Hi there! 👋
You know what’s really cool? Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas! I remember when I first saw one at my local pet shop – I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was with its black fuzzy body and bright orange knees.
In addition to their stunning colors and gentle nature, Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas are one of the most well-known species among hobbyists. If you’re curious about other fascinating tarantula species, check out this Tarantula Species Guide for more insights.
What Are These Cool Spiders?
Think of a Mexican Red Knee Tarantula (that’s a bit of a mouthful, isn’t it?) as the golden retriever of the spider world! They’re:
- Super gentle – just like my friend’s tarantula, Boris, who’s never gotten angry
- Really pretty – with black and orange colors, like a Halloween costume
- Long-living – they can live longer than your pet dog!
Fun fact: Their proper name is Brachypelma hamorii (try saying that three times fast! )
Here’s how big they get:
- Girl spiders: About as long as your hand (5.5-6.5 inches)
- Boy spiders: A bit smaller, like your phone (4-5 inches)
Making Them Feel at Home
Just like how you like your room to be comfy, your spider needs a nice home too!
What They Need:
- A tank about as wide as your laptop
- Some nice, soft dirt to dig in
- A hiding spot (like a piece of tree bark)
- A little water dish (like a bottle cap)
- Fresh air
Temperature and Wet Air (We Call it Humidity!)
Keep their home:
- Warm like a nice spring day (75-80°F)
- A bit wet in the air (65-70% humidity)
Just like you wouldn’t want your room too hot or cold, neither do they!
Feeding Time!
Here’s when to feed your eight-legged friend:
| How Old? | When to Feed | What to Give |
|---|---|---|
| Baby | Every 2-3 days | Tiny crickets |
| Teenager | Every 4-5 days | Small crickets |
| Grown-up | Every 10-14 days | Big crickets or roaches |
Remember: Just like you don’t like huge sandwiches that don’t fit in your mouth, your spider doesn’t want huge food either!
Keeping Your Spider Healthy and Happy
A happy spider is:
- Up and about at night (they’re night owls, just like teenagers!)
- Eating their food (they’re not picky eaters like my little brother!)
- Looking clean and shiny
- Moving around smoothly, like a tiny dancer
Sometimes spiders can get sick. Watch out for:
- Problems when they change their skin (like when you grow out of your clothes)
- Getting too dry (happens to 25-30% of pet spiders)
- Falls (oopsie! 10-15% of spiders have this problem)
How Much Will This Cost?
Let’s talk money! Here’s what you’ll need:
- The spider: $40-150 (about the same as a new video game)
- Their home setup: $100-300
- Food and stuff each year: $50-150 (less than your Netflix!)
Daily Spider To-Do List
Every Day:
- Check their water
- Make sure they’re okay
- Check if it’s too hot or cold
Every Week:
- Feed them (if their grown-up)
- Clean up any mess
- Make sure it’s not too dry
I gotta tell you – my favorite part of the day is checking on my tarantula, Boris. He’s usually just chillin’ in his hide, but sometimes he’s doing spider yoga (that’s what I call it when he stretches his legs!)
Cool Spider Facts!
Did you know?
- These spiders are protected in nature (like pandas!)
- They can live longer than most dogs (mine’s already 15!)
- They eat less often than we change our phone’s wallpaper
- They’re better pets for beginners than my first goldfish was (RIP Bubbles)
Remember: Your spider friend might not wag its tail or purr, but it’s still an amazing pet that can be your buddy for many years! Just ask my Boris- he’s been with me through high school, college, and now he’s helping me write this guide!
For an essential guide on tarantula species, visit https://zooawesome.com/wild-pets/web-of-wonders-your-essential-tarantula-species-guide/
