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.

Every year, Earth Day highlights the importance of clean air, water, land, and preserving nature for the future. As for us, there is so much we can do to help the planet each day. From the Zero Waste Initiative to making sure our switches are off, there is so much that all of us can take part in. To practice Earth Day every day, here are 5 steps that you can take.

Step 1: Understand what carbon footprint is.

Every individual, household, business, product, and event generates a carbon footprint, and as of 2021, there has been an increase in CO2 emissions by 1.5 billion tonnes. Carbon footprint refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions produced by human activities.

Greenhouse gas emissions affect our health and the environment. It also causes climate change by trapping heat in the planet, causing adverse effects such as melting of glaciers, acid rain, chemical smog, climate change, and deforestation- to mention a few.

So, what types of human activities leave a carbon footprint? These include but are not limited to: burning of fossil fuels for electricity production and consumption, transportation, farming, and deforestation. For example, in the case of transportation, it is advised to adopt environment-friendly options like electric cars, CNG fuelled vans, and used trucks (if interested, check out Gibbons Commercial for buying such trucks) that might help in reducing carbon footprints from the earth’s atmosphere.

To start with having a basic understanding of what carbon footprint is a great first step to identify what harms the planet and what we can do instead to help the environment.

Step 2: Switch off.

The first easy step to practice Earth Day every day is to switch off appliances and devices that are not in use. This also includes lights. Not only do appliances on standby add up to your bill every minute, but it also contributes to energy waste.

Now, how does energy waste relate to the planet? The process of creating electricity uses fuel, resulting in air pollution with carbon dioxide as the main pollutant.

To reduce your carbon footprint and help the earth, you can simply turn off the lights and unplug devices and appliances that are not in use.

Step 3: Reduce food waste.

Food waste does not seem like a big deal. After all, food can rot, unlike plastic. While this is true, there’s more about food waste that we should learn.

First of all, food waste is not good for the environment. The process of food production and preparation involves agriculture, electricity, fuel, and water. All of these steps release greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

Furthermore, when we waste food, we also waste our water resources. While the planet is mostly made up of water, only a small percentage of this is freshwater. The rest are saltwater. It has been estimated that a portion of the world’s population may face water shortage by 2025.

To help the planet, reduce food waste by buying ingredients that you need. It will help to plan ahead and make a shopping list. Avoid buying too much that may lead to food spoilage.

Another step that you can take is to properly store food. Label them properly and add expiration dates. You can also practice FIFO which means “first in first out” so that you can be sure that you consume food stocks that have the soonest best before dates.

Step 4: Refuse single-use.

Single-use daily items such as plastic straws, water bottles, bags, and cutlery are definitely convenient to use. You just throw them after they have served their purpose. However, this habit of using disposable items greatly impacts the environment.

Disposable plastic items are also piling up our landfills because plastic degradation takes about 10-100 years. Landfills run out of space really fast, and a lot of these plastic items end up getting blown away to the environment.

Discarded plastic bags have ended up in our oceans, harming marine life. For instance, more than 100,000 marine animals die from plastic pollution every year. Additionally, landfills can be potentially harmful to us and the environment as it can potentially leak toxic waste to our natural resources.

You can help prevent all of these by simply refusing single-use items. For example, consider bringing your own bag to the grocery to skip the plastic bag. When you are having food delivered, inform the restaurant that you won’t be needing disposable utensils.

Step 5: Use eco-friendly alternatives.

The next step that you can take is to switch to eco-friendly alternatives of everyday items. These are items that don’t harm the environment, prevent pollution, and have undergone eco-friendly production. You can start by creating an inventory of the items that you regularly use and the waste that you generate.

For example, take a look at your kitchen. Do you use a lot of disposable kitchen towels? Then it’s time to consider switching to cloth towels. Or, if you use a lot of single-use coffee filters, you can also find a reusable alternative to that such as a metal filter.

