Quick facts
- Common beginner species: Mexican red-knee and other Brachypelma, Chilean rose
- Adult size: about 4–6 inch leg span
- Lifespan: females often 15–30 years; males usually only a few years
- Difficulty: beginner
Enclosure
Most beginner tarantulas live on the ground. Give floor space, not height. A fall from high up can kill a tarantula.
A good size is about 2–3 times the leg span wide, and not much taller than the leg span above the substrate.
- A hide or burrow start
- A shallow water dish
- Good ventilation
Temperature
Normal room temperature is usually fine — about 70–80°F.
Skip heat mats. They can dry out or overheat a tarantula. Keep the enclosure out of direct sun.
Lighting & UVB
No special lighting needed. Normal room light is fine.
Humidity
Most beginner species do fine at normal room humidity with a water dish. Some keepers dampen one corner of the substrate now and then. Species vary — ask us about yours.
Substrate
Use 3–4 inches or more of coconut fiber or plain topsoil. Many tarantulas like to dig.
Diet & feeding
Feed crickets or roaches no bigger than the tarantula's body. Adults eat about every 1–2 weeks. Young ones eat more often.
Remove uneaten prey within a day — a live cricket can hurt a tarantula during a molt.
Many tarantulas fast for weeks before a molt. That's normal.
Water
Keep a shallow dish of fresh water. Refill it often.
Handling
We don't recommend handling. A fall can be fatal, and many species can kick irritating hairs.
Their bite is like a bee sting for most people, but some people are allergic.
Common problems & the vet
Tarantula vets are rare. Call us — we can help you figure it out.
- Lying on its back — usually a molt starting. Don't touch it.
- Don't feed for about a week after a molt, until the fangs harden
- Shriveled belly — dehydration; check the water dish
- Falls — keep the enclosure low
Questions about your setup? Contact us or call (603) 382-3338.
