Pet Care Guide for Tarantula Spiders

Tarantulas are found in nearly all of the continents. There are hundreds of thousands of types of tarantulas and generally they make good pets. They make no noise and require little care or attention. Tarantulas thrive on little food and water and their tanks only need cleaning every four to six months. This particular pet is better displayed than handled as handling it can injure it. Tarantulas can be purchased at many pet stores or you can purchase them through reptile breeders.

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    • Choose a fish tank for your tarantula. The fish tank should be a minimum of five gallons and needs to have a locking mesh top to keep your tarantula safe and secure. Heat the tank to between 70 degrees and 80 degrees. Put one to three inches of sterile top soil in the bottom of the tank. If you add logs or plants, keep them well away from the top of the tank as tarantulas are climbers and known for their ability to escape.

    Feeding

    • Pet tarantulas are simple to keep well fed and well watered. Feed your tarantula between two and six crickets per week, depending upon the size of your pet and its individual feeding habits. Your tarantula will only eat as much as it needs. If your tarantula never eats all the crickets, reduce the number of crickets accordingly. Water your pet tarantula with a strong and shallow water dish. Wash your water dish regularly. Since most of the water your tarantula needs comes from its food, don't be surprised to find your pet needs little water.

    Handling

    • Pick your tarantula up between the second and third set of legs. Use a gentle force when picking up your tarantula and be prepared for how quickly your tarantula travels. Set your tarantula in the palm of your hand. Be prepared to position one hand in front of the other so if your tarantula crawls, it's climbing from hand to hand.

    Defense

    • Watch your tarantula for signs of defense. Your tarantula will withdraw as its first form of defense followed by hair throwing. When threatened, your tarantula will rub its back legs on its underside, knocking loose hairs and throwing the hairs. Those hairs cause a painful and red rash to humans. Tarantulas stand on back legs and display the fangs prior to biting. The venomous bite of tarantulas can cause pain at the site of the bite similar to a bee sting. In those allergic to tarantula venom, they may experience pain and nausea. In these instances, you need medical attention.