# 🕷 Comprehensive Tarantula Care Guide > [!info] **About this guide** > This is an **evidence-based, keeper-friendly resource** for tarantula owners of all skill levels. > It covers **spiderling care**, **adult tarantula care**, **handling**, and **common disorders**. > Always cross-reference with reputable literature and experienced keepers. --- ## 🐾 Basic Spiderling Care > **Definition:** A *spiderling* (or *sling*) is a juvenile tarantula, typically under 2 inches (5 cm) in leg span. > They are more vulnerable than adults due to their small size, higher moisture needs, and faster metabolism. --- ### 1. Enclosure - **Size:** Small, escape-proof container (deli cup, acrylic cube, or small terrarium). - **Ventilation:** Cross-ventilation preferred — small holes on opposite sides. - **Security:** Tight-fitting lids; slings can escape through tiny gaps.  --- ### 2. Substrate - **Material:** Untreated coco fiber, topsoil, or a mix — free of pesticides/fertilizers. - **Depth:** - Terrestrial: 1–2× body length - Fossorial: 1.5–2× leg span - **Compaction:** Lightly press to prevent burrow collapse. > **Glossary:** *Fossorial* — adapted for digging and living underground. --- ### 3. Hide / Retreat - Provide cork bark, leaf litter, or a starter burrow. - Even arboreal slings benefit from a hide to reduce stress. --- ### 4. Moisture & Hydration - **Moisture Gradient:** Surface slightly drier, deeper layers more moist. - **Water Dish:** - >0.5" (1.2 cm) slings: shallow cap (e.g., bottle cap). - Smaller: water droplet near hide. - **Misting:** Light misting can help but should not replace a water source.  --- ### 5. Feeding - **Frequency:** Every 3–7 days. - **Prey Size:** Smaller than sling’s leg span. - **Options:** Pinhead crickets, small roaches, pre-killed mealworm segments. - **Gutloading:** Feed prey fresh vegetables or quality dry diets before offering. > **Glossary:** *Gutloading* — feeding nutritious food to prey insects so nutrients pass to the predator. ⚠ Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours. --- ### 6. Molting - **Signs:** Darkening exoskeleton, reduced activity, refusal to eat. - **Care:** Remove prey, maintain stable humidity, avoid disturbance. - **Post-Molt Feeding:** Wait ~7 days (10–14 days for >2" slings). > **Glossary:** *Ecdysis* — shedding the exoskeleton to grow. --- ### ✅ Quick-Reference Checklist - [ ] Small, secure enclosure with cross-ventilation - [ ] Species-appropriate substrate depth - [ ] Hide or starter burrow - [ ] Moisture gradient maintained - [ ] Water source (dish or droplet) - [ ] Prey smaller than leg span, gutloaded - [ ] Remove uneaten prey promptly - [ ] Observe for pre-molt signs and adjust care --- ## 🏠 Basic Tarantula Care (Juveniles & Adults) --- ### 1. Enclosure Types | **Type** | **Shape** | **Key Features** | **Example Size** | |----------|-----------|------------------|------------------| | Terrestrial | Long, low | Floor space > height; substrate depth to prevent injury from falls | 5-gallon tank | | Arboreal | Tall, narrow | Height > floor space; vertical cork bark | 2–4× leg span in height | | Fossorial | Tall, deep substrate | 1.5× leg span substrate depth; starter burrow | Narrow tank with deep fill | > **Tip:** Distance from substrate to lid should not exceed the tarantula’s leg span to prevent fall injuries. --- ### 2. Decor & Substrate - **Decor:** Cork bark, fake plants, leaf litter. Avoid sharp rocks or treated wood. - **Substrate:** Species-appropriate; pesticide-free; no sharp particles. --- ### 3. Feeding - **Frequency:** 1–2× per week. - **Prey Size:** No larger than body length (prosoma + opisthosoma). - **Options:** Crickets, roaches, superworms, mealworms, locusts, larvae. - **Gutloading:** Fresh vegetables, high-quality dry diets. - **Removal:** Uneaten prey removed within 24 hours. --- ### 4. Water & Humidity - **Water Dish:** Always available; avoid sponges or gels. - **Humidity:** Maintain species-appropriate levels; avoid sudden spikes. - **Misting:** Optional; do not rely on misting alone for hydration. --- ### 5. Heating - **Optimal Range:** ~70°F (21°C) is fine for most species. - **Below 65°F (18°C):** Use