Did you know that tarantulas can go months without eating?
These fascinating creatures have survived for over 150 million years, yet in captivity, feeding mistakes are the #1 reason they get sick or die.
Whether you’re a new spider parent or a seasoned keeper, getting mealtime right is crucial. Let me share my decade of experience to help your eight-legged friend thrive!
If your tarantula refuses food, you might be making one of these common mistakes. Discover the top reasons and expert solutions to fix the issue.
Oops! The Big No-Nos
1. Size Really Does Matter!
Fun fact alert: You know how we sometimes bite off more than we can chew?
Well, 75% of new spider parents make this mistake literally! Think of it like trying to eat a hamburger bigger than your head – not fun for anyone!
Dr. Sarah Martinez (who I like to call the Spider Whisperer) from the World Tarantula Federation says something I wish I’d known years ago: “The most common problem I see is owners feeding prey that’s too big.” Been there, done that, got the worried spider parent t-shirt!
2. Timing is Everything
Here’s the scoop: Feeding a molting tarantula is like offering someone a sandwich while they’re trying to take off a tight sweater – it just doesn’t work! Watch for these signs:
- Your spider goes on a hunger strike
- Their belly looks like they’re wearing dark pants
- They start web-spinning like they’re preparing for Spider Fashion Week
3. Picky Eaters Club
Just like how you wouldn’t eat random berries from your backyard, your spider shouldn’t eat random bugs! Keep these golden rules in your pocket:
- Wild bugs are a no-go (28% chance of tummy troubles!)
- Mix up the menu – variety is the spice of life
- Stick to pet store “fast food” – crickets, roaches, or mealworms
When to Serve Dinner
| Spider Age | How Often to Feed |
|---|---|
| Baby | 2-3 times per week |
| Young | Once per week |
| Adult | Every 2-3 weeks |
4. The “Too Much Love” Problem
Warning: 42% of us are guilty of overfeeding our adult tarantulas. It’s like that grandmother who thinks you’re always too skinny – sometimes less is more!
5. The Overnight Guest Problem
Leaving crickets in your spider’s home overnight? That’s like letting a tiny troublemaker have a sleepover – nothing good comes from it! 35% of spider booboos happen this way.
Environment and Safety
6. Temperature Tales
Chilly spider alert: When it’s too cold, spiders get as picky as a toddler at dinnertime. Keep it above 70°F, and they’ll be happier than a cricket in a cricket farm!
7. Staying Hydrated
Just like how we get grumpy without our morning coffee, spiders get cranky without water. Dr. Tom Wilson from the Exotic Pet Clinic dropped this knowledge bomb: “45% of feeding problems happen because spiders don’t have enough water.”
Spider Parent Pro Tips
Want to be the best spider parent on the block? Follow these steps:
- Do the pre-dinner check (is your spider ready to eat?)
- Use your fancy feeding tongs (pretend you’re a spider chef!)
- Serve appropriately sized portions (no supersizing here)
- Keep an eye on things (30-minute dinner supervision)
- Clean up after dinner (no midnight snacks allowed)
Expert Tips for Success
“The best way to keep your tarantula healthy is to watch and learn,” says keeper Maria Rodriguez. “Every spider is different.” It’s like having eight-legged teenagers – each one has their own personality!
For the extra curious spider fans out there, hop over to the American Tarantula Society
Quick Reference Table
| Mistake | How Common | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong prey size | 75% of new owners | Use smaller prey |
| Overfeeding | 42% of owners | Follow feeding schedule |
| Bad water | 45% of problems | Change water daily |
| Wrong temperature | 65% eat less when cold | Keep above 70°F |
Until next time, keep those spinnerets spinning and those crickets properly sized! ️
