Adams - Terrific Tarantula: A keepers Care Guide

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Terrific Tarantula

A Keepers Care Guide.

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Disclaimer.

The author, copyright owner or publisher of this book cannot accept liability for any loss, injury, death, or damage of a Tarantula or Keeper by any user of this publication from the use of any information or recommendation or from any errors or omissions in this publication.

You have decided that you would like to keep a Tarantula as a pet, or maybe you already have one, if so, what a great choice as Tarantulas make terrific pets for the keen amateur and the seasoned expert.

This book is written specifically to guide you and to enhance your enjoyment and knowledge regarding the interesting life and daily requirements of the Terrific Tarantula.

Tarantulas of the Theraphosidae family- of which there are approximately 900 species- can be divided into three groups. The grouping depends upon their lifestyles in the wild.

1. The Free Ranging or Wandering Tarantulas.

This group makes temporary or semi-permanent habitats under rocks, leaf litter and even fallen branches. They will also use burrows that small creatures like rodents have excavated.

2. The Arboreal or Tree-Dwelling Tarantulas.

This group makes tube style webs amongst the branches of a tree, and this group very rarely comes down to ground level.

3. The Burrowing Tarantulas.

This group excavates their own burrows but will also improvise and utilize other ready-made small burrows. Other than when the mature male goes searching for a mate, they tend to inhabit the burrow for their entire lives.

Tarantulas are generally low maintenance and quite hardy pets, providing the correct temperature and humidity levels are maintained, and these exotic and virtually noiseless creatures that are inexpensive to feed and easy to house, make ideal pets for the caring and conscientious owner.

Choosing a Tarantula

Most people purchase their tarantulas from Pet Shops, Specialist Breeders and even over the Internet. The Internet is possibly not the ideal medium to buy your spider from, unless the source is highly recommended, as it is always preferable to be able to view the spider and assess its health before purchasing.

Not all species of Theraphosidae Tarantula are suitable for novice keepers and this is where a specialist breeder or a good pet shop can come into its own and be able to suitably advice you. Many species are aggressive and very fast moving and therefore it stands to reason that the more docile, slower moving and relatively safer to handle spiders are the better species for the inexperienced and even the experienced keeper.

The increasing interest over the years, certainly since the early 1970s, has led to a proliferation of available species and with the increased knowledge of successful breeding techniques, most if not all tarantulas now purchased are Captive Bred thereby decreasing the pressure on wild caught specimens.

Recommended Tarantulas

The following species of tarantula, of the genera Brachypelma, Avicularia, Eupalestrus and Chromatopelma are generally amongst the most highly recommended spiders for the novice and even the more experienced keepers.

These exotic tarantulas have amazing temperaments and exhibit genuinely docile behavior traits and these spiders would much rather flee than attack.

Brachypelma Albopilosum

Honduran Curly Hair

The original habitat of this species is in the savannas of Central America. Although not quite as colourful as some of its cousins, this spider exudes charms of its own. The tan and gold hairs that cover its body gives it a very appealing scruffy look.

However, like most other Central Americas Tarantulas, they do have Urticating Hairs (ficking hairs), which can be used for defense. They are however, not quick to flick them.

Being Burrowing Tarantulas their enclosure requires more land space than height. Upon growing to 3 inches, they do tend to be seen more on the surface than in their burrows.

Humidity.

Recommended humidity for these species is between 65-70%.

Temperature.

Recommended temperature for these species is between 70-85 degrees F (21-29 degrees C).

Food.

Crickets, small insects, mealworms, and the adults will even eat pinkies and fuzzy mice.

Lifespan.

Males: 4 years. Females: 8 years.

Chromatopelma Cyaneopubescens

Green Bottle Blue

The original habitat of this species is the harsh and dry climate, desert areas of Northern Venezuela, Paraguana. Extremely colourful with its vibrant orange abdomen and vivid blue metallic legs makes this species very popular amongst hobbyist.

However, these spiders can be a little skittish so novice nervous keepers could drop these tarantulas.

Being classed as Semi-Arboreal (Land & Tree dwelling) makes them a great display spider as they are active and they create wonderful silk web retreats, which can partially cover their enclosure.

Humidity.

Recommended humidity for these species is around 60%.

Temperature.

Recommended temperature for these species is 70-78 degrees F (21-26 degrees C).

Food.

Crickets, and Insects.

Lifespan.

Males: 4 years. Females: 12 years.

Brachypelma Smithi

Mexican Red Knee

The original habitat of this species is the Pacific Coast of Mexico. These beautiful vibrant red knees spiders are extremely popular amongst all levels of keepers.

However, a common problem associated with these spiders is the fact they are well known for Urticating Hairs (flicking hairs), which they are quick to use.

Being Burrowing and land dwelling, this species requires more land space than height.

Humidity.

Recommended humidity for these spiders is 50-60%.

Temperature.

Recommended temperature for these spiders is 70-80 degrees F (21-27 degrees C).

Food.

Crickets, insects, mealworms, and the adults will even eat pinkies, fuzzy mice and even lizards.

Lifespan.

Males: 10 years. Females: 30 years.

Avicularia Versicolor

Pink Toe

The original habitat of this species is Lesser Antilles- Guadelupe, Dominica and Martinique in the Caribbean Sea. This technicolour spider makes an excellent display species, and highly recommended choice for beginners.