Tarantula Care Sheet Information

Housing

• Most tarantula types, including those most commonly kept as pets, such as the pink-toed tarantula, require very little space. A 5- or 10-gallon terrarium is the perfect size for a tarantula. The exception to this rule are giant tarantulas, such as the Goliath bird-eating tarantula, which require more space because of their size. Fill the bottom of the habitat with a 1- to 3-inch layer of soft bedding, such as potting soil. Provide hiding places for the tarantula by adding decorations such as hollow logs and plants to the habitat. Keep a tight-fitting mesh lid on the habitat to prevent escape. Tarantulas can be aggressive and cannibalistic, so keep only one tarantula in each habitat, except for breeding.

Temperature and Humidity

• Many tarantula species are native to areas such as South America, Africa and Asia, where the temperature is generally warm and moist. In order to keep your tarantula healthy, it's important to re-create the native habitat as much as possible. Research the specific temperature and humidity needs of the tarantula species you have. Then, use a heating pad, which sits under the habitat, to maintain the correct temperature. Most tarantulas prefer a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Mist the habitat periodically to keep it as humid as your tarantula requires.

Diet

• Tarantulas are carnivorous, and most pet species can subsist exclusively on insects. Crickets are generally the easiest food source to come by, but other insects, such as grasshoppers, moths or cockroaches, are also suitable. Feed the insect with a nutritious insect food before offering the insect to your tarantula. This method, called gut loading, ensures that your tarantula receives a nutritious meal. Most tarantulas can be fed one or two crickets per week. Larger tarantulas may want to eat more. Tarantulas will not overeat, so offer plenty of food. Monitor your tarantula's eating habits, but don't be alarmed if the tarantula stops eating suddenly. Tarantulas fast periodically. You'll also need to provide a water dish. This dish should be wide but shallow enough that the tarantula can easily climb in and out.

Habitat Maintenance

• The tarantula's water bowl will require frequent cleaning, usually daily, and a refill of fresh water. Other than that, tarantulas are usually clean creatures. Their habitat will require cleaning only about every four to six months. Replace any soiled substrate with fresh bedding. Scrub the sides of the habitat, as well as the decorations in the habitat. Remove waste material and any insect parts the tarantula hasn't eaten.