Tarantulas can be scary but they can be great pets. Despite not being cuddly and affectionate, tarantulas have become the choice of many people for a pet. You might be interested in getting one but you’re not sure whether having a spider as a pet will fit you just right.
Diedra Blackmill of the Tye-Dyed Iguana gives us the basics before getting yourself a tarantula as a pet.
Why People Love Tarantulas
Tarantulas are quiet creatures and are easy to take care of. Also, they don’t stink! Unlike many species of reptiles and amphibians, tarantulas do not require heat lamps or any additional lighting. Their diet consists primarily of live insects, such as crickets and mealworms, which makes them really easy to feed. They also only need to be fed about once a week, and less if they are molting.
Tarantulas are also quite safe and can be handled. However, too much handling can stress your spider. Although tarantula bites are venomous, truth is, they are unlikely to bite and their venom is not dangerous for most people (unless you have a specific sensitivity to it).
Selecting a Spider
Not all tarantulas are the same. It is important to know what kind of tarantula you’re getting to know how to properly handle them as well.
The most common kind is ground dwellers and burrowers. This type is mostly docile and tends to live up to 15 years or more. These spiders need more horizontal space in their tank and they require substrate for burrowing.
There are also tropical arboreal tarantulas. These spiders are the most difficult to care for and are not suggested for beginner spider owners. They require a vertical climbing space with a tall enclosure that has climbing branches. They can also be quite fast and difficult to hold.