| Tarantulas as Pets:
The keeping of Tarantulas is becoming more and more popular. They
are noiseless, often docile and none time consuming pets. A pet Tarantula requires
very little space, they are also easy to feed and care for. Unlike other smaller
pets they are long lived, with some of the more popular species living 10 –
15 years. Tarantulas make a good alternative to traditional pets are a suitable
for under 18’s as long as parents supervise during feeding and maintenance.
Pros:
- Unlike Reptiles
and Fish very little specialist equipment is needed to house a tarantula. Just
an enclosure, furnishing and a heat source.
- They are noiseless creatures that do not smell. - Low Maintenance! As little
as once a week feed and water.
- They take up little space; majority of adult Tarantulas should need an enclosure
bigger than 30 x 20 x 15cm.
- They are long lived and fascinating creatures.
Cons:
- They need to be feed a live prey.
-They can’t be handled
and stroke like other pets.
Before you buy:
Before you purchase your first Tarantula research how to care
for them and make sure you understand it fully before buying. It is recommended
that you buy a good book and read the care articles on this site. Next stage
is to research the species you would like to own to make sure it is suitable.
We always have a selection of ideal beginner’s species available so there’s
no hurry to order. Make sure you are fully committed to looking after your new
pet. Also make sure members of your household would happy with this new addition.
Selecting your Tarantula
We always recommend first time keepers start with a Spider that
is juvenile (approx 8cm) too adult size. Spiderlings are best avoided as these
have a lot more margin for error and will require small pot sized enclosures.
Spiderlings also will take a few years to grow before they start looking like
a Tarantula. Most of the popular pet species can usually be supplied in Sub
adult sizes (SA). These are usually around half adult size and still have years
of growing left. It is also best to start with a Terrestrial species, rather
than arboreal.
Generally the calmest and most docile spiders that make the best
pets are found in Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Mexico and the USA. Anything from
anywhere else especially Africa or Asia should be avoided.
Below is a list of species we recommend
for first time keepers.
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Chile Rose
(Grammostola
rosea)
One of the most popular pet it is docile and
slow moving. It will not flick hair or bite. This Chilean species can
tolerate a wide range of temperatures and conditions. They are easily
available at a reasonable price.
Similar species to look out for is the Northern
Gold (G.sp.”North”), Chile White Hair (G.sp.”Concepion”)
and the Red form Chile Rose. These are all of a similar nature and size;
just vary in colour a lot. |
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Brazilian Black
(Grammostola
pulchra)
This is an impressive large, bulky jet back
species and it is very desirable for many hobbyists. It is as docile as
a spider can be making an ideal species for the novice. Due to the popularity
of this species they can be hard to obtain.
Similar species also worth looking into are
the Brazilian Red Rump (G.acteon) and the Brazilian Tawny Red
(G.mollicoma). |
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Chaco Golden Knee
(Grammostola
aureostriata)
This is another gentle giant. Not only do they reach massive
sizes they are docile and will not bite or flick hair. They have attractive
gold stripes running down there legs. Juveniles are often available though
adult specimens are hard to come by. |
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Mexican Red Knee
(Brachypelma
smithi)
This is the classic pet Tarantula species that have attractive
red and black patterning. It is long lived, large and robust. This species
spends a lot of time out in the open and makes a good display species.
However unlike the above species it can be prone to flicking hair if provoked.
Juveniles of this species are available often and adults are also occasionally
available.
Other similar species that make a good alternative are the
Mexican Red Leg (B.emilia) and Mexican Flame Knee (B.auratum). |
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Curly Hair
(Brachypelma albopilosa)
This species grows to a respectable size and has a docile
nature. It is a fluffy black Tarantula covered in long brown hairs. It
is commonly available and usually at a reasonable price. |
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Mexican Blood Leg
(Aphonopelma
bicoloratum)
This is a smaller species reaching roughly 12cm. They
have bright red and black colours similar to a Brachypelma but are a lot
less nervous and don’t tend to flick hair. |
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Chile Gold Burst
(Paraphysa
parvula)
This is a mid sized species that is has a gold carapace
(body) and legs with long red hairs on the abdomen. Not only are they
attractive but also docile. They are occasionally available at a reasonable
price.
Other similar species to look into are the Chile Pink Burst
(P.scrofa) and the Chile Beautiful (E.truculentus).
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ON TO BASIC TARANTULA CARE |
