Tarantula Care Guide

Tarantulas are fascinating arachnids that make unique, low-maintenance pets for those interested in exotic animals. These quiet, space-efficient pets require minimal daily care while providing years of interesting observation opportunities.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about pet care and should not replace professional advice. Always research local laws regarding tarantula ownership, as some species may be restricted. Consult with experienced keepers or arachnid specialists for species-specific guidance.

About Pet Tarantulas

Tarantulas are large spiders belonging to the family Theraphosidae, found naturally in tropical and desert regions worldwide. These long-lived arachnids have become increasingly popular as exotic pets due to their manageable care requirements and fascinating behaviors.

Key Characteristics

• Size: 2-10 inch leg span depending on species
• Lifespan: Females 10-25+ years, males 2-7 years
• Activity: Primarily nocturnal
• Growth: Molt periodically throughout their lives
• Feeding: Infrequent feeding, can fast for months
• Temperament: Generally docile, defensive when threatened

Popular Beginner Species

Chilean Rose Hair (Grammostola rosea):

• Size: 4-5 inch leg span
• Temperament: Very docile, tolerant of handling
• Care level: Excellent for beginners
• Special traits: Can go months without food or water

Mexican Redknee (Brachypelma species):

• Size: 5-6 inch leg span
• Temperament: Calm, slow-moving
• Care level: Beginner-friendly
• Appearance: Distinctive orange/red leg markings

Curly Hair (Tliltocatl albopilosus):

• Size: 5-6 inch leg span
• Temperament: Docile, hardy
• Care level: Great for beginners
• Appearance: Fuzzy, curly-haired appearance

Arizona Blonde (Aphonopelma chalcodes):

• Size: 4-5 inch leg span
• Temperament: Very calm, rarely defensive
• Care level: Excellent beginner species
• Origin: Native to southwestern United States

Species to Avoid as Beginners

Advanced species:

• Old World species: Generally more aggressive, potent venom
• Arboreal species: More complex housing and care needs
• Fast-growing species: Require more frequent rehousing
• Defensive species: More likely to bite or kick urticating hairs

Housing Requirements

Terrarium Specifications

Size requirements:

• Ground rule: Leg span x 2-3 for length/width
• Adult tarantula: 10-gallon tank minimum
• Juvenile: 5-gallon tank, upgrade as they grow
• Height: 1.5x leg span maximum (prevents fall injuries)

Terrestrial species setup:

• Floor space: More important than height
• Substrate depth: 3-4 inches for burrowing
• Hide options: Cork bark, artificial caves
• Water dish: Shallow dish with fresh water

Semi-arboreal species setup:

• Vertical space: Taller enclosures needed
• Climbing surfaces: Cork bark, artificial plants
• Multiple hides: At different levels
• Secure lid: Prevent escapes from climbing species

Substrate Options

Appropriate substrates:

• Coconut fiber: Excellent moisture retention, natural
• Peat moss: Good for species needing higher humidity
• Potting soil: Organic, fertilizer-free only
• Vermiculite mix: Good drainage and moisture control

Substrates to avoid: ❌ Never use:

• Cedar or pine shavings (toxic)
• Gravel or stones (injury risk)
• Sand (can cause impaction)
• Newspaper (poor moisture retention)

Environmental Controls

Temperature requirements:

• Most species: 70-78°F room temperature adequate
• Tropical species: May need 75-82°F
• Heating methods: Under-tank heater on one side only
• Avoid: Heat rocks, overhead heat lamps

Humidity management:

• Desert species: 40-60% humidity
• Tropical species: 60-80% humidity
• Monitoring: Digital hygrometer essential
• Adjustment: Water dish size, substrate moisture, ventilation

Feeding and Nutrition

Understanding Tarantula Feeding

Natural feeding behavior:

• Ambush predators: Wait for prey to come close
• Infrequent feeding: Can survive months without food
• Size matters: Prey should be smaller than tarantula’s abdomen
• Live prey preferred: Stimulates natural hunting behavior

Feeding Schedule

Adult tarantulas:

• Frequency: Every 2-4 weeks typically
• Amount: 1-3 appropriately sized prey items
• Seasonal variation: May eat less in winter
• Fasting periods: Normal behavior, don’t force feed

Juvenile tarantulas:

• Frequency: Weekly feeding
• Growth support: More frequent feeding supports molting
• Size progression: Gradually increase prey size
• Monitoring: Watch for pre-molt behavior

Appropriate Prey

Live feeder insects:

• Crickets: Most common, readily available
• Roaches: Dubia roaches, less odor than crickets
• Mealworms: For smaller species or juveniles
• Superworms: For larger adult tarantulas

Prey preparation:

• Gut-loading: Feed insects 24 hours before offering
• Size guideline: Prey no larger than tarantula’s abdomen
• Fresh prey: Healthy, active insects only
• Remove uneaten: Remove dead prey within 24 hours

Feeding Process

Safe feeding technique:

1. Use feeding tongs: Avoid hand feeding
2. Evening feeding: When tarantulas are most active
3. Gentle presentation: Drop prey near but not on tarantula
4. Observation: Watch for feeding response
5. Cleanup: Remove uneaten prey to prevent mold/bacteria

Foods to Avoid

❌ Never feed:

• Wild-caught insects (parasite risk)
• Insects from outside (pesticide exposure)
• Vertebrate prey (mice, lizards - too large, risky)
• Dead insects (unless freshly killed)
• Human food of any kind

Health and Veterinary Care

Finding Qualified Care

Arachnid specialists:

• Limited availability: Few vets treat tarantulas
• Experienced keepers: Local tarantula societies
• Online communities: Arachnoboards, Facebook groups
• Emergency planning: Know experienced keepers for emergencies

