Pets can be different. If you decide to have a tarantula spider, you should learn more about the features of keeping an exotic pet. What are the pros and cons of living with an arachnid?
When we say “pet,” we usually mean someone who can be petted. It runs all over the apartment or lives in a cage. But there are also interior animals, for example, tarantula spiders.
- Doubtful pet! - you say. And you will be partly right.
- Kind of. - they will answer you - But you do not need to walk with him, he will not tear the sofa and wallpaper.
Care features
The spider is unpretentious in care. All he needs:
- Small terrarium. If you decorate it with taste, it will become a decoration and an exotic highlight of the interior.
- Little space. Ideal pet for a small space
- A simple terrarium without lighting and sophisticated equipment
- Periodic feeding. It is enough to feed the spider once every two to three weeks. It depends on age and size.
But there is a peculiarity here - tarantula spiders feed only on live food. They only see moving objects. A live Madagascar cockroach or a banana cricket are the best delicacies for an exotic pet. At the same time, a hunger strike for two or three months will not hurt him. The main thing is to provide your pet with clean water.
When choosing a terrarium, pay attention to the following points:
- if the spider is terrestrial, then the terrarium is horizontal, if it is arboreal, it is vertical. Accordingly, for some species there should be a shelter on the ground (coconut shell, ceramic figure), for others - driftwood with bark and moss
- the area of the cage should be twice the span of the spider's legs. Do not forget that the spider is growing. You will have to change the pet's "apartment" several times as it grows. It is not worth buying a large terrarium right away - in a too spacious dwelling the spider will be uncomfortable - these are secretive creatures.
Spiders do not smell, there is no waste from them. It is only necessary to remove the remnants of the eaten insects. The litter should be periodically sprayed and monitored so that it does not grow moldy.
If you need to go away, say, for a week, just feed your pet and leave him clean water. He will not be bored. He will not even notice that no one is around. But it is better not to leave it for longer than two weeks.
As it grows, the spider sheds - it gets rid of the skin, which has become small for it. It is very interesting to watch this! The tarantula weaves itself a small “blanket” of cobwebs, on which it will then lie belly up. For the period from two weeks to two months before molting, the adult pet stops eating. If a live food insect remains in the terrarium, be sure to plant it. It can harm or even kill a defenseless spider. The older the spider, the less often it sheds. Young spiders change their "coat" on average every 2-4 weeks.
By the way, female tarantulas live 15 years! Males are 3-4 years old.
Is the spider safe at home
The spider is a pet with traits. Before buying, study the profile sites and forums. Ask questions to the breeder or seller. The more you know about him, the more pleasure you will get from keeping a handsome arthropod.
Are tarantulas poisonous?
All tarantulas are venomous, so just don't stick your fingers in the terrarium. Use long tweezers when cleaning.
You should know exactly what kind of tarantula you have. The species, among other things, differ in the strength of the poison. The more poisonous your pet, the more seriously you should take safety precautions.
Spiders rarely bite. Basically, in case of danger, they run away and hide. They can throw hairs on the enemy. This is very unpleasant - the affected area will itch for several hours. But not fatal.
And if the children?
If there are small children at home, place the terrarium higher. Explain to your child that this is a wild creature and cannot be stroked.
Here's what experienced arachnocypeers have to say:
Maxim:
- How many years do you have a spider?
- 4 years.
- Are there children at home?
- Yes, one child, 2 years old.
- How do they relate to the pet? Don't put your fingers in it?
- At first, when the child was just exploring the territory, he knocked on the aquarium. Then the interest disappeared, my daughter just knows that a spider lives there. Cautious, although not frightened by the spider. And sometimes he even asks us to give the spider one of his toys so that she doesn't get bored.
- Are there any other animals at home? How do they feel about the spider?
- There is a cat. The first time after the appearance of the spider, he showed a purely research interest in him: he sat at the aquarium and observed. I didn't try to get it.
Natalia:
- How many years do you have a spider?
- 1, 5 years.
- Are there children at home?
- There is one child, 7 years old.
- How do they relate to the pet? Don't put your fingers in it?
- They relate perfectly, stick their fingers, but neatly, with knowledge of the matter.
- Are there any other animals at home? How do they feel about the spider?
- Madagascar cockroaches live periodically. Not for long. The spider is treated negatively.
Who is it for
The tarantula spider is the ideal inhabitant of a city apartment with busy owners. He doesn't need your attention at all. Leaving is kept to a minimum.
If you are not stopped by the fact that the spider will have to be fed with live insects, then feel free to get an exotic pet.
Approach your terrarium decoration with due attention and it will become the brightest accent of your interior!
