Would you like to own a Tarantula or Spiderling, but do not know where to start?
We have put together a general care sheet to help you decide if a Tarantula is the perfect exotic pet for you.
What equipment do you need?
Tarantulas can be kept very inexpensively, spiderling cheaper still. Listed are a few items that you will require before you purchase your new Tarantula.
- Housing - glass or plastic tank (latter is cheaper)
- Heat Mat
- Substrate - soil or vermiculite
- Decor - cork bark
- Book - always best to read a few books
- Live foods - crickets to feed your Tarantula
- Shallow water dish
- Temperature and Humidity Gauges - a must to ensure the correct environment
For terrestrial (ground dwelling) species, place the substrate along the bottom of your enclosure, if you have a burrowing species ensure this is a little deeper. Tarantulas need somewhere to retreat to during the day, or to make a layer of web around the entrance of their burrow, place the cork bark on top of the substrate. A shallow water dish should be placed on the cool end of the enclosure for large Tarantulas.
If you have an arboreal (tree dwelling) species like the Pink Toe Tarantula, height will be more important than floor space. For this species, provide a shallow substrate on the floor with plenty of branches and artificial plants running towards the top of the enclosure. This species will find a suitable area and make a webbed home, normally within a cork bark tube and plants.
For spiderlings, the use of a small plastic container is suitable, most breeders keep them in small plastic deli cups. This makes them easier to feed and maintain when you have large amounts. The most important factor you have, is that the spiderling cannot escape through small air vents, which is possible! You need to have a similar set up as above, but mist with water instead of providing a water dish. Small spiderlings can easily drown in shallow water dishes.
Which species are best for beginners?
For your first Tarantula, you need a species that is docile and calm and will rarely attack. Although some species are docile, some will happily flick hairs towards your face if they feel threatened, caution must be taken. We have listed the ideal beginner species with both common and Latin names:
- Chile Rose - Grammostola rosea
- Curly Hair - Brachypelma albopilosum
- Mexican Blood Leg - Aphonopelma bicoloratum
- Pink Toe - Avicularia sp
- Mexican Red Knee - Brachypelma smithi
- Mexican Red Leg - Brachypelma emilia
- Mexican Fire Leg - Brachypelma boehmei
- Red Rump - Brachypelma vagans
- Brazilian Black - Grammostola pulchra
What Temperature and Humidity levels do I need to provide?
As a general rule, most beginner Tarantulas will do well if provided with a daytime temperature of 21-24C. To obtain this temperature, place a heat mat under 1/3rd of a plastic tank or if using a glass tank 1/3rd on the back. The heat can sometimes cause the glass to crack.
The humidity levels should not go below 60% as the Tarantula may have difficulties in moulting. Each species of Tarantula should be researched for the correct requirements, as the above is a guideline only. To obtain the require humidity level, dampen one side of the enclosure and light mist with water if this needs to be increased.
What do I feed my Tarantula?
Tarantulas need to be fed on live insects. There are a number of insects you can feed your Tarantula on from crickets, locusts to mealworms. Some species of Tarantulas will accept defrost mouse pinkies when adults. You will have to make the pinkie look alive by moving this in front of the Tarantula using some long tweezers, please do not use your fingers!
As a general rule, most Tarantulas should be fed 3-6 crickets per week of appropriate sized food, some species can and will eat less amounts. Growing spiderlings require a lot of food, you should feed them appropriate amounts.
If any live food are not eaten, they should be removed as crickets will attack Tarantulas when moulting their skin!
Can Tarantulas be handled?
Some species of Tarantulas are docile and can be handled, but we wouldn’t recommend this. Although some are very docile, each Tarantula has a different personality and if it feels threatened it will bite you. Just take a look at Tarantulas fangs, you don’t want them to sink into your hand!
What happens if a Tarantula bites me?
If a Tarantula does bite you, it is best to go to your local Doctor or Hospital for advice as everyone reacts differently to a bite. If bitten on the hand, some may experience swelling and pain on and around the area, this can also travel up the arm. Some people may have a worse reaction, which can lead to blood poisoning.
What happens if a Tarantula flicks hairs at me?
If you have a species of Tarantula that flicks hairs, caution should be taken not to let any get in or around your eyes. Most people will experience the hairs on their hands and arms. If you have sensitive skin, this can cause an itchy rash that may last up to several days. If hairs do go into your eyes or you are experiencing skin problems, seek medical attention.
FAQs
As a general rule, most beginner Tarantulas will do well if provided with a daytime temperature of 21-24C. To obtain this temperature, place a heat mat under 1/3rd of a plastic tank or if using a glass tank 1/3rd on the back. The heat can sometimes cause the glass to crack.
Do exotic vets treat tarantulas? ›
Like any pet, tarantulas can require veterinary care. Most tarantula owners call a veterinarian experienced in spider care for consults rather than bring their pet to a clinic. The most common health problems involve molting, mites and damaged legs and abdomen.
