Are Tarantulas good pets to have? If you are interested in keeping a pet Tarantula but need to learn more about this exotic pet first, you have come to the right place.
I have compiled a list of Tarantula must-know facts for you, based on my own experience as a Tarantula owner, and from talking to other Arachnid enthusiasts.
Let’s dive in…
Are Tarantulas Good Pets To Have?
Are Tarantulas good pets to have? Yes. Tarantulas are good to have as a pet if you don’t have a fear of spiders. While people around the world fear them for their large size, hairy body, and intimidating appearance, they are actually quite calm and even become submissive once they get used to their surroundings.
Tarantulas are often seen as scary, dangerous creatures. Many people believe that they can harm humans. However, Tarantulas are actually quite docile and make great pets for the right person!
Tarantulas are generally quite docile and slow-moving, which makes them ideal pets for people who don’t want a lot of action in their homes. They can be handled without fear of being bitten, and most species do not possess venom potent enough to harm a human.
Unlike most exotic pets such as birds, monkeys, and cats such as wolves and tigers, pet Tarantulas are simple. They require very little space and their feeding and maintenance cost next to nothing. They are also very quiet and make great company for anyone with a laid-back personality.
Tarantulas also have an interesting personality and are quite fascinating to watch. They can be entertaining to watch as they explore their surroundings or feed on prey.
In order for Tarantulas to thrive, they require specific environmental conditions that are not always easy to replicate in a home setting. For example, they need a warm environment with high humidity levels. If the temperature or humidity drops too low, they may become ill or die.
Another thing to consider is that Tarantulas can live for up to 20 years! This means you will need to make a long-term commitment to taking care of them. If you’re not prepared for such a responsibility, it may be best to avoid getting a Tarantula.
Are Tarantulas High Maintenance Pets?
No. Tarantulas are not high-maintenance pets. Their daily needs are simple and their care routine is not complicated. You only need to feed your tarantula once a week. What’s more, you don’t need to invest in any special diet for your Tarantula, as a diet of bugs commonly found in the home will do.
You also don’t need to serve their meals with any special care. You only need to drop a bug in your Tarantula’s terrarium and let it hunt.
Tarantulas don’t need any special care or controlled environments. However, there are a few things you’ll need to do to keep your tarantula happy and healthy:
- Provide a hiding place for your Tarantula. A small cardboard box or plastic container with a lid makes a great hide for your tarantula. Just be sure to punch some holes in the lid for ventilation. Since tarantulas are not messy pets, you don’t need to clean their enclosure often and when you do, it’s not a labor-intensive process.
- Provide a heat source if possible. While they prefer warm climates, they are not very sensitive to minimal temperature fluctuations or humidity changes. If you are able to provide a heat source, they will appreaciate it. An easy way to do this is to put a heat mat under their tank.
- Give them something to climb on. Tarantulas like to climb, so be sure to provide them with a few branches or pieces of wood to explore.
- Make sure they eat at least once a week. You can buy tarantula food at most pet stores, or you can also use crickets or cockroaches. Be sure not to overfeed your tarantula, as this can lead to health problems.
Do Pet Tarantulas Bite?
Yes. All Tarantulas bite, but only if they feel threatened, and only as a last resort. In fact, Tarantulas run away from predators and humans instead of biting. Contrary to what most people think, Tarantulas aren’t aggressive, scary, venomous spiders and their bite is not deadly.
Let’s demystify the “Tarantula bite” myth with some simple facts below:
First of all, tarantulas bite to feed. Their venom is only powerful enough to kill their prey, such as insects but Tarantula venom only causes an allergic reaction in humans, at worst.
Second, In addition to running away, Tarantula will resort to using the hair on their bodies as a self-defense mechanism before they bite. They often loosen the hairs on their abdomen and fling them at the person threatening them. The hairs irritate the skin, mouth, and eyes upon contact. Note here again that such defense mechanisms are a Tarantula’s way of doing everything in its power to deter prey without biting.
Third, your pet spider will always signal when it’s in distress. Any time tarantulas feel threatened, they raise their front legs in the air in an attacking pose, show off their fangs, rub their bellies or even hiss. Whenever you see your pet Tarantula behaving this way, you should know that it’s time to back off.
Like I mentioned earlier, Tarantulas are laid-back pets. While other animals will seek your affectionate touch, tarantulas shy away from it and prefer to be left alone. Although it’s okay to hold your tarantula, you should do so minimally as overhandling could cause your spider to get tired, feel threatened from being touched, and become aggressive.
Are Tarantulas Deadly To Humans?
No. Tarantulas are not deadly to humans. Other than a painful bite, you won’t experience any health problems. They are only deadly to their prey, which includes insects and small animals. Some Tarantulas like the Cobalt Blue Tarantula are quite ill-tempered and are quick to bite, but even they are not deadly to humans.
The reason why people think Tarantulas are deadly is because of other spider species that look like Tarantulas. For example, Brazilian Wandering Spiders, which are often mistaken for Tarantulas, have a toxic bite. They like hiding in clusters of bananas, so You should keep an eye out for them if you normally buy bananas on their stalk.
