Imagine having a pet that needs less attention than a houseplant but lives longer than most dogs.
That’s a tarantula for you! These eight-legged wonders have been captivating pet owners since Victorian times, and today they’re more popular than ever.
With over 900 species worldwide and some living up to 25 years, choosing the right tarantula is crucial for a successful pet-keeping experience.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to select the perfect tarantula for your lifestyle, from beginner-friendly species to essential care requirements.
Best Tarantulas for Beginners
Dr. Sarah Martinez from the American Tarantula Society says: “For new keepers, I always suggest starting with calm New World species. These spiders are more gentle and better for learning.”
Here are the top beginner-friendly tarantulas:
- Mexican Red Knee: These beautiful spiders are very calm. They move slowly and rarely hide. Most owners say they’re perfect first pets.
- Chilean Rose: Easy to care for and won’t break your bank. They eat less than other spiders and do well in simple homes.
- Pink Toe: These pretty spiders have pink feet and like to climb. They make nice webs and rarely get angry.
- Curly Hair: Known for being super gentle. Their fuzzy look makes them fun to watch.
- Costa Rican Zebra: Active and interesting to watch. They dig tunnels and show neat behaviors.
Understanding Costs and Care
Let’s break down what you’ll need to spend:
| Item | Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Setup | $75-200 | Cage, bedding, water dish, hiding spots |
| Spider | $20-300 | Depends on type and age |
| Monthly Care | $10-25 | Food and fresh bedding |
James Wilson, a tarantula breeding expert, shares: “The biggest cost is the first setup. After that, tarantulas are very cheap to keep compared to cats or dogs.”
Housing Your Spider
Tom Baker from Exo Terra explains: “Your spider’s home needs to be three times bigger than its leg span in every direction. This gives them room to move and grow.”
Important housing needs:
- A secure cage that locks
- Soft, clean bedding
- Places to hide
- Fresh water daily
- Right temperature (72-82°F)
- Good humidity (50-80% based on type)
Feeding Guide
Tarantulas don’t eat every day. Here’s when to feed them:
- Baby spiders: 2-3 times each week
- Grown spiders: 1-2 times each week
- Molting spiders: Don’t feed until shell hardens
Dr. Lisa Chen, an exotic pet vet, notes: “Most pet tarantulas die from being fed too much, not too little. It’s better to feed less than more.”
New World vs. Old World Tarantulas
There are two main types of pet tarantulas:
New World (from the Americas):
- More gentle
- Less likely to bite
- Have special hairs they can flick
- Better for beginners
Old World (from Africa and Asia):
- More defensive
- Stronger venom
- Faster moving
- Better for experts
Success Tips
Studies show 85-90% of new owners do well with their first tarantula if they:
- Choose a calm species
- Keep the cage clean
- Watch temperature and humidity
- Feed the right amount
- Handle with care
- Join spider keeper groups online
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these problems:
- Wrong spider choice: Some bite more than others
- Bad cage setup: Needs right size and security
- Poor handling: Be patient and gentle
- Feeding issues: Don’t overfeed
- Wrong care: Clean regularly
Where to Buy Your Tarantula
Check out Arachnoboards to find good sellers. Look for:
- Clean, well-kept stores
- Healthy-looking spiders
- Fair prices
- Good advice
- Happy customers
Getting Ready Checklist
Before bringing your spider home, have:
- Cage set up and warm
- Food supply ready
- Basic care tools
- Care guide handy
- Vet contact saved
Health and Safety
Important facts:
- Less than 1% of pet tarantulas cause bad bites
- Most bites happen from wrong handling
- Female spiders live 20-25 years
- Males live 5-10 years
- Most regular vets don’t treat spiders
Common Questions
Are tarantulas dangerous? Not really. They would rather run and hide than bite.
How often do they need care? Just a few minutes each day for checking water and temperature.
Can I hold my tarantula? Yes, but start slowly and be gentle. Not all spiders like being held.
What do they eat? Mostly crickets and other small insects.
Remember
Pet tarantulas can be great pets if you:
- Pick the right species
- Set up their home well
- Feed them properly
- Handle them carefully
- Keep their space clean
Proper care and maintenance of pet tarantulas is essential for their health and longevity. Ensuring the right habitat conditions, humidity levels, and diet can significantly improve your tarantula’s well-being.
For a comprehensive guide on best practices, check out Tarantula Care, which provides expert insights and detailed instructions for both beginner and experienced keepers.