low-wattage ceramic heat emitter or side-mounted heat mat. - **Avoid:** Heat rocks, basking bulbs, UV bulbs, under-tank heat mats. --- ### 6. Molting - **Signs:** Darkened exoskeleton, refusal to eat, web mat. - **Care:** Do not disturb; wait ~2 weeks before feeding post-molt. --- ## ✋ Handling Tarantulas --- ### Why Handling is Not Recommended - **Risk to You:** Bites, urticating hairs, allergic reactions. - **Risk to Tarantula:** Falls can be fatal; stress can cause long-term harm. - **Risk to Hobby:** Negative public perception if accidents occur. --- ### When Handling May Be Necessary - **Physical Intervention:** Medical care, enclosure transfer, emergency removal. - **Best Practices:** - Work close to the ground. - Choose a quiet, controlled environment. - Wear PPE (gloves, long sleeves, eye protection) if needed. - Wash hands before and after. > **Glossary:** *PPE* — personal protective equipment. --- ## ✋ [[Tarantula Care Glossary#Handling|Handling]] Tarantulas --- ### Why Handling is Not Recommended - **Risk to You:** Bites, [[Tarantula Care Glossary#Urticating Hairs|urticating hairs]], allergic reactions. - **Risk to Tarantula:** Falls can be fatal; stress can cause long-term harm. - **Risk to Hobby:** Negative public perception if accidents occur. --- ### When Handling May Be Necessary - **Physical Intervention:** Medical care, enclosure transfer, emergency removal. - **Best Practices:** - Work close to the ground. - Choose a quiet, controlled environment. - Wear [[Tarantula Care Glossary#PPE|PPE]] (gloves, long sleeves, eye protection) if needed. - Wash hands before and after.  --- ### 🪶 Urticating Hair Types > **Definition:** *[[Tarantula Care Glossary#Urticating Hairs|Urticating hairs]]* are barbed setae found on the [[Tarantula Care Glossary#Opisthosoma|opisthosoma]] of many New World tarantulas. > They are used defensively by flicking them into the air or pressing them into a threat. > These hairs can cause skin irritation, eye damage, or respiratory issues. | **Type** | **Shape & Size** | **Primary Effect** | **Example Genera** | **Notes** | |----------|------------------|--------------------|--------------------|-----------| | **Type I** | Long, slender with barbs along shaft | Skin irritation, mild itching | *Brachypelma*, *Grammostola* | Common in many terrestrial New World species | | **Type II** | Shorter, stouter, with dense barbs | Strong skin irritation, possible respiratory discomfort | *Avicularia* | Often released by direct contact rather than flicking | | **Type III** | Short, with sharp tips and dense barbs | Severe skin irritation, eye inflammation | *Brachypelma*, *Aphonopelma* | Most frequently encountered by keepers | | **Type IV** | Very short, spear-like with backward-facing barbs | Intense eye and mucous membrane irritation | *Theraphosa* | Considered among the most irritating to humans | | **Type V** | Long, thin, with few barbs | Mild irritation | *Ephebopus* | Located on pedipalps rather than opisthosoma | | **Type VI** | Short, with hooked tips | Mild to moderate irritation | *Hemirrhagus* | Rare in captivity | | **Type VII** | Very small, needle-like | Mild irritation | *Kankuamo* | Extremely rare in the hobby | --- **Keeper Safety Tips:** - Avoid placing your face close to the enclosure of species known for frequent hair flicking. - Wear gloves and long sleeves when working in enclosures of heavy flickers (*Brachypelma*, *Theraphosa*). - If hairs contact skin, wash with cold water and mild soap — avoid rubbing. - If hairs enter the eyes, seek immediate medical attention. --- **Why This Matters:** Understanding urticating hair types helps keepers anticipate the defensive behavior of their species and take appropriate precautions. For example, *Theraphosa blondi* (Type IV) is notorious for causing severe eye irritation, while *Avicularia* (Type II) rarely flicks but can cause discomfort if handled roughly. --- ## 🩺 Disorders in Tarantulas --- ### 1. Toxins | **Toxin** | **Source** | **Symptoms** | **Notes** | |-----------|------------|--------------|-----------| | Nicotine residue | Handling after smoking, contaminated feeders | Lethargy, loss