Recognizing Health Issues

Signs of healthy tarantulas:

• Regular feeding: Accepting prey when offered
• Normal activity: Moving around enclosure
• Good posture: Legs tucked under body
• Clean appearance: No mold, mites, or deformities

Warning signs:

• Death curl: Legs curled under body (not molting position)
• Loss of coordination: Inability to right themselves
• Mold growth: Fuzzy growth on body
• Mites: Tiny moving specks on spider
• Dehydration: Shrunken abdomen, lethargy

The Molting Process

Understanding molts:

• Growth necessity: Tarantulas must molt to grow
• Frequency: Juveniles molt every 2-6 months, adults annually
• Duration: Process takes 4-12 hours typically
• Vulnerability: Tarantulas are defenseless during molt

Pre-molt indicators:

• Appetite loss: Refusing food for weeks
• Color darkening: Abdomen becomes darker
• Web spinning: Creating molting mat
• Lethargy: Reduced activity levels

Molt care:

• Do not disturb: Never handle during molt
• Remove prey: No food until molt is complete
• Maintain humidity: Slightly increase humidity
• Patience: Wait 3-7 days post-molt before feeding

Post-molt care:

• Soft exoskeleton: Very vulnerable for several days
• No handling: Wait 1-2 weeks before handling
• Gentle feeding: Offer smaller prey initially
• Monitor: Watch for successful hardening

Handling and Interaction

Handling Considerations

Species suitability:

• Docile species: Chilean rose hair, Mexican redknee
• Nervous species: Many require minimal handling
• Never handle: During molting or when aggressive

Safe handling technique:

1. Move slowly: Quick movements startle tarantulas
2. Support body: Use both hands, support from underneath
3. Low height: Handle close to soft surface
4. Watch for stress: Stop if tarantula shows defensive posture
5. Respect urticating hairs: Some species kick irritating hairs

When NOT to Handle

Avoid handling when:

• In pre-molt: Signs of upcoming molt
• Recently molted: Soft exoskeleton vulnerable
• Defensive posture: Rear legs raised, fangs exposed
• Recently fed: May regurgitate food
• Gravid females: Carrying egg sac

Understanding Tarantula Behavior

Defensive behaviors:

• Threat posture: Rearing up, showing fangs
• Urticating hair kicking: Brushing hairs off abdomen
• Speed bursts: Quick movements when startled
• Hiding: Retreating to hide when stressed

Normal behaviors:

• Web spinning: Creating anchor lines and molting mats
• Substrate moving: Rearranging enclosure to preferences
• Climbing: Exploring vertical surfaces
• Sitting motionless: Normal resting behavior

Breeding Considerations

Before Considering Breeding

Advanced keeper activity:

• Experience required: Should have years of keeping experience
• Space needs: Multiple enclosures for separation and offspring
• Market research: Limited market for pet tarantulas
• Time commitment: Raising spiderlings is intensive

Breeding Process Overview

Complex requirements:

• Sexual maturity: Females 3-7 years, males 1-2 years
• Conditioning: Excellent health and feeding condition
• Introduction timing: Brief, carefully monitored
• Egg sac care: 2-4 months incubation period

Challenges:

• Sexual cannibalism: Females may eat males
• Spiderling care: Hundreds of babies need individual housing
• Food requirements: Massive increase in feeder insect needs
• Space demands: Exponential increase in enclosure needs

Long-term Commitment

Lifespan Considerations

Female longevity:

• 10-25+ years: Significant long-term commitment
• Consistent care: Daily monitoring throughout life
• Housing upgrades: Multiple enclosure changes as they grow
• End-of-life planning: Arrangements for elderly tarantulas

Male considerations:

• Shorter lifespan: 2-7 years typically
• Maturation changes: Behavioral changes after final molt
• Breeding focus: May refuse food, seek females

Creating Optimal Environments

Environmental stability:

• Consistent conditions: Stable temperature and humidity
• Minimal disturbance: Quiet, low-stress environment
• Security: Escape-proof enclosures essential
• Emergency preparedness: Backup heating, emergency contacts

Observation and appreciation:

• Fascinating behavior: Web construction, feeding, molting
• Educational value: Learning about arachnid biology
• Conversation starter: Unique pet generates interest
• Personal growth: Overcoming fears, learning responsibility

Species-Specific Care Notes

Chilean Rose Hair

• Hardy nature: Tolerates wide range of conditions
• Fasting ability: Can go 6+ months without food
• Color phases: Gray and red color forms available
• Handling tolerance: Generally calm when handled gently

Mexican Redknee

• Longevity: Can live 25+ years
• Docile nature: Rarely defensive or aggressive
• Urticating hairs: Will kick hairs when stressed
• Growth rate: Slow-growing species

Curly Hair

• Hardiness: Very tolerant of keeper mistakes
• Appetite: Good eaters, rarely refuse food
• Appearance: Distinctive fuzzy, golden appearance
• Temperament: Generally calm and predictable

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Legal Requirements

Research local laws:

• State regulations: Some states restrict tarantula ownership
• Local ordinances: City or county restrictions
• Import/export: Regulations for purchasing across state lines
• Native species: Special considerations for native species

Ethical Considerations

Responsible ownership:

• Commitment: Full lifespan care planning
• Escape prevention: Protect local ecosystems
• Education: Learn proper care before acquiring
• Source: Purchase from reputable dealers, avoid wild-caught

Remember: Tarantulas are unique pets that offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of arachnids. They require minimal daily care but benefit from keepers who understand their specific needs and respect their nature. Success with tarantulas comes from providing appropriate housing, understanding their feeding requirements, and appreciating them as the remarkable creatures they are. While not suitable for everyone, tarantulas can be rewarding companions for those willing to learn about and respect these amazing arachnids.