The Big Differences (Or Why Size Really Matters!)
You know how teenagers seem to raid the fridge every hour? Well, baby tarantulas (adorable little spiderlings) and young ones (we call them juveniles) are just the same! They’re growing super fast and need lots of snacks to keep up.
Dr. Sarah Martinez, who’s like a spider whisperer at Desert Arachnid Clinic, says it best: “Young tarantulas are like teenage humans – they need more food because they’re growing quickly.” And boy, is she right! My Ziggy used to eat like he was training for an Olympic sport!
The “When to Feed” Cheat Sheet
Here’s your super-simple feeding schedule (I keep this on my fridge!):
| Spider Age | How Often to Feed | Food Size |
|---|---|---|
| Baby (0-6 months) | Every 2-3 days | Smaller than spider |
| Young (6mo-2yr) | 2-3 times a week | Same size as spider |
| Adult (2+ years) | Every 1-2 weeks | Smaller than spider |
Menu Time! (What’s for Dinner?)
Think of it like a spider restaurant menu:
- Babies’ Happy Meal:
- Fruit flies (nature’s Spider McNuggets!)
- Tiny crickets (like spider popcorn)
- Small mealworms (spider spaghetti!)
- Young Ones’ Main Course:
- Medium crickets (the spider equivalent of a burger)
- Dubia roaches (fancy spider steak)
- Regular mealworms (spider comfort food)
- Adults’ Feast:
- Large crickets (the whole enchilada)
- Adult roaches (spider surf ‘n’ turf)
- Big mealworms (spider foot-long sub)
Tom Parker, who’s been raising tarantulas since before TikTok was a thing (20 years!), shared this golden nugget: “Never feed your spider anything bigger than its own body. It’s safer and easier for them to eat.” That’s like trying to eat a pizza bigger than your head – not a great idea!
Pro Tips for Feeding Time (The Spider Dinner Party Rules)
Here’s what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!):
- Keep it cozy (75-82°F for young ones, like a nice spring day)
- Add some moisture (65-75% humidity for young ones – think tropical vacation)
- Use feeding tongs (spider room service!)
- Clean up uneaten food after 24 hours (nobody likes leftovers going bad)
When to Hit Pause on the Buffet
Skip feeding when your eight-legged friend:
- Looks like they’ve been hitting the gym (fat and shiny abdomen)
- Goes on a hunger strike (sometimes they need a break)
- Is preparing for their costume change (molting)
Houston, We Have a Problem
Watch out for these red flags:
- Food strike longer than 2 weeks (young ones)
- No munchies for over a month (adults)
- Runs from food like it’s tax season
- Looking skinnier than a runway model
Wisdom from the Spider Experts
Dr. Amy Chen from the Exotic Pet Health Center dropped this knowledge bomb: “If your young tarantula isn’t eating, check the temperature first. They need more warmth than adults to digest their food properly.” It’s like trying to digest ice cream in winter – not fun!
Want to become a spider-feeding guru? The American Tarantula Society’s care guides are your new best friend!
Your Spider Health Checklist
- Feeding time: 2-4 hours for youngsters, 4-8 hours for adults (like speed eating vs. fine dining)
- Success rate: Young ones catch prey 60-75% of the time, adults nail it 85-95% (practice makes perfect!)
- Food rejection: Normal to be picky 15-25% of the time when young (we all have our days)
Remember: Every tarantula is unique, like a tiny, hairy snowflake. Some are foodies, others are picky eaters. Get to know your eight-legged buddy’s style!
Fun Fact: This guide works great for the popular spider breeds like Mexican Red Knees (the golden retriever of spiders), Chilean Roses (the chill ones), and Arizona Blondes (the desert divas). Some exotic types might need their own special menu!
