The Rose Tarantulas are great for first time arachnid owners because of their exotic nature.If you are used to caring for more traditional pets, you might be wondering how to take care of it.You can take great care of your arachnid pet by providing a proper habitat, feeding them a healthy diet, and maintaining their enclosures.
Step 1: You can buy a 5 to 10 gallon terrarium.
It's important that you get one with a sturdy lid.The tank should be three times the length of your spider's leg span.The floor space of a tarantula is more important than the height of the terrarium.
Step 2: A good spot for the tank is designed.
The location of the terrarium needs to remain out of direct sunlight.The tarantula could die if it were to get too hot.
Step 3: Think about storing food.
Crickets come home from the store in a cardboard box.If you don't want crickets escaping and running free in your house, you may consider purchasing a small plastic cage to keep them in.The crickets will climb on the empty toilet paper roll if you line the small cage with paper towels.
Step 4: Select the type.
Peat moss, coconut fiber, and potting soil are some of the materials that can be used for bedding.Potting soil is very affordable and easy to use.You can get it at Walmart for $3 for a bag.It does not absorb water as well as other substances which can result in puddles and mud.You can buy a good size bag for around $10 at many retailers like Walmart.It allows the spider to form good burrows.The option has a tendency to grow mold.Coconut fiber can be bought at any pet store and can either be compressed into bricks or loose in a bag.The brick version requires you to re-hydrate the fibers before you can use it, which can get messy.The bricks cost around $10 or less.It resists mold and absorbs water.If you don't keep the fibers moist, your tarantula will not be able to burrow.
Step 5: Add the correct amount to the tank.
You are ready to fill it once you have placed your terrarium in its designated spot.You want to make sure the material you choose covers the entire bottom of the tank.This will allow your spider to burrow.
Step 6: Purchase a heating element.
This will create a warm side and a cool side of the tank.You can find them at any pet store.Depending on the size of your tank, they come in a wide variety of sizes and wattages.A 5 gallon tank only needs a mini heater, a 10gallon tank will need a small to medium one.The tank should be kept in a warm room of the house with a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees.It's a good idea to keep the heater at the lowest setting and monitor it for any dips in temperature because the tank temperature is affected by the temperature in the house.
Step 7: There is a shallow water dish.
Make sure the one you purchase is smaller than your spider, and that you place it on the cool side of the tank.
Step 8: It's a good idea to use a thermometer.
Digital thermometers are affordable and easy to read.It is possible to find one that displays both temperature and humidity.One that can read indoor and outdoor temperatures at the same time is a must.You can place the base at one side of the tank and the probe at the other so you can check the temperature in the entire enclosure.These can be found at most retail stores for around $10 to $15.
Step 9: There are plenty of hiding places.
It's important for the Rose Hairs to have plenty of coconut shells or logs in their habitat to hide under.Many dome shaped items are sold by your local pet store.
Step 10: The humidity needs to be kept at the right level.
The humidity in your tank should be 70%.It's possible that your tarantula is reacting to too much or not enough humidity in their enclosure, if they are roaming around the tank or hanging from the wall.You can check the level with a hygrometer if you didn't buy a thermometer.Change the material of the tank if it's too moist.You might want to try a different material if it is too moist.If you notice your spider lounging in their water dish, you need to lightly mist them, but not get them too wet.You want your material to stay moist so that their burrows don't collapse.
Step 11: You have to adjust for the seasons.
If you live in the U.S., you should keep the temperature in your terrarium at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) during the summer months.For the winter months, move them to a cooler area in your home, keeping the tank temperature in the high sixties.During the winter, you want to limit the amount of exposure the tank gets to natural and artificial light.If the room temperature drops below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) at night, you will need to get a heat source.
Step 12: Your pet should be able to adjust.
Before you give your hair food or handle it, you should allow it to explore for a day or two.Limit the amount of handling for the first few weeks.
Step 13: You can offer your crickets.
You should not try to feed the spider until it is used to its new surroundings.They need to eat twice a week.If you want to start out, put 2 to 3 crickets in the terrarium.By how they react to this, you will know if they need more or less.They may need to be fed more if they eat all the crickets.Crickets are eaten 3-6 times per week by adults.If they leave some crickets behind, remove the un eaten food and adjust future feedings to the amount they tend to eat.
Step 14: The crickets have vitamins.
The captives of the wild Rose Hairs only need to eat crickets that have been fed a quality diet.If you want to give your spider an additional health boost, you can dust the crickets with Calcium andVitamin D supplements.Your spider may not eat for weeks at a time as they have sporadic eating habits.Make sure to remove any food that isn't eaten.
Step 15: Don't over-handling your pet.
A spider is happy when left alone.It's important that you don't handle your spider too much.They can be made to flick their hair off or bite if they are over-handling.Both can cause a reaction in the handler.
Step 16: You need to wash your hands.
Before and after handling your pet, wash your hands.
Step 17: The terrarium should be kept clean.
The terrarium will be clean through the regular spot cleaning.Cleaning and emptying the water dish is one of the things this includes.You should clean the terrarium every six months.As escape artists, make sure the terrarium is tightly closed.Before opening the tank, locate the tarantula.
Step 18: Understand the process of growth.
It may have refused food for a few weeks and even spun a web in the tank.There are a number of signs that your pet is about to lose its fur.Don't worry, the spider has flipped on its back.The process has just begun and it hasn't died or gotten sick.It can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.Don't disturb your tarantula while it is growing.Any interruption could kill them.Don't feed the tarantula while it's growing.It won't eat and the crickets can cause damage to their skin.Carefully remove the aftermath from the tank if you wait for it to completely shed its skin.You should wait at least 3 days after the process is over.