Did you know that over 75% of new tarantula owners make the same critical mistake?
Overfeeding these fascinating creatures is more common than you’d think.
Tarantulas, those mysterious eight-legged pets that have been crawling into our hearts since the 1970s pet trade boom, have very specific dietary needs.
Whether you’re a new spider parent or a seasoned keeper, understanding the signs of overfeeding could save your tarantula’s life.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to spot and fix this common problem.
An overfed tarantula can suffer from stress and health issues. Learn the warning signs and how to fix overfeeding before it becomes a serious problem.
Why I’m Writing This
When I first got my tarantula, Professor Legs (yes, I gave him a fancy title!), I made every feeding mistake in the book.
Now I’m here to help you avoid turning your pet into what we keepers jokingly call a “chunky monkey spider.”
Physical Signs That Your Spider is Living Its Best Buffet Life
Just like how we humans can’t hide that extra slice of pizza in our belly, your tarantula shows clear signs when it’s been enjoying too many all-you-can-eat cricket buffets:
- The abdomen (that’s the back part – think of it as your spider’s personal food storage backpack) looks like it’s been shopping in the ‘oversized’ section. It should only be 1.5 to 2 times bigger than its head area, not looking like it swallowed a marble!
- The skin on the abdomen looks stretched and shiny – like a balloon about to pop (yikes!)
- You can spot stress marks (dark spots) on the abdomen – think spider stretch marks
- Your little friend has trouble walking or drags its abdomen like it’s carrying grocery bags
- The spider sits in weird positions – imagine trying to do yoga while wearing a heavy backpack
Dr. Sarah Martinez, exotic pet vet, puts it perfectly: “An overfed tarantula’s abdomen can get so big that it risks bursting during a fall. This is very dangerous for your pet.”
When Your Spider Acts Like It’s in Food Coma
Just like how we get sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner, an overfed spider shows some telling behaviors:
- Refuses to eat (imagine turning down free pizza – that’s when you know something’s wrong!)
- Moves less than my old laptop with a dying battery
- Stops digging in its home (no more home renovation projects)
- Makes fewer webs (getting too lazy for spider interior decorating)
- Sleeps more than a teenager on a weekend
Health Problems That’ll Make You Want to Start a Spider Diet ASAP
Here’s the not-so-fun stuff that happens when your spider friend has been living the high life:
- Hard time molting (imagine trying to take off a tight sweater – but it’s your whole body!)
- Risk of abdomen breaking (nobody wants that)
- Too much stress on the outer shell (like wearing pants that are two sizes too small)
- Higher chance of dying during molts
- Stomach problems (even spiders get tummy troubles!)
Tom Wilson, professional tarantula breeder, drops this truth bomb: “Overfeeding raises the chance of molt failure by about 20%. It’s better to feed less than too much.”
Quick Fixes (No Spider Diet Pills Required!)
If you’re reading this thinking “Oh web, my spider needs an intervention!”, here’s what to do:
| Action | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Stop feeding | Wait 2-3 weeks before next meal |
| Check temperature | Keep at right level for your species |
| Watch for molting | Look for signs of shedding |
| Write it down | Keep track of feeding days |
Preventing the Chonk: A Spider Parent’s Guide
Follow these rules (think of them as the Spider Weight Watchers program):
- Feed adult tarantulas every 10-14 days (not every time they give you those eight puppy eyes!)
- Give prey that’s smaller than 1.5 times your spider’s head size (portion control is key!)
- Keep records of when you feed (be the responsible spider parent you were meant to be)
- Learn about your species – desert spiders can go 3-6 months without food! (Talk about intermittent fasting champions!)
- Feed young spiders more often (they’re growing teens, after all!)
FAQs (or as I Like to Call Them: Spider Parent Worries)
Q: How often should I feed my tarantula? A: Adult tarantulas need food every 10-14 days. Think of it like their version of meal prepping!
Q: What size should the food be? A: Food should be smaller than 1.5 times your spider’s head size. No supersizing needed!
Q: Can overfeeding kill my tarantula? A: Yes, sadly, it can cause deadly problems. Less is more in spider cuisine!
Q: How long can tarantulas go without food? A: Many can go weeks or months. Desert species can last 3-6 months! They’re the ultimate survival experts!
Q: When should I ask a vet for help? A: If you see a very swollen abdomen or your spider stops moving normally. Better safe than sorry!
Spider Menu Suggestions
Good food choices include:
- Crickets (the spider equivalent of a chicken sandwich)
- Mealworms (like spider French fries)
- Dubia roaches (fancy spider sushi)
Use feeding tools like tongs – nobody wants a cricket rodeo in their room!
For more eight-legged wisdom, check out the American Tarantula Society. You can also hang out with fellow spider enthusiasts at Arachnoboards, where we share stories about our tiny superheroes.
Remember: Like that time I ate the whole pizza by myself (regrets were had), overfeeding isn’t showing love. Your spider will thank you for keeping them fit and fabulous!