What is the easiest tarantula to keep UK? ›
The Chilean rose tarantula is quite possibly the most popular beginner tarantula overall. They grow to an impressive size when mature, are hardy, comparatively docile, and one of the most readily available to buy varieties within the UK.
Can you have a tarantula as a pet in the UK? ›
Tarantulas are also legal to keep as pets in the UK. Tarantulas, like scorpions, require specific care, including appropriate enclosures and feeding schedules.
Are tarantulas high maintenance pets? ›
Tarantulas are easy to care for and need relatively little attention, but need it reliably throughout their long lives. Tarantulas can not be released outside when you are tired of them. (With the internet, it is now easy to sell it to someone who is interested or consider donating her to the local Nature Center.)
Do tarantulas recognize their owners? ›
Tarantulas Just Aren't That Into You
Spiders do have feelings, but unlike a dog or a cat, they won't bond with you. In fact, they likely won't even recognize you. They simply aren't hardwired to be companions to humans and should never be bought at pet stores, online, or anywhere else.
Are Petsmart tarantulas poisonous? ›
People including myself have 'pet' them. Tarantula will bite you if they are mishandled. However, their venom isn't lethal to humans. They can't even maim you.
What is the most cuddly tarantula? ›
Friendly Tarantulas
- Mexican Red Knee (Brachypelma hamorii) ...
- Chile Rose (Grammostola rosea) ...
- Chile Flame (hom*oeomma chilensis) ...
- Brazilian Black (Grammostola pulchra) ...
- Curly Hair (Brachypelma albopilosa) ...
- Pink Toe Bird-eater (Avicularia avicularia) ...
- Mexican Red Rump (Brachypelma vagans)
Mexican red rump tarantulas are generally docile and slow-moving. The females live around 15 years with the males at 5 to 6 years. In the wild, these spiders tend to live near other Mexican red rumps. If you are interested in having multiple tarantulas, this might be a good option.
What is the most sought after tarantula? ›
Some rare tarantula breeds include the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental, Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty, Pinkfoot Goliath, and the Metallic Pink Toe. These species are highly sought after by collectors due to their unique appearances and limited availability.
“Overall, they are pretty easy keepers, but that doesn't mean that they don't require care.” Prospective tarantula owners should be ready to make a long-term commitment to their pet. Males may live as long as 10 years, and females may live past 30!
What is the most friendly pet tarantula? ›
The best beginner spider would be a tarantula such as the Chilean rose, Mexican Redleg, or Costa Rican Zebra. These species aren't terribly venomous and are pretty docile when compared with some other tarantulas (their venom is comparable to bee venom).
What is the best tarantula for beginners? ›
Some of the best tarantula species for beginners are Brazilian black, Chilean rose, Mexican red-knee, and curly-hair tarantulas. These spiders are known to be fairly hardy and docile as well as tolerant to some handling.
What are the cons of tarantulas? ›
With their stunning beauty, low maintenance requirements, and educational value, tarantulas can be rewarding pets for those who appreciate these remarkable creatures. However, it's essential to consider the cons, such as limited interaction, potential allergies, and personal comfort levels with spiders.
Are male or female tarantulas better pets? ›
Females can live for up to 30 years, while males only ever survive for about a third of that time. Sometimes, the females will even eat their male partner. Overall, if you want a pet that's unique and could potentially live a long time, a female tarantula is the way to go.
What is the least aggressive tarantula? ›
Of 800 species of tarantula I've found the most docile, and forgiving is either the Mexican red knee or pink toe. Of the species very few are aggressive by nature. My vote goes to the pink toe, followed by Mexican red knee: Docile and placid this is a great beginner for the enthusiast.
Do veterinarians work on spiders? ›
This is a tricky one as most veterinary practices will not be able to offer treatment for spiders. Spiders that require medical attention will need to visit a specialist – yes, there are vets who deal with invertebrates! – and it is likely that a specialist will not be local to your current practice.
Are tarantulas considered exotic? ›
In a broader sense, the term 'exotic animal' is often used to refer to any animal that is not native to a certain environment, with the added connotations of something rare and unusual. The term 'exotic' often draws people's minds to snakes, lizards, parrots, and tarantulas.
Can pest control get rid of tarantulas? ›
Your local Orkin Pro is trained to help manage tarantulas and similar pests. Since every building or home is different, your Orkin Pro will design a unique spider treatment program for your situation. Orkin can provide the right solution to keep tarantulas in their place...
Are any tarantulas medically significant? ›
Pterinochilus murinus, Lampropelma nigerrimum, and members of the genera Stromatopelma, Heteroscodra, and Selenocosmia are other old world tarantulas that are noted for possessing particularly strong venom which tends to cause severe muscle spasms.
