The Care of Metallic Pink Toe Tarantulas

Metallic pink toe tarantulas are a large spider, originally native to Central and South America. They are known as good beginner tarantulas because they are quite docile and usually don't mind being handled. They can also sometimes live communally, unlike most other tarantulas, when enough space is provided. However, keeping them can sometimes be challenging. Metallic pink toe tarantulas are similar to the common pink toe tarantula and require the same care. The difference between the two is mostly in coloration, though both species have dark bodies with bright pink tips of color at the ends of their legs.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon terrarium
  • Tarantula substrate
  • Plants and other terrarium decorations
  • Water dish
  • Under-terrarium heating pad
  • Spray bottle
  • Various tarantula foods
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a terrarium that's 10 gallons or larger for your metallic pink toe tarantula. Although these spiders can grow to about 5 inches, they don't require too much space. However, if you decide to keep more than one spider in the same habitat, you'll need to provide more space. Taller habitats often make this arboreal tarantula more comfortable. Use a screen top that allows for ventilation.

    • 2

      Spread a substrate of peat moss, soil or mulch at the bottom of the habitat. This substrate layer should be between 2 and 3 inches deep.

    • 3

      Place several plants in the habitat. These plants, which should have broad leaves, can be real or fake. They will provide hiding places for the tarantula, making it feel safer in its habitat. You can also add other terrarium decorations, such as branches or cork bark, if you wish.

    • 4

      Place a shallow, wide water dish at the bottom of the habitat. This water dish should be large enough so that the metallic pink toe tarantula can easily climb in and out if it wants to. However, the dish should be shallow enough that it does not cover the spider, and therefore present no drowning threat.

    • 5

      Maintain a temperature between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit in the habitat. An under-terrarium heating pad can be used to raise the temperature.

    • 6

      Keep the humidity level of the habitat between 65 and 80 percent. You can raise the humidity in the habitat by lightly misting the habitat whenever it gets dry. Use a water spray bottle to do this.

    • 7

      Feed the metallic pink toe tarantula a diet of insects, such as crickets, small worms and moths. Large tarantulas can sometimes be given baby mice or small lizards. Tarantulas rarely overeat, so start by giving it a number of insects several times a week. Monitor the tarantula's eating habits and adjust the amount of food you give it accordingly. At different times during the year, some spiders may fast, or may eat more than usual.

    • 8

      Clean the tarantula's water dish daily and supply fresh water. Clean the tarantula's habitat whenever you notice it getting dirty. Tarantulas aren't very messy, so you may only need to thoroughly scrub the habitat, replacing the substrate, two to four times per year. However, any waste material you see can be removed without scrubbing the entire habitat.