free tarantula along with their order of a Semanni (likely Aphonopelma seemani) and a B. smithi (Brachypelma smithi). The freebie was described as "a little baby" that the customer was unprepared to receive. The customer expressed surprise and noted their lack of preparation for the additional specimen, mentioning they needed to purchase appropriate housing at the last minute.

The nature of these free additions varies, but they generally appear to be tarantula specimens of smaller size or those that may require special attention. In one instance mentioned on a forum, the freebie was a tarantula that "wasn't doing so hot," suggesting that these may be specimens that require extra care or attention from the new owner.

Customer Experiences and Considerations

Customer experiences with Palp Friction and their freebie policy appear to be mixed but generally positive. Forum discussions indicate that while communication from the breeder may not always be prompt, the specimens received are generally healthy and as described. Some customers have reported ordering multiple times with satisfactory experiences.

One forum member noted: "They are a good company, I've ordered from them the 3 different times and all turned out to be a good experience. Just keep in mind that they do a lot of business and communication isn't always the best with them but just have patience with them and you will get what you ordered."

Another customer mentioned: "I never bought from them before, but they have an excellent reputation and they follow me on Instagram and vice versa, so I see pictures of what they are raising. They have some species I think I'm going to buy if they are still in stock next month."

For customers who receive free tarantulas, preparation is essential. The unexpected arrival of an additional specimen requires appropriate housing and care. In one case, a customer noted they needed to purchase a Kritter Keeper or deli cup for the freebie, as they were unprepared for the additional tarantula. This highlights the importance of having basic supplies available even when not expecting additional specimens.

Housing Considerations for Free Tarantulas

When receiving a complimentary tarantula with an order, proper housing becomes a immediate consideration. Based on forum discussions, different species and sizes of tarantulas require different types of enclosures.

For smaller specimens like the freebie mentioned in one forum post (described as "less than an inch"), a 16oz deli cup may be appropriate. These are readily available and provide a temporary housing solution until a more permanent enclosure can be obtained.

For slightly larger specimens, Kritter Keepers are recommended. Forum members note that "Kritter keepers are better for larger Ts than slings, as slings can escape from the vent holes." However, it's important to ensure that the enclosure size is appropriate for the specific species and size of tarantula received.

For larger specimens like the 3" female Semanni mentioned in one post, a Kritter Keeper may be suitable, but proper substrate, humidity control, and ventilation must be considered regardless of the enclosure type.

Managing Expectations About Freebies

While receiving a complimentary tarantula can be an exciting surprise, it's important for customers to manage their expectations. Based on available information, these free additions appear to be:

Unexpected and not guaranteed with every order
Typically smaller specimens or those requiring extra care
Provided at the breeder's discretion rather than as a standard policy

Customers should not expect to receive a free tarantula with every order, nor should they expect the freebie to be a specific species or size. The free additions appear to be based on the breeder's current inventory and the condition of specimens they wish to place in new homes.

Timing and Communication Considerations

Forum discussions indicate that orders from Palp Friction may sometimes experience delays, particularly if placed during busy periods or around holidays. One customer noted placing an order "on a Thursday on the 4th of July" and experienced communication delays as a result.

When receiving free tarantulas, timing can be particularly important as these unexpected additions require immediate attention. Customers should be prepared to house and care for the specimen right away, even if they weren't initially expecting it.

Conclusion

The practice of including complimentary tarantulas with orders represents an interesting aspect of the exotic pet trade. Based on available information, Palp Friction appears to be a reputable breeder that occasionally includes additional specimens with orders, often smaller or less healthy specimens that require special care. While communication may not always be prompt, customers report generally positive experiences with the specimens received.

For those who receive these unexpected additions, proper preparation and housing are essential considerations. Having basic supplies like temporary enclosures available can help ensure the welfare of these complimentary specimens. As with any pet purchase, managing expectations and understanding that free additions are not guaranteed or standardized helps create a more informed and satisfying experience for both the customer and the tarantula.