Tarantula Frequently Asked Questions
Please select which topic you require information on
What is...?
Grammostola Rosea (Chilean Rose) is regarded as the best beginner tarantula due to their docile nature. They are very hardy and can survive in most conditions, and require no special attention (compared to some other species). They are one of the most readily available species of tarantula from breeders and require a terrestrial setup. Another fairly docile species, similar in size and behaviour to the Chilean Rose is Brachypelma Albopilosum (Curlyhair).
How long will my tarantula live
Life expectancy is such a varied timescale for every individual species, depending on numerous factors, that it is only possible to estimate roughly. In basic terms, males mature before females. A 'maturing moult,' should the tarantula live long enough, for males, unfortunately indicates in most cases around only 6 or so months left.
Read more about this by clicking
HERE. In captivity, most male tarantulas will live only to a maximum of a few years, with females tending to live for a lot longer.
How big will my tarantula grow
It varies depending on the species. Some grow to a legspan of 3 to 4 inches while others may achieve around 11 inches.
View the tarantula profiles for a rough guide to
size.
Why isn't...?
How do I...?
For Tarantulas that do not like to be handled, or agressive or unpredictable species, coaxing them into a container is the best solution. Make sure that the container is large enough for the tarantula to be comfortable in, and be calm when encouraging the tarantula into the container. This is best done by either letting the tarantula make it's own way into the container, or very gently (with a soft paintbrush or similar soft object) encouraging it in the right direction.
A heat mat is the best source of heating for a tarantula. Most tarantulas can survive in temperatures around 25 to 27ºC (77 to 81ºF). Click HERE to go to our quick reference guide to see what temperatures different species require. It is also important to note the placement of the heatmat. For arboreal species it should be placed underneath the enclosure, for terrestrial species it should be placed on one side. Click HERE to read about heating arboreal enclosures,
Click
HERE to read about heating terrestrial enclosures.
What...?
Different breeders use and prefer different substrates. The most commonly used is potting soil due to its cheap cost and availability. Care must be taken to ensure it has not been treated with pesticides or other artificial additives which could harm your tarantula.
Tarantulas will eat crickets, meal-worms, cockroaches, beetles, flies and for larger tarantulas, pinkies. Care should be taken to ensure food is obtained from a pet shop or specialist livefood farm NOT just insects caught around the house or outside. These may have come in to contact with pesticides which could be fatal to your tarantula.
As a general rule, the prey you offer should be smaller than the tarantulas abdomen. Although, more aggressive tarantulas may eat prey as large as itself. If a prey is too large, it may attack the tarantula, too small and it is more likely to annoy the tarantula, rather than appear as food.
This depends on whether the tarantula is arboreal of terrestrial, but more importantly, how big the tarantula is. For a fully grown adult arboreal tarantula, an enclosure 24 inches high, with a base of about 12" by 12". For a fully grown terrestrial species, an acceptable sized enclosure is: 12 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 5-10inches height depending on how much depth is needed for substrate. Obviously larger enclosures are needed for larger species such as the Theroposa Blondi.
When do I...?
After moulting, tarantulas will fast for some time. As they moult, their exoskeleton and fangs become soft and weak. They must therefore wait until this toughens up before feeding. This can take from a few days to two weeks. You should also wait for several days before even offering food to your tarantula. Until they toughen, livefood can easily attack and injure your tarantula.
How often do I...?
There is no set rule for this. Tarantulas will only eat until they are full. Some people chose to feed their tarantula everyday to increase growth rate, others suffice with every couple of days. How ever often you chose, you should remove any uneaten food source 24 hours after offering it.
The enclosure should be spot checked every day for uneaten livefood, livefood remains or faeces, and a complete clean out once every 6 to 8 months.
What does...?
The main difference is basically arboreal species are tree-dwelling, whilst terrestrial reside on the ground, often in burrows. The enclosures vary for both types. Arboreal enclosures need to be tall, and plenty ventilation is required. Terrestrial species require less height but more length. Read more information about arboreal and terrestrial species.
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Please note that all information represents our own views and
experiences, and those of other experienced breeders and hobbyists who we have worked closely alongside. Winston's Web
therefore holds no responsibility. If in doubt, ask a qualified
herpetological veterinary surgeon.
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