How to Keep Tarantulas as Pets

Though, abundantly found in South America, these arachnids are also found in North America, Australia, Southern Asia, Africa and Europe. Myriads of people across the globe are changing their mindsets about arachnids these days and several people are opting for tarantulas as pets.

The best part about getting tarantulas as pets is the fact that they do not require a lot of space and do not get into anyone's way. Moreover, they do not bark and bring the house down. If you're one of those people desiring to raise an arachnid at home, then explore further to know all about these arachnids.

Before selecting a particular type of tarantula as one's pet, it is important to conduct a thorough research on the different types of tarantulas available. There are about 800 different types of tarantulas crawling across the globe.

Gather as much pet tarantulas information facts as possible and only after you comprehend the diet, temperature and other basic requirements of the particular species and are able to provide all the amenities, should you purchase it from the pet store. As a beginner, it's best to go for a slow-moving, ground-dwelling tarantula, like the Chilean rose-hair.

Once you have narrowed down to which tarantula type you want to bring home, it's time to narrow the choice even further. The next selection checkpoint is the 'gender'. While considering keeping tarantulas as pets, it's best to go for a female tarantula. This is because females live far longer, than the males.

Female Chilean rose tarantulas tend to live for over 20 years, while the males leave for their heavenly abode in a few years. By getting a female, you will not have to bear the pain of losing your beloved eight-legged spider, just a few years down the line. Also, tarantulas are cannibalistic in nature which is why two of them should not be kept together.

You may use a shoe box to construct a house for your arachnid, however, to prevent the knavish spider from escaping, one needs to ensure the lid of the shoebox is firmly shut. Pierce a few holes in the lid to provide ventilation. Rather than keeping your tarantula in a shoebox or plastic container, get a fish tank or terrarium for your pet.

A ten gallon fish tank with a locking mesh screen to seal the top makes an ideal tarantula home. The temperature in the tank should be maintained between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be done by placing a heating pad beneath the rocks in the tank.

To maintain the humidity level; once a week, apply a slight spray of mist into the tank. At the pet store, you will get the necessary substrate material and decorations to place in the tank.

Unlike a discus fish, tarantula care and feeding won't burn a hole in your pockets! Since tarantulas are insectivores, they eat all kinds of small insects like cockroaches, crickets, moths, earthworms, etc. Don't drop a tarantula hawk wasp into the tank, or else your pet will be toast! In fact, avoid feeding your spider, with any kind of wasps or bees.

What's even better about tarantulas is that they do not overeat, which means no gluttony! Moreover, tarantulas do not need to be fed everyday; once a week is enough. This definitely makes maintenance easier. As far as cleanliness is concerned, since they are not messy pets, their tanks need to be cleaned only once in 4-5 months.

Tarantulas cannot be carried or cuddled around like critters, however, they enable us to learn more about creation's wonderful diversity and magnificence. Once you learn to care and understand their behavioral patterns, you will definitely find these eight-legged hairy creatures truly unique and fascinating!