Meta description: Do you have a pet tarantula or thinking of getting one? Learn about their daily needs and how to take great care of your tarantula.
Photo by Julian Schultz on Unsplash
Assuming you don’t have a phobia of spiders, tarantulas are amazing pets. They are quite simple to care for and are very friendly. Some of them can also live for over twenty years if they are looked after properly. Moreover, they are not noisy and are quite clean.
Like any other creature, it is best to not get a tarantula impulsively. It is crucial to know the responsibilities of owning one beforehand. You need to have proper information about their diet, living conditions, and other daily needs.
The maintenance may seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, owning a tarantula is quite simple. For your convenience, this article will discuss the basics of tarantula care.
Species of Tarantula
There are over 800 species of tarantula known to man. Only a small percentage of these creatures make good pets.
As a beginner, it is best to get the ones that typically dwell on the ground. Ground-dwelling spiders are easier to handle as they usually move slowly. One of the best beginner pet spiders is the curly hair tarantula. Chile rose is also another good choice as they are very compliant and also quite affordable.
If you have gained sufficient experience, you can opt for the more exotic species like the pink toe or cobalt blue tarantula. Tree-dwelling spiders are generally more challenging to manage as they are quite agile and more sensitive.
Behavior and Temperament
Handling tarantulas is generally discouraged. They should only be handled when it is absolutely necessary like moving them out when cleaning or setting their tanks. For transport, it is best to herd them or make them move into a small box rather than touching them by hand.
Despite being docile, some tarantulas bite when they are threatened. The bites should be avoided as they are venomous. Some tarantula bites are incredibly venomous and can kill people. However, in most cases, the toxicity of the venom is usually equivalent to a bee or wasp sting.
The bite can cause unpleasant reactions like swelling, inflammation, and pain. Some individuals might even suffer a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
You also need to consider their abdomen hair. When threatened, the spider can cause skin irritation by releasing its spiked hairs. These prickly bits cause itchiness and discomfort when it comes in contact with the skin. When in contact with the eyes, the hairs cause fatal inflammation and severe pain.
Hence, you need to be wary of handling your eight-legged friend. Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly after touching your spider or its pen. It is also vital to keep your tarantula away from other pets and children. Do not allow kids to touch your crawly companion.
The defense mechanisms of tarantulas might be a concern, but their maintenance is pretty simple. These arachnids are ideal for people who want a quiet pet that does not need constant attention.
Owning a tarantula only requires a few hours every week, mostly on cleaning and feeding. You can spend most of your time observing and enjoying the beauty of your one-of-a-kind companion.
Tarantula Accommodation
As they are not social creatures, spiders should be kept alone in a tank. They are well-known escape artists, and their size and quietness make it easy for them. Hence, their tank should be secured with a lid. For ventilation, the lid should have slits or vents to let the air in.
If you are housing a ground-dwelling and semi-arboreal tarantula, you need to ensure that the enclosure’s length is at least three times the size of the spider’s extended legs. The width should be around twice the length of the spider’s limbs.
You can use a five-gallon aquarium as a spider tank. You don’t really need a larger enclosure or pen for your arachnid as large spaces make it difficult for them to hunt their prey.
Tree dwelling spiders usually require an enclosure with the same dimensions. However, their tank must have a height that is roughly 12 inches. Make sure that there are branches in the tank where your tarantula can form its web and climb.
It is vital to line the bottom of the tank with a layer of soil or peat mixed with vermiculite. You can get the potting soil from your garden or any local nursery. Vermiculite is a mineral used for retaining moisture and insulation. The layer should be at least four inches deep to make it easy for your arachnid to burrow.
Tarantulas also need hiding spots. For this, you can provide a piece of a hollow log or a tree bark. You can also put a clay pot on its side. Your eight-legged companion should be kept away from direct sunlight.
Tarantulas do not require bright lights or heat lamps. They are comfortable at room temperature. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about increased utility bills. There are some species of tarantulas that need high levels of humidity. You can mist the tank daily if your arachnid requires moisture.
It is necessary for the tank to be cleaned regularly. Uneaten food should be removed every day. The vermiculite layering needs to be routinely changed every six months. It is ideal to fully clean the pen at least every four months.
Food for Tarantulas
Tarantulas are carnivorous and eat live insects. Many pet stores offer a variety of live bugs especially collected to feed tarantulas. The most common feeder insects are crickets and locusts. The general rule of thumb is to give your spider insects that are smaller than its length. You can serve them as many insects you like as tarantulas can not be overfed. You just need to ensure that your spider is eating them.
The bugs should be eaten within a few minutes after introduction. Avoid leaving any live insects in the tank for long hours. Your spider can get stressed by the live prey, and this can disrupt its molting process.
It is ideal to keep track of the eating frequencies of your spider. If your tarantula doesn’t eat much of their food then it is likely that its molting time is approaching. Monitor the change in your spider’s skin and keep a close eye on your friend during this time.
Your tarantula also needs water to live. A small shallow dish of fresh water should always be available. The water also needs to be changed every day as stagnant water causes health issues and is not usually consumed by the spider.
The water container should be shallow to prevent your tarantula from drowning. For precautionary measures, you can place small smooth rocks or pebbles to make it easier for your spider to drink safely.
Overview
Having a pet tarantula is a unique experience. Very much like owning a cat or a dog, keeping a spider as a pet also has responsibilities. However, the requirements of taking care of your spider are quite straightforward. They are low effort pets and are incredibly beautiful.