In fact, Tarantulas are quite docile creatures and will only bite humans if they feel threatened. However, their bites can be painful and cause swelling and bruising. Additionally, some people may have an allergic reaction to tarantula venom, which can be life-threatening.
So while tarantulas are not deadly to humans, it is still best to avoid being bitten by one. Tarantulas typically only bite humans when they feel threatened or provoked, so it is important to handle them with care and respect. If you do get bitten by a tarantula, seek medical attention immediately as there could be a risk of a serious allergic reaction.
Are Pet Tarantulas Good With Kids?
While most people will simply hate the idea of having a tarantula near their kids, in fact, Tarantulas are good with kids. However, it depends on the kid and his or her level of understanding of what the spider needs. Kids of school-going age can enjoy having a tarantula around and will learn a lot simply from watching their arachnid.
Most people would say no, but I think they can be if you take the time to properly introduce them and build a relationship.
My daughter was only two years old when we got our first tarantula and she loved it! She would always go over to it and give it a hug. Now, she’s nine years old and still loves her spiders. In fact, she’s the one who takes care of them when I’m not home.
I know that not everyone is comfortable with having a tarantula in their house, but I think they make great pets for kids. They’re low maintenance, interesting to watch, and aren’t as scary as some people think. Plus, they can teach kids about responsibility and taking care of other living creatures.
So, if you’re thinking about getting a tarantula for your child, go for it! Just make sure to do your research first and be prepared to take on the responsibility yourself if your child loses interest. And always use caution when handling them – they can still bite even if they’re not venomous!
Do Pet Tarantulas Get Sick?
Yes. While Tarantulas aren’t susceptible to many health problems, they are prone to parasitic infections such as oral nematodes. A tarantula suffering from this infection will form a whitish substance around its mouth and also experience poor appetite.
Oral nematodes in spiders are a little-known and poorly understood group of parasites. They are thought to be relatively rare, but there is very little information available on them.
Oral nematodes are small worms that live in the mouth of their host. They can cause significant damage to the tissues in the mouth and can lead to death if left untreated.
Tarantulas are one of the few hosts for oral nematodes. The majority of known species of these parasites live in spiders, although they have also been found in other animals such as lizards and snakes.
Tarantulas also go through molting. While not a disease, molting, which involves the shedding of the old exoskeleton, is an especially stressful process for a spider. Your Tarantula will have a poor appetite before a molt and resist any manner of handling.
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to ease your Tarantula’s stress during molting. You just have to let the process run its own course. This can last for two weeks.
Do Tarantulas Die When Dropped?
Yes, if a Tarantula is dropped or falls down from over three feet high, it can die. One of the reasons why you should avoid handling your pet tarantula is that if it bites you, you are likely to shake it off and drop it. Tarantulas are large with a soft, heavy abdomen that could rapture if the fall is severe.
It is advisable not to scoop up your Tarantula in case of an accident as it could attack you again. Instead, guide it into a container where you can examine it. If the injuries are severe, take it to a vet who specializes in handling tarantulas.
In fact, most tarantulas can survive being dropped from up to three feet high. However, there are some species of tarantula that may not be as hardy and could potentially die from a fall.
If you’re looking for a pet tarantula, then make sure to choose one of the hardier species. The Chilean rose hair tarantula or the Goliath birdeater are two great options that can handle being handled and even dropped without any problems. Just remember to always be careful with your new pet, and you’ll be fine!
Do Pet Tarantulas Get Attached To Their Owners?
No. Tarantulas don’t get attached to their owners nor can they recognize people. Unlike furry animals such as dogs and cats that react to affection, tarantulas react to environmental stimuli such as light, darkness, and movement, and are interested in prey, they look out for mates, and are cautious about threats.
It’s common for humans to get attached to animals they take care of especially if they have owned a pet for a long time. But when it comes to Tarantulas, don’t expect this affection to be reciprocated.
To a Tarantula, all people represent a threat due to their large size. If you are looking for a pet that will react affectionately to your presence, the tarantula is not it because no matter how long you own it, it will never prefer you over another person.
It is important to remember that tarantulas are wild animals and should be treated with respect; they should never be handled without caution or without proper training.
If you are considering adding a pet tarantula to your family, do your research first and make sure you are prepared to care for it properly.
With the right knowledge and preparation, owning a pet tarantula can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your spider!
Are Pet Tarantulas Intelligent?
No. Tarantulas are not intelligent animals. If you have been anthropomorphizing your Tarantula, you have no doubt been imagining all those human-like qualities you’ve been attributing to it, as Tarantulas aren’t biologically capable of intelligence or emotion.
In fact, Tarantulas don’t possess a complex brain and instead rely on their body hair (known as setae), to interpret stimuli in their surroundings and sense pheromones from their mates.
Since they have very basic brains, they also don’t have memory or any problem-solving skills. Their brains only control movement and venom production.
