Nelly's Tarantula Home Page-Tarantula Care Guide Page


Tarantula Care Guide Page

Considerations before buying

Even though a tarantula is easier to keep than most other pets, and does not have many complicated requirements, you should think why you want one before getting one.

Four good reasons to keep a tarantula

  • To study them

  • Because you like animals.

  • To have a nice and attractive display

  • To have an easy unusual pet

    Four bad reasons to keep a tarantula

    1. To scare your friends

    2. For the sake of having a pet

      To take out on Hallow'een

      To impress people

    Housing

    A tarantula should have a tank at least four times its size.  I assume that you are getting a large Zebra Tarantula,the most recommended tarantula for beginners(tarantula species will be covered later). A tank of 10 by 8 by 6 inches(24 by 20 by 16 cm) will be sufficient.

    Vermiculite is the best substrate to use.  For arboreal species, put a one-inch layer, for terrestial tarantulas that don't burrow 2 inches and burrowing species four inches.   Make it a little damp for Zebra and Pink-toe tarantulas.  

    Feeding and water

    Feed tarantulas with crickets and grasshoppers.  Larger tarantulas, especially slow ones like White-collared tarantulas, should be occassionally given pinky mice(which are slower and easier to catch).

    Spray Zebra and Pink-toe tarantulas twice a week, and spray all others once a week.

    Moulting

    When a tarantula is about to moult, it will stop eating and spin a sheet of web.  Take out all food, spray it with water more often and do not handle it until two weeks after it has moulted.

    Handling

    Tarantulas are docile, although some can be fast.  They can be handled.  Nudge them into your palm from behind.  Some can react unpredictably, though, so know your tarantula before handling.

    Selection of species

    Go here to read about which species to get