How to Care for Tarantulas as Pets

Tarantulas are fascinating creatures that have increasingly become popular pets due to their unique appearance, relatively low-maintenance care, and intriguing behaviors. Despite their fearsome reputation, tarantulas can be gentle and captivating animals when cared for properly. If you are considering adding one of these arachnids to your home, it’s essential to understand their needs and how to provide a suitable environment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for pet tarantulas.

Why Choose a Tarantula as a Pet?

Tarantulas are not your typical pet, but there are several reasons why they appeal to enthusiasts:

• Low Maintenance: Unlike dogs or cats, tarantulas don’t require daily walks or constant attention.
• Space Efficient: They need relatively small enclosures compared to many other pets.
• Unique Behavior: Watching a tarantula’s movements and hunting techniques can be mesmerizing.
• Long Lifespan: Some species live up to 20 years in captivity.
• Educational Value: They provide an excellent opportunity to learn about arachnid biology and behavior.

Choosing the Right Tarantula Species

Before bringing a tarantula home, research different species carefully. Some are more suitable for beginners, while others require advanced care.

Beginner-Friendly Species

• Chilean Rose Hair (Grammostola rosea): Known for being docile and hardy.
• Mexican Red Knee (Brachypelma smithi): Striking colors and calm temperament.
• Pink Zebra Beauty (Eupalaestrus campestratus): Slow-moving and tolerant of handling.

More Advanced Species

• Green Bottle Blue (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens): Vibrant colors but more active.
• Cobalt Blue (Haplopelma lividum): Fast and defensive; requires careful handling.

Selecting a species appropriate for your experience level is critical for ensuring both your safety and the spider’s well-being.

Setting Up the Tarantula Enclosure

The enclosure is the most important aspect of tarantula care. It should mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible.

Size of the Enclosure

A general rule is that the enclosure should be about three times the leg span of the tarantula in length and width, with enough height depending on whether the species is terrestrial or arboreal.

• Terrestrial Species: Prefer horizontal space with secure lids and low height.
• Arboreal Species: Need taller enclosures with climbing structures.

Substrate

A suitable substrate provides comfort, allows burrowing, and helps maintain humidity.

• Use coconut fiber, peat moss, or vermiculite mixed with soil.
• The depth should be 2–4 inches for terrestrial species; arboreal species may need less or none if they do not burrow.

Temperature and Humidity

Most tarantulas thrive between 70°F and 85°F (21°C – 29°C).

• Use a heat mat if necessary but avoid overheating.
• Monitor humidity based on species requirements:
• Desert species require lower humidity (~50%).
• Tropical species may need higher humidity (~70%-80%).

Mist the enclosure lightly if needed but avoid excessive dampness to prevent mold.

Lighting

Tarantulas do not require special lighting. Ambient room light is sufficient. Avoid bright lights that can stress them.

Decorations and Hides

Provide hiding spots such as cork bark, half logs, or artificial caves. For arboreal species, add vertical items like branches or artificial plants for climbing.

Feeding Your Tarantula

Diet is crucial for your tarantula’s health.

What to Feed

Tarantulas primarily eat live insects such as:
– Crickets
– Mealworms
– Roaches
– Dubia roaches

Avoid wild-caught insects that might carry pesticides or parasites.

Feeding Frequency

Young tarantulas (spiderlings) eat more frequently—every 2–3 days. Adult tarantulas typically eat once a week. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent harm to your spider.

Portion Size

Feed prey items roughly the size of the tarantula’s abdomen or smaller. Overfeeding can cause obesity or molting problems.

Watering Your Tarantula

Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish. Change the water regularly to prevent bacteria buildup. Some tarantulas get moisture from food but having water available is essential.

Handling Your Tarantula: A Word of Caution

Handling tarantulas is generally not recommended except for experienced keepers because:

• They can be delicate and easily injured by falls.
• Some species flick irritating urticating hairs as defense.
• Bites are rare but possible; usually mild but allergic reactions can occur.

If you must handle your tarantula:
– Be gentle and slow.
– Avoid sudden movements.
– Use soft tools like a paintbrush to coax them out instead of fingers when possible.

Molting: What You Need to Know

Molting is when your tarantula sheds its exoskeleton to grow. It’s a vulnerable time that requires special care.

Signs of Molting

• Loss of appetite lasting days or weeks.
• Lethargy.
• Lying on its back or side (normal during molting).

During Molting

Do not disturb your tarantula. Remove any uneaten prey as it might harm the molting spider. Keep humidity slightly higher to assist the process.

Try not to feed until at least a few days after molting when the exoskeleton hardens again.

Common Health Issues

Understanding potential health problems helps you act quickly:

• Dehydration: Indicated by shriveled abdomen; ensure water availability and proper humidity.
• Mites: Tiny pests visible on substrate or spider; clean enclosure thoroughly if detected.
• Injuries: From falls or improper handling; may lead to loss of limbs that often regenerate over molts.

Regular observation helps catch issues early. Consult an exotic pet veterinarian if needed.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintain a clean habitat by spot-cleaning waste daily and fully changing substrate every 4–6 months or sooner if mold appears. Clean water dishes regularly. Avoid harsh chemicals; use warm water instead.

Legal Considerations and Ethical Responsibility

Before acquiring a tarantula:

• Check local laws regarding exotic pet ownership.
• Purchase from reputable breeders rather than wild-caught specimens to support conservation efforts.

Ensure you are committed to responsible care throughout the spider’s lifespan.

Conclusion

Caring for a pet tarantula can be an exciting and rewarding experience when you understand their specific needs. By providing an appropriate environment, proper diet, hydration, and gentle handling practices, you can enjoy observing these remarkable creatures thrive in your home. Remember that patience and respect for this unique arachnid will lead to a successful long-term companionship unlike any other pet experience. Whether you are new to keeping tarantulas or looking to improve your skills, following these guidelines will help ensure your spider remains healthy and happy for years to come.