Tarantulas, Leeds

Caring for your Tarantula

Congratulations on purchasing your new Tarantula from Paws for Thought. We pride ourselves on being voted Best Independent Pet Centre in the U.K by “Which” Magazine.

If in the first few days of your Tarantula coming home you are concerned about its health or well being, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are open seven days a week and often a quick phone call to one of our shops in Leeds can put your mind at ease.

"Tarantula" is the name commonly, but mistakenly, given to the largest and hairiest of all spider families (Theraphosidae). The true tarantula is the smaller Wolf Spider of Southern Europe. Tarantulas are widespread throughout tropical and sub-tropical America, India, Africa and the Far East. They can be divided into three broad groups; Land Dwelling, Burrowing and Tree Dwelling (Arboreal). Tarantulas make fascinating pets, but it should not be forgotten that because of their size they are capable of inflicting a painful bite. All spiders, not just tarantulas, are venomous, but no tarantulas are known to have life threatening venoms to humans.

Essentials
1 - 2 foot Vivarium
Tight, ventilated lid
Hiding box
Orchid Bark/Vermiculite
Shallow, heavy dishes
Rocks or logs
Crickets/Locusts (Wax worms or mealworms occasionally)
Calcium/D3 and multivitamin supplements
Undertank heating required

General
Although some species tolerate handling, this is not recommended. Not just because of their capability to bite, but because they are capable of being fast moving and can fall or jump easily with the risk of fatally injuring themselves. Tarantulas are also capable of flicking hairs that can cause an irritating rash.

If you are determined to handle your tarantula, then choose a docile species such as one of the Chilean Rose species (Grammostola rosea or Grammostola cala) or perhaps the most popular species kept in captivity, the Mexican Red Knee (Brachepelma smithi).

Though their large size is intimidating, their venom is not dangerous to humans and thier bite is often compared to a bee sting.

Housing
Tarantulas are best kept in secure glass or plastic containers. A container size of 18 inches is suitable for most species. With the arboreal species (Tree Dwellers like the Pink Toed Birdeater, Avicularia avicularia) a taller container may be used. For most species Vermiculite makes a suitable substrate, but a mixture of peat and sand can be used for burrowing species like the Costa Rican Zebra (Anphonopelma seemani). Tarantulas, in most instances, require a humidity between 65% and 80% depending on the species. Some arboreal species may require up to 90% humidity, so be sure to fully research the species you are interested in before your purchase. You will find competant advice on the individual species in store.

The temperature for most species should be between 73F and 80F. It is important to remember not to place the container/tank in direct sunlight as glass/plastic tanks can heat up rapidly in the sun. Most tarantulas should be housed individually, although given enough space there are a few species that are known to be communal like the Indian Ornamentals.

Diet
All tarantulas are predators and their primary food is invertebrates (crickets/locusts). Larger tarantulas like the Goliath Birdeater (Therphosa Blondi), the largest spider in the world, will also feed on small rodents, though never feed them live rodents as they can easily harm your tarantula. Food should be offered every couple of days. Take care not to offer live insects that are too large for your tarantula or to leave uneaten food in the tank for more than a day.

Cleaning
Cleaning the tarantula's enclosure can be a fiddly process especially if it has dug a burrow or made a web. For these reason it is best to simply spot clean the tank as often as possible and change the substrate once a month. The biggest issue with leaving half digested food in the tank is mites. The mites shouldn't cause any harm to your tarantula directly but if they become a noticeable issue you will need to completely clean your tank.

Tarantulas reach sexual maturity in around 2 to 3 years. Maturity is easily noticed in the males whose pedipalps develop into "boxing glove" shaped organs that they use to fertilize the female. In some species Tibial Spurs can be found on the front pair of legs used to hold the female in position while mating. Unlike the females, the males will die soon after their moult to maturity regardless of whether they mate or not. The females however have a much longer lifespan and can live up to 15 years in some species. One female Mexican Red Knee once lived for over 30 years!

Health
Tarantulas need to moult as they have and External Skeleton (Exoskeleton) that will not grow. Prior to moulting the tarantula may stop eating for several weeks. Immediately prior to moulting the tarantula will lay on its back to facilitate the removal of old skin. NEVER disturb a tarantula prior or after the moulting process as this is the time when they are most vulnerable and easily damaged. Make sure there is no livefood in the tank during this time.

Warning
Tarantula are known for flicking hairs off their abdomen with their back legs as a defence. These hairs can cause an irritating rash in humans but rarely cause any serious problems. Be careful not to get these hairs in your eyes.