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I'm actually going to be researching them next year and I plan to emphasize in them in my masters thesis.
Mind you when I said the word 'birdeater' that's what their common names are. Most of them aren't even capable of catching a bird and mainly feed on small mammals, reptiles and insects.
As far as closeness, I'll be observing their behavior, breeding them, etc. but not handling. Tarantulas are like fish, a 'look don't touch' kind of animal. Not because of me being scared to be bitten, which I'm not, but for their safety. Their venom isn't strong enough to kill or put a human in grave danger (the species I'll be keeping it will be similar to a bee sting) so that's not a big thing, but I don't want to stress them out for my own pleasure. Every tarantula has their own attitude, some can be testy, defensive and some can be calm and the sweetest thing. But I still advise against handling them since they can be severely injured or die due to them falling off you or any other thing.