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Tarantulas

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Tarantula	1	2	3	4	5
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The tarantula receives our moderate pet rating, however, we do not recommend them for a first time pet owner. Tarantulas are reclusive pets and should not be handled frequently. While they are easy to care for and are an inexpensive pet, they are not a good pet for children. Some types of tarantulas are known to cause rashes. This is because their hairs come off easily when stressed or threatened and have a form of venom which some people are sensitive too.

If you are looking for a pet that does not require a lot of personal attention or costly maintenance, then a tarantula may be for you. There are two types of tarantulas; arboreal, meaning tree dweller and terrestrial, meaning ground of burrowing. When purchasing your tarantula, be sure to find out what type it is so that you can provide the proper habitat. Research the specific needs of your type of tarantula. The two most important factors in keeping tarantulas is the humidity level and a constant temperature at about 75 degrees. Try not to let the temperature fluctuate more than 5 degrees. Some require temperatures at around 80 degrees. Misting your tarantula and habitat with dechlorinated water will help keep up the humidity.

All tarantulas do well in a 10 gallon aquarium, with a small water bowl and a secure locking screen (tarantulas can climb glass). Be sure to provide a reptile heating pad under the tank for a heat source. It should only cover half of the tank. Full spectrum lighting can be used to provide heating but is not needed as tarantulas are nocturnal. Incandescent bulbs can overheat a small tank quickly. Because some tarantulas are burrowing spiders, all burrowing types need to have substrate consisting of half vermiculite (better than sand because sand is to drying) and half bark about 3 inches thick. If you have a tree dweller, you will also need to provide some type of log for climbing and webbing. The vermiculite should always be kept moist (but not wet). To help keep the moisture in the aquarium, try covering the locking screen with plastic wrap. Be sure to put small holes in the wrap for ventilation. Be sure to mist your aquarium and tarantula at least twice per week. You can also add a short pipe vertically through the substrate so you can pour water into the bottom of the substrate. Your tarantula may also benefit from the use of a hid box for more security.

Tarantulas should be fed gut-loaded crickets or small mealworms at least once per week. Be sure to remove any crickets left uneaten so that they do not chew on your tarantulas legs.

Tarantulas molt at least 3 times per year. This means that they shed their old skin for the new. You may notice your tarantula not eating for a few days or up to two weeks prior to molting. The bald spot on their abdomen may start to turn black as well as you may notice a color change. If you notice your tarantula laying on its back, do not disturb. This is what tarantulas do in order to molt. They spin a web, lay on top of the web upside down from 4 to 10 hours. When they have shed their exoskeleton, their new skin needs to harden or called "tanning" before eating or handling. Do not feed for about 2 days after molting or until the new skin hardens.

Tarantulas have a lifespan around 15 years with optimum care.

Do not handle your tarantula frequently. If you must pick it up, lay your hand on the bottom of the cage and let it walk onto you hand. Keep the tarantula close to the ground or table. It is very dangerous for a tarantula to fall from heights. Their abdomens are very easily ruptured and they can bleed to death.

Tarantula Links:

http://arachnophiliac.info/burrow/caresheets/index.htm

http://www.petbugs.com/caresheets/tarantulas.html

http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Farm/3173/articles/spidercare.html

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this website is not intended to be a substitute for Veterinary Care. If you have any questions or problems, always consult with your Veterinarian.