Caring for a Pet Tarantula
May 30th 2009 20:29
Before you get any new pet, you want to make sure that you know all the specific requirements for the animal. Sometimes you can get started on basic information, but you will still need to make sure to get specific information for the specific species. You can generally start with an enclosure and decor, but each tarantula species will have slightly different temperature, humidity, and diet requirements that you will need to make sure that you can provide and meet accordingly.
To get started here are a few tips for caring for pet tarantulas.
1. Housing- You want to make sure to meet the housing needs for the tarantula in terms of proper enclosure size, type, and placement. You want to make sure that there is proper ventilation and that you have a screen lid that the tarantula can't escape from.
2. Substrate- You want to make sure that the enclosure has a good substrate at the bottom. Sometimes you may have to try different things before you find something that you like, is easy for you to clean, and that your tarantula likes. Most of the time, a dirt substrate is suitable, especially for non-burrowing tarantulas. You can mix peat moss, chipped bark, and/or cocoa fibers with the dirt. Do not use potting soil or dirt from outside, instead you can purchase blocks of dirt that expand when soaked in water. You want to use at least 2 inches of substrate in the enclosure; the exact depth will vary on the species, though. Burrowing species, will need the substrate to be deeper, especially if you want it to be able to burrow properly.
3. Decorations and accessories- You want to make sure that you provide hiding spots and things for the tarantula to climb on. You can use coconut shells, fake plants, clay pots, fake logs, and other accessories to the enclosure. If you find that the tarantula is hiding too much, you may want to decrease the decoration sin the cage, but if the tarantula isn't hiding at all, you should add a few things to the cage.
4. Water- You want to provide a shallow water dish for your tarantula. Generally you want the dish to be smaller than the radius of the tarantula's legs. Make sure to keep fresh water in the dish daily. DO NOT use a sponge to hold water, as they can hold water and mold spores.
Some tarantulas require higher humidity levels, which you can achieve by misting the enclosure once a day or as needed. You'll want to use a humidity gauge to measure the humidity levels so that you know they are right.
5. Food- Most tarantulas have a staple diet of crickets. Some species will eat fruit flies, mealworms, or pinkie mice. Just make sure that the food is appropriately sized. Also, be leary of mealworms escaping their bowl and burrowing into the substrate of the enclosure.
6. Moulting- As the tarantula grows, it will moult the old skin; younger tarantulas will moult more often then older ones. During the moulting process, the tarantula will generally stop eating a few days prior, and will generally be very grouchy during and right after moulting, as it'll feel vulnerable. Tarantulas moult on their backs, so don't think that yours is dead if you find it laying upside down; it can take a few hours or even a few days for the tarantula to moult completely. Do not attempt to feed the tarantula during this period; it won't starve not. After the tarantula has moulted completely, wait another 3-5 days before attempting to feed.
These tips are bare basics. You should do specific research on the tarantula species of your choose before and even after you bring one home. It is important that you know the specific temperature and humidity that the species thrives in, so that you can match it in the enclosure. You should also be aware of any dietary special needs that the species may have, as well, as diet is a very important aspect of a healthy tarantula.
If you purchase the tarantula from a pet store, read the care sheet they will provide you with, but do not leave your research there. You should never rely solely on the pet store's caresheet. Check out forums, and other online sources, as well as books about tarantulas, and specific species.
To get started here are a few tips for caring for pet tarantulas.
1. Housing- You want to make sure to meet the housing needs for the tarantula in terms of proper enclosure size, type, and placement. You want to make sure that there is proper ventilation and that you have a screen lid that the tarantula can't escape from.
2. Substrate- You want to make sure that the enclosure has a good substrate at the bottom. Sometimes you may have to try different things before you find something that you like, is easy for you to clean, and that your tarantula likes. Most of the time, a dirt substrate is suitable, especially for non-burrowing tarantulas. You can mix peat moss, chipped bark, and/or cocoa fibers with the dirt. Do not use potting soil or dirt from outside, instead you can purchase blocks of dirt that expand when soaked in water. You want to use at least 2 inches of substrate in the enclosure; the exact depth will vary on the species, though. Burrowing species, will need the substrate to be deeper, especially if you want it to be able to burrow properly.
3. Decorations and accessories- You want to make sure that you provide hiding spots and things for the tarantula to climb on. You can use coconut shells, fake plants, clay pots, fake logs, and other accessories to the enclosure. If you find that the tarantula is hiding too much, you may want to decrease the decoration sin the cage, but if the tarantula isn't hiding at all, you should add a few things to the cage.
4. Water- You want to provide a shallow water dish for your tarantula. Generally you want the dish to be smaller than the radius of the tarantula's legs. Make sure to keep fresh water in the dish daily. DO NOT use a sponge to hold water, as they can hold water and mold spores.
Some tarantulas require higher humidity levels, which you can achieve by misting the enclosure once a day or as needed. You'll want to use a humidity gauge to measure the humidity levels so that you know they are right.
5. Food- Most tarantulas have a staple diet of crickets. Some species will eat fruit flies, mealworms, or pinkie mice. Just make sure that the food is appropriately sized. Also, be leary of mealworms escaping their bowl and burrowing into the substrate of the enclosure.
6. Moulting- As the tarantula grows, it will moult the old skin; younger tarantulas will moult more often then older ones. During the moulting process, the tarantula will generally stop eating a few days prior, and will generally be very grouchy during and right after moulting, as it'll feel vulnerable. Tarantulas moult on their backs, so don't think that yours is dead if you find it laying upside down; it can take a few hours or even a few days for the tarantula to moult completely. Do not attempt to feed the tarantula during this period; it won't starve not. After the tarantula has moulted completely, wait another 3-5 days before attempting to feed.
These tips are bare basics. You should do specific research on the tarantula species of your choose before and even after you bring one home. It is important that you know the specific temperature and humidity that the species thrives in, so that you can match it in the enclosure. You should also be aware of any dietary special needs that the species may have, as well, as diet is a very important aspect of a healthy tarantula.
If you purchase the tarantula from a pet store, read the care sheet they will provide you with, but do not leave your research there. You should never rely solely on the pet store's caresheet. Check out forums, and other online sources, as well as books about tarantulas, and specific species.
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