How to Choose a Pet Tarantula

Consider temperament. This is one of the most important issues to think about before buying a tarantula. Some species of spiders, such as Chilean Rosehairs, are relatively docile creatures and can be handled and cared for without incident. Other species, such as the beautiful Cobalt Blue, are known for being highly aggressive and are prone to bite just about anything they come in contact with.

Consider handling. If you wish to handle your spider on a regular basis, choose one that is hardy enough to survive being picked up and moved around, as well as able to survive if you accidentally drop it. Many species of tarantula are extremely delicate and can die from a burst abdomen just from being dropped a few feet. Others can have their legs, or pedipalps, pulled off by accident. While the legs will eventually grow back when the spider molts, it is not healthy for it to be losing its legs on a regular basis. Another thing to consider about handling your tarantula is the fact that all species are venomous to some degree. Spiders that have urticating hairs (abdominal hairs) may flick them when startled or scared, causing irritation in human skin and eyes. Spiders that don't have urticating hairs can be more prone to biting when scared, as that is their primary defense mechanism. So if you want a tarantula you can handle, it might be best to choose one with urticating hairs who will be less likely to bite when you pick it up, and one that is sturdy enough to survive if you accidentally drop it.

Consider size. Tarantulas come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are only a few inches long, such as the Guyana Pinktoe, while others can be larger than 10 inches long and have a body the width of a person's hand, such as the Giant Salmon Birdeater. Smaller spiders tend to move faster than larger ones, and can be harder to catch if they escape in your house. They will also eat smaller prey, such as crickets and mealworms, while larger spiders may need to eat prey as big as a baby mouse when they get full grown. If you don't think you can handle the idea of feeding rodents to your tarantula, or you aren't comfortable handling something bigger than your foot, you should steer clear of the larger spiders. And be aware that just because a tarantula is small doesn't mean it won't be aggressive or prone to biting. Some of the smallest spiders are known for being nervous and agitated around humans.

Consider housing. While the tank set up for a tarantula doesn't have to be very elaborate, you do need to make sure you have the right amount of space, the proper substrate and the correct humidity levels to keep your spider healthy. Burrowing tarantula species, such as the Mexican Red Knee, will need a substrate they can dig down into without it caving in on them. They won't need a lot of ceiling room in their habitat, since they spend most of their time on or under the ground. Terrestrial spiders, such as the Chilean Rosehair, will need a hide box that they can spend their time in when they aren't hunting around the bottom of their tank. And arboreal spiders will not need as much space width-wise, but will instead need their habitat to be taller and include something for them to climb up and hide inside. While you won't have to spend a great deal of money on a giant tank for any spider, you will need to buy something that will give them the space or height that they will need. Humidity is also important for proper molting with most tarantula species, so you will need to provide a tank that holds in just enough moisture, without being too damp. This usually means getting one with a glass or plexi-glass lid (see Resources below).

Consider lifespan. Are you looking for a pet that will be around for many years to come? If so, you should try to find a female spider, as they can live up to 20 or 30 years depending on the species. If you are buying this tarantula for a child who might lose interest, or just do not want the responsibility of something that could live for decades, consider getting a male tarantula instead. Males tend to only live about 4 to 5 years, as once they reach sexual maturity they will look for a mate and then die shortly after breeding.