Did you know that tarantulas can go weeks without eating and still thrive?
These fascinating creatures have been around for over 150 million years, perfecting their dining habits long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
Whether you’re a new tarantula owner or considering getting one, understanding how to feed these eight-legged wonders is crucial for their health and happiness.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your tarantula well-fed and content, from choosing the right prey to establishing the perfect feeding schedule.
The Tale of Hungry Harry (And What Tarantulas Really Eat)
Picture this: my friend’s tarantula, Harry, sits in his terrarium like a tiny eight-legged food critic, turning his nose up (do spiders have noses?) at anything that’s not up to his standards.
These little food critics are predators, which means they’re nature’s ultimate foodies.
Their menu includes:
- Insects (imagine them as tiny spider hamburgers) like crickets, roaches, and beetles
- Worms (spider spaghetti, anyone?) like mealworms and superworms
- Sometimes small animals like tiny lizards or baby mice (but only for the big guys – think of it as their version of a supersized meal)
As Dr. Sarah Martinez from the American Arachnid Society puts it (and she’s basically the Gordon Ramsay of spider experts): “Most pet tarantulas will do great eating just insects. They don’t need complicated diets to stay healthy.” Talk about low-maintenance pets!
For more juicy details about what these eight-legged foodies munch on in the wild, check out this guide on Wild Tarantula Feeding Habits.
Portion Control: The Spider Edition
Just like how we shouldn’t eat pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (though wouldn’t that be nice?), tarantulas need the right amount of food at the right time. Here’s the menu planning guide:
| Tarantula Size | How Often to Feed | How Much to Feed |
|---|---|---|
| Baby (under 1 inch) | 2-3 times per week | 1-2 small crickets |
| Young (1-3 inches) | 2 times per week | 2-3 medium crickets |
| Adult (over 3 inches) | Once per week | 3-4 large crickets |
Dr. John Baker from the Exotic Pet Care Center (who I like to call the Spider Whisperer) says: “It’s better to feed less often than to overfeed. A fat tarantula is not a healthy tarantula.” It’s like that old saying: everything in moderation, even cricket snacks! Want to know the best menu items for your eight-legged friend? Check out these Best Feeder Insects for Tarantulas.
Feeding Time: A Step-by-Step Adventure
Okay, spider parents, let’s talk about mealtime! Remember my first feeding attempt?
I was decked out in protective gear like I was about to defuse a bomb instead of feed a spider.
Now I can do it with my eyes closed (though I don’t recommend that approach! ).
Here’s your roadmap to feeding success:
- Get your supplies ready: Think of it as preparing for a tiny dinner party! You’ll need:
- Feeding tongs (your spider’s version of silverware)
- Live insects (the main course)
- Water dish (everyone needs a drink!)
- Timer (because even spiders don’t like their food waiting around)
- Prepare the food:
- Size matters! Choose insects about half as big as your tarantula (imagine trying to eat a sandwich bigger than your head)
- Make sure the insects are healthy (no fast-food for these sophisticated diners)
- Add vitamins if your vet recommends them (like a spider multivitamin)
- Feed your tarantula:
- Use the tongs to place the insect in your spider’s home (think of yourself as a spider food delivery service)
- Put it where your tarantula likes to hang out (door-to-web delivery!)
- Watch for about 5 minutes (dinner and a show!)
- Remove any leftovers after 24 hours (nobody likes old takeout)
Want to avoid turning your tarantula into a couch potato? Check out this handy Tarantula Feeding Schedule.
Spider Personalities: Different Strokes for Different Folks
Just like how some people are morning birds and others are night owls, different tarantulas have their own unique dining preferences:
Ground Dwellers (like Mexican Red Knees)
- These are your down-to-earth types, like that friend who always wants to eat at the same diner
- Feed them on the ground level
- Evening is their preferred dining time
- Crickets and roaches are their comfort food
Tree Dwellers (like Pink Toes)
- The fancy rooftop diners of the spider world
- Like their food served “upstairs”
- Sometimes need their meals hung up (talk about dinner with a view!)