In your bathroom, you might discover that you are using a lot of single-use cotton rounds for skin care. Interestingly, there are eco-friendly reusable alternatives to that. Continue looking around your home or office, and see where you can reduce waste and avoid contributing to pollution.

From personal care products to furniture, you can find many shops and brands such as TruEarth, LastObject, and OKO Creations that are home for zero waste reusable items, and offer environmentally friendly alternatives to different kinds of products.

As a soon-to-be-mama, I have rosy colored dreams of watching my little one snoozing away in the bassinet next to me! Taking in her little features as she smirks or grimaces in her sleep…wondering what her infant mind could possibly be dreaming about when she’s so new to the world.  But then I think about myself trying to actually fall asleep with her nearby and the dream bubble is popped! Suddenly, I realize the challenge that is to come in not staying up all night at the ready to tend to her needs.

The Owlet Smart Sock includes just that, a sock, that fits littles from 5 lbs. up to 30 lbs.  This soft, little sock, though so petite in size, is capable of so much!  First, it connects to your phone through bluetooth providing you with all of the data from your baby’s previous night of sleep.  What data? The Smart Sock not only measures oxygen and heart rate, but also measures sleep trends including total hours slept, number of wakings, sleep quality and more.

Personally, as a first time mama, I am particularly interested in the sleep trends feature of the Owlet.  As I am educating myself for the transition ahead to parenthood, baby sleep schedules and rhythms appears to be a hot topic among new parents with a lot of different schools of thought on how to approach baby sleep.  I appreciate the fact that Owlet will automatically log my little one’s sleep times so that I don’t have to…which means one more item off of my plate and a little more space freed up in my mind that is already running on limited storage (Thank you, pregnancy brain!).

From what I hear those nights can be a blur and I think it will be encouraging to wake up and use our nighttime data to help make decisions for our day.  For example, maybe I didn’t think we got a lot of sleep the night before, but then realize on the app it was more than I thought – what an encouragement!  Or on the opposite hand, maybe I wake up the next morning and realize we didn’t get much sleep at all the night before…well that calls for a jammies day and a cancelling of my to do list.  In the sleepy newborn haze, it will be so easy to lose track of time.  I think that the Owlet Smart Sock can help provide me with real data to assist me in navigating the drowsy 4th trimester.

Additionally, the kit includes a Base Station that provides a drop area to charge your Smart Sock quickly, which is especially convenient if you are taking it on the go or forget to charge it during the day and bedtime is getting close.  The Smart Sock battery lasts for 16 hours at full charge.  However, in just 20 minutes of charging you will get 8 hours of battery life, while a full charge is available after 90 minutes.  To charge, you simply place the sock on its resting place in the Base Station…no wires to fiddle with at all which means its easy to do one handed while enjoying those early morning cuddles.

Owlet has thoughtfully considered ease of use when designing their products.  From the convenience of data collected right to your phone to the efficient and petite equipment they provide that doesn’t feel bulky or overwhelming, their design is sleek and practical.  To read more about Owlet or shop their Smart Socks and accessories, check out their website or find them on Instagram.

Diaper bags have evolved so much in recent years – in use and in design.  Holding so much more than ‘just diapers’, these days the diaper bag is closer to a Mary Poppins bag of tricks, growing with each child that we add to our clan.  Hungry? Check the bag for snacks. Thirsty? We’ve got sippy cups! Skinned knee? Deep dive into the bag for some bandaids.

As the use of the diaper bag has expanded, so have the selections!  Now our minds and google ads can be flooded with diaper bag choices.  Backpack or tote.  Large for big trips or small for on-the-go.  Canvas, leather, cloth…and the list goes on! Thankfully, there is not one “right” bag for everyone and this current variety in the market allows for mama’s and papa’s to make their choices based on the features that best suit them and their family’s current baby gear carrying needs.

Sleepy Panda offers parents a variety of diaper bag options, without being overwhelming! In their line up of quality bags you will find vegan leather bags, premium canvas bags, mini backpacks, Timberwolf bags and accessories to choose from. I love that all of their bags have a timeless, neutral look to them, allowing the bag to easily transition into a carry on bag or every day use bag even after the littles are grown.

