The basics of tarantula breeding: what do you need to know before buying?

Are you considering getting a tarantula? Good – it has to be a well-thought-out decision, because a large spider is not a companion for walks in the forest. But if you like to observe, have something truly original and want to learn something new, a tarantula will be a great choice. Just learn the basics first, so that you can give it a good life right from the start.

Is the tarantula poisonous?

This is the number one question everyone asks when they learn about your new hobby. Yes, tarantulas have venom – it’s their way of hunting. It does not pose a major threat to humans, although some species secrete a stronger toxin than others. The bite can be painful, but it is not dangerous. It is more like an insect sting. The exception is people who are allergic – in their case, even a milder species can cause an allergic reaction.

Remember the universal rule: adults tolerate venom better than children. They have more blood, which allows their bodies to dilute the toxin more effectively.

Tarantulas do not attack without reason – this is normal in the animal world. Nevertheless, they defend themselves, but in a different way:

• raise their front legs in a warning gesture,
• They shed stinging hairs from their abdomen – these can irritate the skin and eyes, so it is best to keep your distance.

The structure of a bird’s foot – what is worth knowing?

Knowledge of the basic anatomy of a tarantula is useful in everyday care. See what the most important parts of its body consist of.

• carapace (cephalothorax) – the hard part at the front of the body, from which the legs extend,
• eyes – not very well developed, the tarantula does not see clearly, relying mainly on vibrations,
• mandibles (fangs or chelicerae) – used for hunting and defence,
• abdomen – the soft, rear part of the body. A fall from a height can damage it.
• stinging hairs – some species use them to defend themselves against predators.

This structure makes the tarantula impressive in appearance, but also helps it to live in a variety of environments: from jungles to dry steppes.

Tarantula moult – what is it and what does it look like?

Tarantulas do not grow smoothly, as humans do, for example. They grow in spurts. When a spider’s body becomes too large for its rigid exoskeleton (which does not grow), it simply sheds this rigid structure. A tarantula’s moult (or moulting) is the moment when it sheds its old armour to make room for a new one. Sometimes the empty, no longer needed armour is also called a moult.

When you see the following common symptoms of moulting, do not be afraid, as this is a normal phenomenon:

• the bird stops eating,
• becomes apathetic (as if he does not feel like doing anything),
• may lie on their back.

After moulting, the spider’s body is soft and sensitive. It should not be touched or fed for several days. Once its shell has hardened, the tarantula returns to its routine – slightly larger, stronger and regenerated.

Tarantula: feeding a giant spider – what does it look like?

Tarantulas do not have as big an appetite as most people, so it is worth knowing as much as possible about how to feed them.

How often should you feed a tarantula?

It depends on age and growth rate, but generally it looks like this:

• young individuals: 2–3 times a week,
• adult stick insects: usually once every 7–10 days.

If the spider does not eat the insect immediately, it is best to remove it from the terrarium, as live food may disturb it, especially before moulting. It may also injure it. And now you know that live food for predatory animals is called live food.

What to feed them?

Food for tarantulas includes:

• crickets,
• cockroaches,
• locusts,
• mealworm larvae.

Purchase food from trusted sources. Why? Because insects caught in your garden may be carriers of parasites. This is a very important issue, so it is worth learning more about feeding tarantulas.

Tarantula: breeding at home

Once you are fully immersed in tarantula breeding, you will know everything there is to know about it. For now, you need to know at least the basics.

Terrarium

The size of the terrarium depends on the species, but for most adult tarantulas, approximately 20×30 cm is sufficient. For the largest specimens, 30×30 cm will be better, but for giant spiders, 50 x 50 cm may not be enough. Good ventilation is important, as is ensuring that they cannot escape. You really do not want to give your neighbour such a surprise. Also, remember that breeding tarantulas is really addictive. Find out how to choose your first spider and you will ensure yourself a lot of satisfaction.

Podłoże

Coconut fibre works best – you can buy it easily. It retains moisture and allows you to dig burrows. It should be at least 5 cm thick.

Hideout and conditions

Tarantulas need a quiet place, such as a piece of bark, a cork tube or an artificial cave. So you can take care of the architecture of their new home. Also maintain the right:

• humidity (usually 60–80%),
• temperature (22–28°C),
• access to water – adult specimens should have a small bowl of water.

Tarantulas are quiet, do not make a mess and do not require contact with humans. But remember: they are not decorations, they are living creatures that you must care for. That is why it is so important to know how to prepare a terrarium for a tarantula.

Identifying the sex of a tarantula – how to do it?

After each moult, you can check whether your tarantula is male or female. This requires caution and a good magnifying glass. In the female’s moult, you can see a darker fold near the abdomen – this is the spermatheca. Males do not have this. Of course, you can also ask the seller.

However, determining the sex of a spider yourself, i.e. sexing a spider from its moulted skin, is the most reliable and safest method.

Frequently asked questions and myths

Does a scorpion sting hurt?

Yes, but it is generally not dangerous. With spiders that have weak venom, it can be compared to a wasp sting. Larger specimens have proportionally large fangs. And while the injected toxin will cause pain, the several-centimetre-long fangs will certainly remain in your memory for a long time. If you are also allergic, the venom can harm you more.

Are tarantulas defensive?

Yes, they are usually calm and not very active. Note that spiders for beginner breeders are defined not by their aggression, but by their defensive attitude. But to balance this out, there are also aggressive species from Africa, such as Pterinochilus murinus.

Do tarantulas jump?

Some do. Especially tree-dwelling ones. Perhaps you will have the opportunity to see how, after a spectacular jump, they curl up into a ball and roll on.

Are tarantulas suitable for beginners?

For many species, yes. For example, Brachypelma or Grammostola are suitable for beginners.

Is a spider an insect?

It may surprise you, but no. They are arachnids. Insects have three pairs of legs, while spiders have four pairs.

Is a bird spider the same as a tarantula?

No, although this is a common mistake. These are completely different species of spiders. However, if you read online that a tarantula is on the loose and terrorising a neighbourhood, we can explain. In the US, bird spiders are called “tarantulas”. So it is very likely that this is simply a mistake made by the translator.

Is keeping a tarantula something for me?

Definitely. It’s an interesting and unusual hobby that doesn’t require much space or daily commitment. All you need to know are the basics: whether the tarantula is venomous, what a tarantula’s moult is, what to feed it and how to prepare a terrarium for it. If you’re interested in exotic animals and prefer observing them rather than petting them, this could be a really good choice.