- Often prefer flying insects (the spider equivalent of ordering the chef’s special)
Desert Types
- The minimalists of the spider world
- Winter is their “beach body” season – they eat less
- Prefer their food tough and crunchy (like spider beef jerky)
For more insights into age-specific dining habits, check out Feeding Differences: Young vs. Adult Tarantulas.
When Things Get Weird: Troubleshooting Mealtime
Sometimes your eight-legged friend might throw you a curveball. Here’s what might be happening:
Spider Won’t Eat:
- Could be molting (like a spider’s version of a cleanse)
- Might be too chilly (nobody likes cold food!)
- Maybe they’re just not into today’s special
Need more details? Here’s a deep dive into Why Your Tarantula Won’t Eat.
Spider’s Always Hangry:
- Might need bigger portions (we’ve all been there)
- Could need more frequent meals
- Time to review that feeding schedule
Food Keeps Playing Hard to Get:
- Try different menu items
- Work on your tong technique
- Check if the prey size is right (nobody wants to chase their food around the house!)
Special Occasions in Spider Life
Just like we have different eating habits during holidays or when we’re under the weather, your tarantula has special times too:
Before Molting:
- Goes on a hunger strike (it’s not you, it’s them)
- Totally normal, like a spider’s version of prep for a spa day
- Can last 2-4 weeks (longer than most of our diets!)
After Molting:
- Wait 7-10 days (recovery time is important)
- Start with small portions (spider tapas)
- Extra water (staying hydrated is always in style)
For the full scoop on post-molt care, check out this Post-Molt Feeding Guide.
Winter Vibes:
- Eating drops by about 25% (winter hibernation mode)
- Totally normal (like us wearing stretchy pants during the holidays)
- Keep the food coming, they’ll eat when they’re ready
Meal Prep: Spider Edition
Want to keep your tarantula healthy? Here’s the secret sauce:
- Feed the insects well before they become spider snacks:
- Fresh veggies (yes, even cricket food needs to be fresh!)
- Special insect food (like a prep school for prey)
- Clean water (hydrated insects = happy tarantula)
- Keep the food fresh:
- Clean container (like a five-star bug hotel)
- Right temperature (not too hot, not too cold – call them Goldilocks insects)
- Daily fresh food (no leftover takeout for these guys)
Get the full scoop in this Beginner’s Guide to Gut-Loading Insects.
Words of Wisdom from the Spider Sage
Dr. Lisa Chang, who’s been hanging out with spiders longer than most of us have had smartphones (20 years!), drops this truth bomb:
“The biggest mistake I see is people overfeeding their tarantulas. In nature, they don’t eat every day. Once a week is plenty for most adult tarantulas.”
Want to make sure you’re not overdoing it? Check out these Signs of Overfeeding in Tarantulas.
Your Recipe for Success
Here’s your takeaway menu for spider-parenting success:
- Keep portions in check:
- Don’t supersize their meals
- Stick to a schedule (like meal prep Sunday, but for spiders)
- Watch their figure (spider dad bod isn’t a thing)
- Play it safe:
- Keep those tools clean
- Right-sized prey (no elephant-sized crickets!)
- Safe and sound insects
- Be observant:
- Watch eating patterns (like a spider food diary)
- Check their shape (spider fitness tracking)
- Notice behavior changes (spider mood rings, anyone?)
Looking to spice things up? Here’s a guide on Frozen, Dried, or Fresh Prey for Tarantulas.
And there you have it, friends! From one spider parent to another, remember that every tarantula is unique – like snowflakes with eight legs and an appetite for crickets.
As Dr. Martinez says, “Feeding a tarantula isn’t hard once you know the basics.” And trust me, if I could go from nervous newbie to confident spider chef, you’ve got this in the bag!