Featured here, we will be going in depth on the Kennedy Canvas Backpack.  First, let’s talk canvas! Full disclosure: I am a sucker for a good leather bag.  But this canvas has seriously impressed me!  It is a heavy duty fabric with wipe-ability for all of the messes that a little one can dish out.  I really appreciate knowing that if I get caught in a rainstorm that this bag will hold up and not soak all of its contents! Upon unzipping, I am greeted with a fun black and white striped lining that is again a quality and durable fabric that you can tell will hold up and not absorb the liquid from a spilled bottle or sippy cup.

The bag felt a bit heavier than expected at first, but once I tried it on I realized why.  The designers at Sleepy Panda have thoughtfully constructed a framework within the canvas bag that provides a stable bag to dive into when you set it down.  Additionally, once you put it on your back, it feels like it is carrying itself.  The structure keeps the bag from going limp and hanging on your back or crumbling to the ground when you are trying to reach in and grab a diaper.  I think it is rare to find a backpack with such a nice structure and am confident that it will make packing the diaper bag and retrieving its contents much easier than floppy backpacks that I’ve carried in the past.  Once I put my items in the bag, they stay put because the bag stays put instead of caving in on them.

Now…let’s talk about the pockets.  Oh, the pockets!!  Sleepy Panda bags were designed by moms, for moms, and the pockets are just one of the features that shows this fact off so well! Inside there are 8 pockets to help organize all of the baby goodies.  This bag is deep (read: Mary Poppins deep!) so the pockets are essential to pack it in an organized manner and the designers at Sleepy Panda sure didn’t skimp on providing them for us! Outside of the bag there is a bottle pocket on each side and in front, 2 zipper pockets, one of which has 3 more pockets inside!  One of the pockets on the front zipper pouch is a wet pocket for those wet burp cloths or whatever soggy goods you need to tote around for the day.  Again, the pockets (quantity and types of pockets) make it so clear that these bags were designed by mama’s!

Additionally, when you get your Sleepy Panda Kennedy Bag, it arrives filled with a series of fun accessories to match!  It comes with the following: diaper changing pad, stroller straps, insulated removable water bottle pack, wet bag and a removable clutch.  Then, the motherload (no pun intended!) of all features!  Sleepy Panda thoughtfully included a USB charging hub in the bag right next a slim cell phone pocket so you can charge and carry your phone as you go about your day! Mind. Blown.

I can see this bag accompanying my family on long zoo trips or days at the beach, easily carrying all of our goodies in an organized fashion.  This quality diaper bag provides a good size for parents on the go, with a lot of wonderful features to make life with littles just a bit easier on you.  Check out their website for more bag options and be sure to find them on Instagram @my_sleepy_panda! 

Breakfast – that all important meal of the day. Yet, it is often not given the due importance it deserves because it is also one of the most rushed meals of the day (except, perhaps, on a weekend). With most mornings being a challenge to get the kids to school (and you to work) on time, breakfasts tend to be quick with just a bowl of cereal or a toast. And with a cranky or fussy child who refuses to eat, it can get too stressful. 

Here are some breakfast ideas that are fun, nutritious and don’t take a whole load of time.

1. Alternate between the whole fruit and juices

We all know the saying about whole fruits being healthier than fruit juices. However, kids often prefer juices but store-bought commercial ones are full of sugar. Try these juicing recipes to bring something different, delicious and super-healthy to the table – you won’t feel so guilty about them having juice first thing in the morning!

2. Smoothies

Children refusing to have milk is a common issue most mums face. But what if you disguise their milk in a delicious smoothie? All they will see are the colourful red and pink and orange colours and taste only their favourite fruits, Plus, it’s quick and super healthy!

Image Credit: Pixabay

3. Make oats fun 

Cheerios, choco-pops and other sugary cereals go down a treat with kids, and are absolutely fuss-free. But again, containing more sugar than nutrients, it’s not the best option. Porridge, on the other hand, is a much healthier option, but children find that too boring. 

