How to prepare the perfect terrarium for a birdwatcher?

Are you planning to breed a tarantula? If so, the most important thing to start with is a terrarium. It is their entire world – a place where they live, rest, hunt and moult. It is also an area where they have less of a stressful effect on other members of the household. A well-designed terrarium for a tarantula is not only about aesthetics – it is primarily about the conditions that affect the animal’s health and behaviour. We invite you to read this article, which will give you step-by-step tips on how to plan everything.

Terrarium for a tarantula – why is it so important?

Tarantulas do not need contact with humans. However, they are very sensitive to changes in their environment. Soil that is too dry, lack of hiding places, excessive temperatures and other inconveniences can cause stress, moulting disorders and even serious health problems. The design of a tarantula terrarium should therefore take into account the species, its lifestyle and its temperature and humidity requirements. Of course, you don’t need to know everything right away, but it is worth reading up and learning about the basics of tarantula breeding.

Types of terrariums – match them to the lifestyle of your bird spider

Terrarium for ground-dwelling tarantulas

Ground-dwelling tarantulas, such as Brachypelma hamorii, mainly move around on the ground. For them, a terrarium that is wider than it is tall, for example 30×20×20 cm, will be best. It is important that it is not too tall, as a fall from a great height can end badly for the spider.

Terrarium for tree-dwelling tarantulas

Tree-dwelling tarantulas, such as Avicularia avicularia, require a vertical structure. Height is the top priority here. A 20×20×30 cm terrarium is the minimum requirement. Place elements that can be positioned vertically inside, such as bark, branches or cork tubes. These allow the spider to climb and give it a sense of security. You can find out everything you need to know about tarantula species on our blog.

Terrarium for an underground bird spider

Burrowing tarantulas (e.g. Haplopelma lividum) dig burrows. Quite deep ones, at that. Therefore, it is essential to provide a terrarium with a thick layer of substrate. 20 cm will certainly not be too much. In addition to the depth of the substrate, humidity, airtightness and stable temperature will also be important.

Substrate for tarantulas – what to choose?

You already know that the right substrate is essential. It should retain moisture and allow for digging. The most commonly used substrates are:

• coconut fibre – it is light, natural and retains moisture well,
• peat for tarantulas – only acidic and without fertilisers,
• mixtures of peat and fibres – a good idea for species that require more moisture.

How much substrate is needed? For ground-dwelling and tree-dwelling tarantulas, 5–7 cm is sufficient. For those that burrow, at least 15 cm is needed. The substrate should be sprayed regularly and replaced every few months.

Terrarium decor for a tarantula – what must it contain?

The decor of a tarantula terrarium should be functional rather than decorative. And before you start protesting, let me say this: just make sure that the decorations are primarily useful and suited to the spider’s lifestyle. Inside, you and your tarantula should have:

• hiding place: a root, a cork tube or a ceramic tube, i.e. something you can find in almost any shop, which will provide a real and safe shelter,
• branches and structural background: – especially for tree-dwelling species; make them feel at home,
• a bowl of water: essential for adult specimens, as younger ones obtain water from the substrate,
• plants: they can be living (e.g. ferns), but they do not have to be – the only condition is that they must be safe for the spider,
• thermometer and hygrometer: essential equipment for maintaining the right conditions.

Remember that a terrarium is home to a unique animal weighing as much as a bar of chocolate or more. Make sure that the elements do not tip over and injure the tarantula.

Terrarium for a tarantula with accessories – DIY version

There is also an option for those who have a knack for architecture. If you do not want to buy a ready-made terrarium, you can build one yourself. You will need the following items:

• plastic box with well-spaced ventilation holes (for young spiders),
• preferably a glass terrarium with side or front opening.

This is the right place to mention that glass or plastic aquariums without ventilation holes are not suitable for breeding tarantulas.

How to make a functional terrarium for a tarantula?

You can find many excellent guides on YouTube, and ours will likely be available soon. Until then, remember the basic rules:

• it should be easy to open (e.g. to feed the bird),
• it must be airtight so that the spider cannot escape,
• must be safe, without sharp edges,
• and must be thermally stable, which means that it must not overheat or dry out.

How to set up a terrarium for specific species?

As you already know, adapt the terrarium to the type of tarantula. Below you will find suggestions for popular arachnids.

Red-legged tarantula terrarium

• Dimensions: 30×20×20 cm, must be horizontal.
• Substrate: coconut fibre, 6–8 cm thick.
• A bark shelter, some decorations and a bowl of water.
• Spiders like warm and rather dry conditions.

Terrarium for the white-legged tarantula

• Slightly larger, for example 30×30×25 cm.
• The substrate is peat with coconut fibre, 8–10 cm deep.
• Two hiding places and more moisture.
• Remember that he is more active and needs space.

Giant tarantula terrarium

• Large and tall.
• The substrate is peat with a minimum depth of 15 cm.
• A large bowl of water and a hiding place.
• Ensure high humidity and good ventilation.

It’s obvious that you may not know which tarantulas to choose when starting your adventure with spiders. Don’t worry – we have answers to all your questions.

Your tarantula, its territory – everything under control

A terrarium is not a decorative item for your shelf. It is a living environment, and it is your responsibility to ensure that it functions properly from day one. Terrestrial species have different needs than arboreal species, which in turn differ from burrowing species. Therefore, well-chosen substrate, appropriate humidity and thoughtful decor will keep your tarantula active, healthy and calm. And that’s what it’s all about.