Did you know that more than 1 million people worldwide keep tarantulas as pets?
These fascinating creatures have been captivating humans since the Victorian era, when explorers first brought them back from tropical adventures.
Unlike traditional pets, tarantulas are quiet, space-efficient, and surprisingly low-maintenance.
Whether you’re an apartment dweller looking for a unique companion or a nature enthusiast fascinated by exotic pets, tarantulas might be your perfect match.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your eight-legged friend healthy and happy – from setting up their home to daily care routines.
Your Spider’s Dream Home 🏠
Just like how we all need our cozy corner to Netflix and chill, your tarantula needs their perfect pad too! These eight-legged divas can stick around for quite a while – the ladies live 15-25 years (talk about girl power!), while the boys hang out for 5-10 years.
Dr. Maria Rodriguez from the American Tarantula Society (who’s basically the Spider Whisperer) says something super important: “The biggest mistake new keepers make is not giving their tarantula enough space.” Think of it like trying to do yoga in an elevator – not fun, right?
Here’s your spider’s home shopping list (think of it as spider IKEA):
- A terrarium (spider mansion!) that’s 3 times wider than your spider’s leg span
- Coconut fiber substrate (fancy spider carpet) 2-3 inches deep
- A water dish as wide as your spider’s body (spider swimming pool!)
- A cork bark hide (spider’s secret blanket fort)
- Ventilation mesh (spider’s fresh air system)
Temperature and Humidity (AKA Spider Weather Report) 🌡️
Just like Goldilocks, your spider needs things just right:
- Keep it between 75-85°F (like a nice spring day)
- Desert spiders: 30-50% humidity (dry like a good joke)
- Tropical spiders: 65-85% humidity (steamy like a hot shower)
Your toolbox needs:
- Digital thermometer
- Hygrometer (fancy word for humidity checker)
- Spray bottle (spider rain machine)
| Category | Data Point | Source/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Female tarantulas: 15-25 years Males: 5-10 years |
American Tarantula Society records |
| Optimal Temperature | 75-85°F (24-29°C) for most species | General husbandry guidelines |
| Humidity Requirements | Desert species: 30-50% Tropical species: 65-85% |
Standard care protocols |
| Feeding Frequency | Spiderlings: Every 2-3 days Juveniles: Every 4-7 days Adults: Every 7-14 days |
Based on growth stages |
| Molting Frequency | Spiderlings: Every 1-2 months Juveniles: Every 3-4 months Adults: Every 6-12 months |
Growth-dependent cycles |
| Enclosure Size | Minimum width: 3x leg span Minimum depth: 2-3x leg span |
Basic housing requirements |
| Substrate Depth | Terrestrial species: 1.5-3 inches Burrowing species: 4-6 inches |
Species-dependent needs |
| Water Dish Size | Diameter: 1-1.5x spider’s body length | Standard setup guidelines |
| Prey Size | Maximum: No larger than spider’s abdomen | Feeding safety guidelines |
| Success Rate | First-time keeper retention: ~75% Species-specific survival: 85-95% |
Pet trade statistics |
Feeding Time!
Tom Chang, who wrote “Tarantula Basics,” drops this wisdom bomb: “Overfeeding is more dangerous than underfeeding.” Check out more juicy details at Arachnoboards feeding guide.
Think of feeding schedules like this:
- Baby spiders: Hungry little hippos (every 2-3 days)
- Young spiders: Teenage appetite (every 4-7 days)
- Adult spiders: Sophisticated diners (every 7-14 days)
On the menu today:
- Cricket feeders (like spider takeout)
- Mealworms (spider spaghetti)
- Dubia roaches (spider pizza)
Daily Care Checklist 📝
Your spider’s daily routine (easier than remembering to water your plants!):
- Check the water dish (no one likes a dry throat!)
- Look for signs of molting (spider wardrobe change)
- Watch for unusual behavior (spider mood swings)
Weekly to-do list:
- Clean the terrarium (spider house cleaning)
- Check the temperature controller (spider thermostat)
- Mist if needed (check your humidity dome – spider spa day!)
Best Beginner Species
The Mexican Red Knee Tarantula and Chilean Rose Tarantula are like the golden retrievers of the spider world – super chill and perfect for beginners! Want to geek out more about spider species? Check out the World Spider Catalog.
Safety Tips
Keep these in mind (no spider-sense required):
- Use feeding tongs (spider room service)
- Keep a catch cup handy (spider taxi)
- Never handle a molting spider (they need their beauty sleep)
- Watch out for urticating hairs (spider glitter – not as fun as it sounds!)
Health Signs
Your spider’s living their best life when:
- Their abdomen is plump (spider curves!)
- They move normally (spider yoga)
- They eat regularly (spider foodie)
- They molt successfully (spider glow-up)
Keep a care log book – it’s like your spider’s diary!
Remember folks, keeping a tarantula is easier than teaching your cat to fetch! They’re like the low-maintenance roommates of the pet world – no loud music, no dirty dishes, just chilling in their web sweet web!
And hey, if anyone asks why you have a pet spider, just tell them you’re training to be the next Avenger. Works every time!
Maintaining an ideal enclosure setup is one of the most important aspects of tarantula ownership.
From choosing the right substrate to ensuring proper ventilation, small details can make a big difference. For an in-depth look at setting up a tarantula habitat, check out Tarantula Care.