Make oats fun and tasty by adding a mix of berries or some finely sliced bananas to it. Alternatively, pour honey or sprinkle some chocolate shavings on to it. Soon, porridge will be seen as more of a fun than a boring breakfast!

4. Healthier pancakes and waffles

Which child doesn’t enjoy pancakes and waffles? But to have the commercial ones on a daily basis isn’t the best idea, considering they are loaded with sugar and a lot of preservatives. Why not make your own pancake and waffle batter with oats/ wholewheat flour instead? Make a batch over the weekend and then just toast them in the morning. 

And ditch the nutella for honey or organic maple syrup and fruits. Voila, they can now have that extra pancake if they like!

5. Eggs

Again, one of the healthiest breakfast solutions but don’t always go down well with kids. Try mixing things up and see what works for your child. Put their omelette in a sandwich with some tomato sauce or make a delicious cheesy omelette. Grate a boiled egg into fine shreds and mix it with grated cheese. Use your imagination and see what works for your child.

Image Credit: Pixabay

6. Healthy bites

If time is really an issue in the mornings, and you need something the kids can just grab-and-go, try these Energy Bites that are packed with nutrients like flax seeds, chia seeds, oats and peanut butter. Home-made banana bread or muffins (using less sugar and healthier alternatives) are other ideas for grab-and-go breakfasts. 

Being in a car accident can be stressful. Not only can you suffer from serious, if not life-threatening, injuries, you can also have a lot of financial and legal concerns, too. For example, you will suddenly have to deal with car accident lawyers in Rockford, or lawyers wherever your accident occurred, in order to recover any compensation you are entitled to. It can also be detrimental to your health and wellbeing. While some people come out of car accidents with minor injuries, others have significant issues. If these aren’t checked by a healthcare professional quickly, you could have long-term repercussions.

Worried about an injury after a car accident? Here are some of the common injuries from a car accident, and what you should do to treat them.

Back pain

Back pain isn’t pleasant. It can occur after a car accident, possibly signaling a sprain, herniated disc or muscle damage. If your back is tingling or feels numb, you could have a trapped nerve. It’s important to see a professional if you’re experiencing back pain after a car accident, as back pain rarely goes away on its own. Speak to a car accident chiropractor in Atlanta to determine the root of the pain and obtain information to make a legal decision, if necessary.

Whiplash

Whiplash is considered to be a minor injury after a car accident. However, often for those suffering, it doesn’t feel minor. In fact, whiplash can be incredibly painful. But what actually is it? Whiplash is a pain in the neck (or sometimes back) after being in a car accident. It is a result of the head being thrown forwards and backwards at a high speed. While whiplash might be considered a minor injury, on occasion it can be serious. Continue to read about it here. If you’re concerned, speak to a healthcare professional.

Head injury

Head injuries are common after car accidents. This is because the head is thrown forwards and backwards quickly, and can be knocked against the roof or window of the car. Head injuries can vary in their severity, from a mild concussion to severe permanent brain damage and total disability. That’s why many people who drive for a living take out disability insurance with a provider like Curo Financial so that they do not struggle financially after a critical accident. Having a head injury can be very frightening, but try to take it easy. Let the doctor provide more information on the severity of your head injury before you worry too much. You might also want to contact a traumatic brain injury legal assistance firm to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

PTSD

Post traumatic stress disorder is a common mental disorder that occurs after car accidents. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, feeling very anxious and having difficulty sleeping. You might feel worried about getting back in a car or driving. While PTSD is a mental condition and not an injury, it should be taken just as seriously. You may need to take medication, speak to a therapist, or you may even want to try using things like cannabis concentrates to help relieve mental stress. Always remember that you are never alone and treatments should help.

Bruising

Bruising is common after a car accident. This is because you may have been thrown around in the car and hit your arms or head on a hard object. While most bruising settles after a few weeks, speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.

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