Can I Take Care Of A Ground-Dwelling Tarantula?

Do you mind having a pet with whom you won't be able to interact much?

Can you find a spot out of reach of children and other pets to place tarantula's enclosure?

Can you provide a 5-gallon aquarium for a tarantula?

Can you commit to spending several hours each week on feedings and cleaning of the enclosure?

Can you provide a diet of crickets supplemented with other insects, including mealworms, super worms, and roaches for a tarantula?

Do you have an exotics veterinarian that can treat tarantulas?

Handling tarantulas is not recommended except when necessary, such as moving the spider out of its enclosure for cleaning. Tarantulas are generally docile, but they are known to bite if they feel threatened, and their bites are venomous. Another concern with handling tarantulas is skin irritation from tiny barbed hairs on their abdomens. If they feel threatened, the spiders often release these hairs, which can work their way into your skin and cause itching and irritation.

You should not allow children and other pets to come in contact with the tarantula. If they feel threatened, these spiders are known to bite and often release their hairs, which can cause itching and irritation.

For ground-dwelling tarantulas the length of the enclosure should be approximately three times the spider's leg span, and the width of the enclosure should be roughly double its leg span. The height only needs to be approximately the same as the spider's leg span. A 5-gallon aquarium often works well. And a larger tank isn't necessarily better, as it can make prey more difficult to find.

Owners need to spend a few hours each week tending to tarantula's needs. The enclosure should be kept relatively clean, and uneaten food should be removed daily. It's generally recommended to do a full cleaning of the enclosure, including a change of the vermiculite bedding, every four to six months.

A tarantula needs to be fed a diet of crickets supplemented with other insects, including mealworms, super worms, and roaches. Large tarantulas can even be given pinkie mice and small lizards. Adults can get feedings roughly once a week while juveniles can eat every day or two. A small dish of freshwater should be provided at all times. It must be very shallow to prevent drowning.

You can take care of a pet tarantula!

Tarantulas are prone to some health issues that may require veterinarians to expertize. They can be easily injured by falling from heights, they can get dehydrated, contract parasites, and can be easily stressed. If you do not have a veterinarian who could treat your tarantula it could be very short-lived.