of coordination, death | Smoke itself not proven harmful, but residue is toxic | | Fipronil (Frontline) | Treated pets, contaminated surfaces | Ataxia, “DKS”, seizures | Extremely toxic to invertebrates | | Pyrethroids | Household insect sprays | Tremors, paralysis, death | Avoid all aerosol insecticides | | Plant toxins | Prey fed toxic plants | Gradual decline, anorexia | Gutload feeders with safe produce only | | Mold toxins | Moldy substrate/feeders | Weakness, infections | Maintain clean, dry enclosures | --- ### 2. Parasites | **Parasite** | **Transmission** | **Symptoms** | **Notes** | |--------------|------------------|--------------|-----------| | Mermithid nematodes | Ingested via prey | Weakness, swelling | Often fatal | | Panagrolaimid nematodes | Oral contact, contaminated feeders | White mouth discharge, anorexia, lethargy | May be linked to bacterial infection | | Ichneumonid / Pompilid wasps | Wild-caught prey | Paralysis, death | Avoid wild prey | | Phorid flies | Lay eggs on tarantula or in enclosure | Maggots, rapid decline | Linked to poor hygiene | | Parasitic mites | Contaminated substrate/feeders | Visible on joints, lethargy | Some mites harmless detritivores | --- ### 3. Conditions | **Condition** | **Cause** | **Symptoms** | **Treatment / Notes** | |---------------|----------|--------------|-----------------------| | Cuticular trauma | Falls, sharp decor, attacks | Hemolymph loss, visible tear | Cornstarch for small wounds, cyanoacrylate glue for larger; poor prognosis if severe | | Opisthosoma alopecia | Hair loss from urticating | Bald patch on abdomen | Normal in molts; stress can worsen | | Anorexia | Pre-molt, stress, illness | Refusal to eat | Check enclosure parameters | | Dysecdysis | Low humidity, dehydration | Stuck exoskeleton | Increase humidity, avoid force removal | | Growths | Bacterial/fungal infection | Lump/swelling | Clean with diluted betadine daily | | Autotomy | Self-amputation of limb | Missing leg | Usually self-resolves; avoid stress | | Ataxia / DKS | Toxins, infection, trauma | Jerky movements | Remove toxin source, supportive care | --- ### 4. Emergency Response Guide 1. **Isolate** the tarantula in a clean, simple enclosure. 2. **Remove** any possible toxin sources (substrate, feeders, decor). 3. **Check** temperature, humidity, and ventilation. 4. **Observe** for 24–48 hours and document symptoms. 5. **Consult** an experienced keeper or exotic vet (bring photos/videos). --- ### 5. Prevention Tips - Quarantine new tarantulas for at least 30 days. - Never use wild-caught feeders. - Wash hands before and after handling enclosures. - Avoid scented cleaning products, aerosols, and treated wood. - Keep feeder colonies clean and well-fed. --- ### 🩹 Quick-Reference Symptom Table | **Symptom** | **Possible Cause** | **Urgency** | | ----------------------- | --------------------- | ----------- | | Jerky movements (DKS) | Toxin, infection | **High** | | White mouth discharge | Nematodes | **High** | | Refusal to eat >1 month | Pre-molt, husbandry | Medium | | Bald abdomen | Normal molt, stress | Low | | Visible mites | Parasitic infestation | Medium–High | | Hemolymph leak | Trauma | **High** | --- ## 📚 References 1. [Foelix, R. F. (2011). *Biology of Spiders* (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.](https://global.oup.com/academic/product/biology-of-spiders-9780199734825) 2. [Lewbart, G. A. (2022). *Invertebrate Medicine* (3rd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.](https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Invertebrate+Medicine%2C+3rd+Edition-p-9781119569434) 3. [Schultz, S., & Schultz, M. (2009). *The Tarantula Keeper’s Guide* (3rd ed.). Barron’s Educational Series.](https://www.amazon.com/Tarantula-Keepers-Guide-Comprehensive/dp/0764138855) 4. [Shillington, C. (2002). "Energy metabolism and water balance in a terrestrial spider." *Physiological and Biochemical Zoology*, 75(6), 583–593.](https://doi.org/10.1086/344493) 5. [Kennedy, M. (2023). "Theraphosid medicine: what to do when something is peculiar with the tarantula." *In Practice*, 45(5), 271–280.](https://doi.org/10.1002/inpr.371) ---