What do I need for a tarantula? Care, supplies, etc.?

Question

I was thinking about a Chilean Rose haired or a Pink Toed Tarantula, I have a 5 gallon aquarium, it's rectangle, is that big enough, and also, what else do I need for it? I may not get one, but if it seems like they are relatively easy to maintain, I may consider it.

Are they agressive at first, or are they docile the whole time, If they are a bit agressive I'll get thicker gloves, but if not, whatever gloves they have at the pet store, I did read that it is recommended to wear gloves and goggles when handling them because of how they spray hair when scared. I won't be cuddling it or anything, but if I had to take it out to clean the tank or whatever I wouldn't want it to get scared and spray me with hair.

Answer 1

Tarantulas are wonderful pets. I had a Chilean Rose for 16 years. They are very low maintenance. The best thing for you to do is go to a pet store and purchase a book on the breed. The aquarium you have is plenty big enough. You might want to look into getting a heating rock but it's not a necessity. Other than that the only other thing you need is something to to water him out of. I had a simple jar lid when I started. I wish you the best of luck.

I kept mine on a constant diet of store bought crickets (she wouldn't eat the black ones I found outside). I have heard of people feeding their tarantulas mice and such but their tarantulas never lived over a couple of years. I bought a dozen crickets usually twice a month. Of course your tarantula will need to eat more a couple of days after it molts. You will learn all of this from the book I recommended.

Answer 2

Best option is a sub-adult.. not so delicate as a spiderling (aka sling), but you know it's not already 10 years old or something. A responsible store that sells arachnids (often reptiles stores do) will tell you if it's a subadult.

Chilean Roses are a lot more placid than Pink Toes. But either are reasonably easy. For an arborial (tree dwelling, such as pink toes), the tank should be minimum 30cm high, preferably 40-50 (more is ok) whereas others only need 20cm or so.

Pink toes also web a lot.. so can be tricky due to that. I'd say a chilean rose or mexican red knee would be good starter pets, terrestrial (ground dwelling) tarantulas are easier to care for really than arborial.

You'll need to feed brown crickets to a young one, most likely locusts as it gets older, two of whatever 1 - 2 times a week perhaps.. hard to say really, depends on species.

Mostly, stay away from any Baboon spiders - not enough is really known to make them a safe pet for a beginner.

Tank needs cleaning fully every 6 - 12 months.. food carcasses need removing every week, give or take. Water has to be given at room temp (can do part boiling part cold water, or leave it in a bottle overnight), most need spraying to keep their tank moist, particularly around shedding. You'll need a heat mat, a humidity guage and a temperature gauge. Someone from the store should help you with the equipment side.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I've been keeping several for years and yes they are low maintenance. If you decide on the pink toe you might want to turn the tank up on its end. Pink toes are arboreal and will need the vertical space. Lean some cork bark against the sides for hiding spots. Spiderlings can be a bit delicate, get an older animal and female if possible. A few of mine are now 10 years old, the males have a shorter lifespan.

Answer 4

you should get a mexican red knee!! :-) that's what i have and i love him