Terrestrial Tarantula Care Guide

Terrestrial Tarantulas

Rose Hair, Curly Hair, Striped Knee, Mexican Red Knee, Cobalt Blue or Orange Baboon

LIFE SPAN

Males: 4-5 years depending on species

Females: 15-20 years depending on species

AVERAGE ADULT SIZE

4-7 inches depending on species

CAGE TEMPS

Day and night: 68-80°F

CAGE HUMIDITY

70% humidity levels

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Most tarantulas are nocturnal. Many species known for aggression are not able to be handled, and while others can be handled, it may cause added stress to the animal.

FEEDING

Carnivorous, live food protein sources such as gut loaded crickets, mealworms, roaches, superworms and wax worms. Adults should be fed about 3-6 large crickets per week. (or other prey equaling about this amount)

SHEDDING

Tarantulas need good humidity in their habitats in order to molt properly. If the humidity is not adequate, your pet may not be able to shed completely, which can be deadly. The interesting thing about tarantula molts is that the spider may regenerate lost legs during the process. A tarantula on its back is not a dead tarantula; it is a molting tarantula! So, don’t panic if you see your spider upside down with its legs sticking straight up in the air, and most importantly do not disturb him!

WATER

All water given to tarantulas for drinking, as well as water used for misting, must be 100% free of chlorine and heavy metals.

SUPPLEMENTS 

Beyond gut loading feeder insects, supplements are not needed for your pet tarantula.

ENCLOSURE SIZE 

The enclosure should be a solid glass or plastic sided enclosure. Tarantulas are more comfortable in a space that is cozy and secure, but not too small; they need to be able to move around. A larger plastic “critter keeper” or tank between 2-5 gallons is an ideal cage for an adult tarantula in most cases. However, spiderlings can be kept successfully in smaller containers until they reach adult sizes. The ideal habitat is short and long for your terrestrial tarantula.

BEDDING

We recommend a loose coconut fiber substrate deep enough for your terrestrial tarantula to burrow in.

DAY/NIGHT LIGHT CYCLES & HEATING

All tarantulas must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure to maintain their biological rhythms. Tarantulas need 8-12 hours of daytime and 8-12 hours of nighttime.

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowl thoroughly and wiping glass clean. The entire tank should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every 1-3 months.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• 5 Gal (or larger) tank with secure mesh top 
• Heath source (if needed): appropriately sized dome & heat light or under tank heating pad 
• Temperature/humidity gauge 
• Coconut fiber substrate 
• Cork or branches for hide spots 
• Live or artificial plants for hide spots 
• Water bowl 
• Live food 
• Water dechlorinate drops 
• Spray bottle

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.