Spiders as pets an easy and rich beginners guide
Spiders can make intriguing and low-maintenance pets for those interested in exotic creatures. They offer a unique window into the world of arachnids, with fascinating behaviors and diverse species to choose from. Here’s a comprehensive guide on keeping spiders as pets, focusing on their care, handling, and general requirements.
Why Keep Spiders as Pets?
- Low Maintenance: Spiders require minimal daily care compared to traditional pets like dogs or cats.
- Space Efficient: They don’t need much space, making them suitable for small living areas.
- Fascinating Behavior: Spiders have unique behaviors such as web-building, hunting, and molting, providing endless interest for their keepers.
- Educational Value: Keeping spiders can be a great way to learn about arachnid biology and behavior.
Popular Pet Spider Species
- Tarantulas:
- Chilean Rose Hair (Grammostola rosea): Known for their docile nature, making them ideal for beginners.
- Mexican Red Knee (Brachypelma hamorii): Attractive and easy to care for.
- Curly Hair (Tliltocatl albopilosus): Hardy and tolerant of handling.
- Jumping Spiders:
- Phidippus Regius: Known for their vibrant colors and active nature. They are small, making them easy to house.
- Orb-Weaver Spiders:
- Known for their intricate web-building, orb-weavers are more for observation than handling.
Housing Requirements
- Enclosure:
- Size: Choose an enclosure appropriate to the spider species. Terrestrial spiders need more floor space, while arboreal spiders require vertical space.
- Material: Use glass or plastic tanks with secure, ventilated lids to prevent escapes and ensure proper airflow.
- Substrate: Coconut fiber, peat moss, or vermiculite are common substrates. Ensure it is suitable for the spider’s burrowing or web-building needs.
- Temperature and Humidity:
- Temperature: Most spiders thrive at room temperature, typically between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
- Humidity: Maintain humidity levels according to species requirements, generally ranging from 50-80%. Use a hygrometer for accurate measurement.
- Decor and Hiding Spots:
- Provide hiding spots with cork bark, half logs, or small plants.
- Arboreal species benefit from branches and vertical structures for climbing.
- Water:
- Provide a small, shallow water dish for hydration. Change the water regularly to prevent contamination.
Feeding
- Diet: Spiders primarily eat live insects such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. The size of the prey should be appropriate for the spider.
- Feeding Frequency: Juvenile spiders may need feeding every few days, while adults can be fed weekly.
- Prey Size: Ensure prey is no larger than the spider’s body size to prevent injury.
Handling
- Minimal Handling: Most spiders do not enjoy handling, and excessive handling can stress them.
- Safe Handling: If handling is necessary, use a soft brush to coax the spider onto your hand and keep your hands close to the ground to prevent falls.
- Caution: Be aware of the spider’s temperament and potential to bite. Some species have venom that can cause allergic reactions.
Molting
- Understanding Molting: Spiders molt to grow. During this period, they may stop eating and become less active.
- Signs of Molting: The spider may lie on its back, which is normal during molting.
- Post-Molt Care: Avoid feeding until the exoskeleton hardens, usually a few days after molting.
Health and Maintenance
- Regular Checks: Monitor your spider for signs of illness, such as lethargy or refusal to eat.
- Cleaning: Spot clean the enclosure regularly, removing uneaten prey and waste. Complete substrate changes are necessary every few months.
Conclusion
Spiders make fascinating pets for those interested in arachnids and exotic animals. By understanding their specific care requirements and respecting their natural behaviors, you can provide a comfortable and enriching environment for your pet spider. Whether you choose a colorful tarantula or an agile jumping spider, these unique creatures offer a rewarding experience for enthusiasts and naturalists alike.
Spiders are widely feared, but only a few species are dangerous to people. They will only bite you in self-defense. The most dangerous spiders are the Australian funnel-web spiders and the Brazilian wandering spider. Most of those with medically serious bites, such as recluse spiders and widow spiders, would rather flee and bite only when trapped.
Although rare tarantulas are quite expensive, other spiders are not. You can capture them about anywhere. Spiders are also low maintenance, but you need to research the needs, like the heat and humidity needs, of the species you have.
Here is a list of the most popular species that are also great for beginners:
- Tarantulas of the family Theraphosidae. At the moment, 1,010 species have been identified. You can look forward to a post just about them.
- Brachypelma hamorii – Mexican Red-KneeTarantula – can be safely handled.
- Jumping spiders of the family Salticidae.
- Grammostola rosea – Chilean rose tarantula – relatively docile, low-maintenance, and inexpensive.
- Dolomedes genus – also known as fishing spiders, raft spiders, dock spiders or wharf spiders.
- Orb-weaver spiders of the family Araneidae.
- Peucetia viridans – Green Lynx spider
- The Thomisidae family of spiders – Crab Spiders
Featured photo courtesy Jolene Boshoff.
Do you keep spiders? What is your favorite? Please let me know in a comment.
We have a pre-owned book, The Tarantula keepers guide, available in South Africa.
You might also be interested to earn about sugar gliders.
