Beginner's Guide To Pet Tarantulas: Taking Care of Big Spiders
If you’ve ever been curious about owning a big spider, a tarantula may be the right pet for you. These exotic pets are surprisingly low-maintenance and offer a fascinating look into the world of arachnids. This beginner’s guide to pet tarantulas will walk you through what you need to know before bringing one home—from choosing your first tarantula to setting up the perfect enclosure.
Why Keep a Tarantula as a Pet?
Tarantulas May Be the Right Pet for You
Unlike cats or dogs, tarantulas don’t require much space or attention. They're ideal for people who want a unique and quiet companion. Many species of tarantulas are hardy, meaning they can tolerate a range of conditions, making them a good fit for beginners in the tarantula hobby.
- Low-maintenance: Don’t require daily walks or interaction.
- Quiet and calm: No barking or meowing—just peaceful observation.
- Affordable to feed: A few insects a week like a cricket or roach suffice.
Choosing Your First Tarantula
Best Species of Tarantula for Beginners
Some tarantula species are better suited for beginner keepers. Terrestrial species tend to be slower and easier to manage.
- Chilean Rose Hair (Grammostola rosea): Calm temperament and low humidity needs.
- Mexican Red Knee (Brachypelma hamorii): Hardy and easy to care for.
- Curly Hair Tarantula: Another docile and popular choice for beginners.
These new world tarantulas use urticating hairs as their primary defense mechanisms instead of aggression. This makes them safer for first-time keepers.
Setting Up the Enclosure
Enclosure Size and Substrate
A typical enclosure for a terrestrial tarantula should be about 3x the spider’s leg span in width and 2x in height. Too much height can be dangerous if the spider falls.
- Terrarium or aquarium with secure lid
- Substrate like coconut fiber or vermiculite to retain moisture
- Cork bark as a hide
- Water dish with fresh water available at all times
Important to keep in mind: tarantulas are excellent climbers, so make sure the sides of the enclosure are smooth and escape-proof.
Helpful link: Tarantula Forum’s beginner setup guide
Feeding and Nutrition
What to Feed Your Pet Tarantula
Tarantulas are carnivorous arachnids that prefer live prey. Their diet mainly consists of insects, and feeding schedules depend on the spider’s age and size.
- Spiderlings (slings): Require more frequent feeding—every 2 to 3 days—with pinhead crickets or small roaches.
- Juveniles and adults: Can be fed once or twice per week with gut-loaded crickets, roaches, or mealworms.
Important tips for feeding your spider:
- Always remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent stress or injury.
- Never feed your tarantula during a molt—it is vulnerable while shedding its old exoskeleton.
Understanding the Molting Process
Molting is when a tarantula sheds its exoskeleton to grow. It’s one of the most critical stages of tarantula husbandry.
- Signs of molting include sluggish movement, refusal to eat, and a darker abdomen.
- Your tarantula may flip onto its back—this is normal. Do not disturb it.
- After the molt, give your tarantula 5–7 days (longer for larger spiders) before feeding again.
A successful molt is a sign of good health and proper husbandry.
Temperament and Handling
Tarantulas May Look Intimidating—But They're Usually Calm
The temperament of a tarantula depends on its species. Some are calm and slow-moving, while others are defensive and skittish. Regardless of their nature, most tarantula enthusiasts agree: handling tarantulas should be minimal or avoided altogether.
- Defense mechanisms: New world tarantulas have urticating hairs—barbed hairs they flick when threatened, which can irritate your skin and eyes.
- Fangs and venom: While not usually dangerous to humans, bites can cause pain, itching, or allergic reactions.
- Tarantulas never be handled casually, especially by children.
Housing Tips and Long-Term Care
Keeping a Tarantula Healthy and Comfortable
To keep your tarantula healthy and thriving:
- Maintain proper temperature and humidity based on species (most thrive at 70–80°F).
- Perform substrate changes every few months.
- Watch for signs of illness like loss of appetite, lethargy, or unusual behavior.
Tarantulas may live 10 to 30 years, depending on the species and sex (females live significantly longer).
Common Tools and Supplies
- Terrarium with ventilation
- Thermometer and hygrometer
- Substrate (coconut fiber, vermiculite, or peat moss)
- Water dish
- Hide (cork bark, half-log)
- Feeder insects (crickets, roaches, mealworms)
Hair and Spider: What New Keepers Should Know
Tarantulas may not be everyone's idea of a cuddly pet, but for those fascinated by spiders, their anatomy and behavior are worth understanding—especially when it comes to their hair and natural defense systems.
One unique feature of many new world spiders is their urticating hairs—tiny barbed hairs located on their abdomen. These hairs are flicked into the air as a defense mechanism when the spider feels threatened. These can cause itching, skin irritation, and, in rare cases, eye problems. Take into account this natural defense before deciding whether a tarantula as a pet is right for you.
As the spider grows, its exoskeleton and hairs also develop, shedding them through the molting process. Proper bedding (such as coconut fiber or peat moss) supports a safe molt and mimics their natural habitat.
Tarantulas don’t just rely on their hair for protection—they're ambush predators that rely on stealth and vibration to detect prey items. Whether you're caring for a spiderling or an adult tarantula, understanding their body language and behavior is a big part of responsible care and husbandry.
Tarantula Hobby and How to Keep Tarantulas Successfully
If you're considering joining the tarantula hobby, you're entering a world filled with dedicated enthusiasts and fascinating species. The keeping of tarantulas can be incredibly rewarding, especially for those looking for low-maintenance pets with a unique twist.
Choosing a tarantula depends on several factors, including temperament, size, and ease of care. Tarantulas needspecific enclosures, the right humidity and temperature, and occasional feeding with live insects. While energetic spiders may require more observation, most tarantulas are calm and reclusive.
You can find your first spider at a reputable pet store or specialty breeder. It's important to ensure your first tarantula is a hardy, terrestrial species ideal for beginners. Slings (juveniles) may require a bit more care but offer a chance to watch your spiderling develop over time.
When you keep tarantulas, remember:
- Each tarantula’s species has different needs
- Monitor their ease of care regularly
- Avoid overhandling to reduce stress
- Research the spider’s origin to replicate its natural habitat
The tarantula hobby attracts people for its meditative, observant nature—these aren’t pets to cuddle, but creatures to appreciate and study. With proper care and husbandry, tarantulas can live for decades and make fascinating companions for patient owners.
Final Thoughts: Is a Tarantula the Right Pet for You?
Keeping a tarantula is not just about having a spider—it’s about joining a passionate and knowledgeable community. Whether you’re looking for your first pet or diving into the tarantula hobby, these big spiders can be a unique, educational, and low-maintenance option.
Is It Worth It?
- Pros: Easy to care for, exotic, low cost, long-lived, don’t require affection
- Cons: Not cuddly, require live feeding, can be intimidating, long commitment
If you’re a beginner who enjoys observing rather than interacting, a pet tarantula may be the perfect exotic pet. Many tarantula keepers find joy in their unique habits, striking appearances, and relatively easy-to-care requirements.
