Important Supplies for Pet Tarantulas: A Zoo Keeper’s Notes

[BronxZooFrank]

Hi All,
Among the world’s 900+ tarantula species (Family Theraphosidae) we find spiders of every conceivable size, description and lifestyle, some of which make interesting, long-lived pets. I had the chance to work with many during my zoo career, and most of the supplies that I relied upon are now readily available to hobbyists. Whether you are just starting out or looking to add additional species to your collection, the following information will assist in your decision. Please be sure to post any questions or observations about pet tarantulas below.Read more here http://bit.ly/16X3Mws
Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj.

Thanks, Frank
My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with http://bitly.com/LC8Lbp
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[archers]

What would you say would be the best starter tarantula in terms of handling and ease of care? My lps just got a goliath bird eater and a rose hair in and they look amazing.

Sent from my SGH-I317M using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[BronxZooFrank]

Hi,

I always counsel against handling tarantulas; the tiny urticating hairs can easily become dislodged even if the spider is not agitated, and they quite easily find their way into nostrils, eyes, etc. A colleague of mine at the Bronx Zoo needed major eye surgery to have some hairs removed. There's no need to handle (and it is of no use to the spider at all); Also, bites are always a concern. Contrary to what you may read or see on the internet, there is absolutely no way to "tame" a spider or to render it "trustworthy". Many adjust well to captivity, but they will bite even after decades as pets, and for reasons we cannot sense - an odor, vibration, internal stress, etc. please see articles below for further info.

I favor the Mexican Red Knee as a good "first" tarantula...hardy, less demanding in terms of habitat, humidity levels and such than most, rarely have problems shedding the exoskeleton, etc. Please see these articles for a bit more on this and other species, and let me know if you have any questions;
http://bit.ly/lgg69I
http://bit.ly/12hjXDT

Enjoy, best, Frank

 

[archers]

I had no idea that so many species had the urticating hairs, and by handling I meant more in the way of moving the spider for tank maintenance. Thanks for the info Frank!

 

[snakeguy101]

All new world (North, Central, and South American) species have urticating hairs. The old world T's (Asia, Africa, etc) do not but also tend to have a more toxic bite. No person has ever died from a tarantula bite and the urticating hairs are of really mild concern to 99% of the population-some people may react really badly but for most a moderate rash is the worst case scenario.

I think that feeding any animal wild bugs is a disaster waiting to happen. The bugs may have been exposed to pesticides, fertilizers, or even toxic cleaning solutions like lysol. A steady diet of captive raised roaches or crickets is fine and the very occasional (~1 a year) mouse does not hurt either.

A good starter T to handle would be a rosehair or a chaco golden knee. Mex redknees are awesome but also cost upwards of $150 since the import of them has ceased and they are tough to get at a decent size. Rosehairs should not cost more than $15 for a big one and are built like tanks. The prefer dry conditions that AC and central heat tend to create and can be handled with ease and no ill effects on the T. Chacos are very similar in care but will cost around $50 for a big one. These guys should never be misted like the blog post states.

Any of the Avicularia genus will also be good. They are quick but not aggressive and can be housed with many of them together. We currently have a dozen of them in a 10 gallon and they are a blast to watch.

Don't start with a sling. They are delicate and easy to lose.

 

[BronxZooFrank]

Hello,

Thanks for your interest.

Re the hairs: over the course of a lifetime working in zoos I've learned of enough serious incidents (mainly hairs in eyes) to convince me that this is a serious concern; skin reactions are, as mentioned, generally mild, but the hairs are difficult to eliminate, linger on clothes etc, and in that way find their way into eyes, mucus membranes, etc.

Wild caught insects must be used with caution (see link within my article), but the practice has long been standard in many zoos, as mentioned in this article (link to Part II is below article's text).

, FrankBest