Is a tarantula the right pet for a beginner?
Tarantulas require specific care, but with the right setup, they can be a great choice for beginners. Here's what you need to know.
Commitment Reality
Tarantulas can live up to 30 years, so it's a long-term commitment. You'll need to dedicate about 15 minutes a day to their care, including feeding and monitoring their habitat. They need a space of at least 10 gallons, and handling should be limited to once a week to avoid stress.
The enclosure should be at least 18 inches tall and wide for a terrestrial tarantula, or 24 inches tall and wide for an arboreal species. This space is crucial for their comfort and well-being.
Handling should be minimal to avoid stress, and it's important to understand that tarantulas are not pets for constant interaction.
- Lifespan: 10–30 years
- Daily time: 15 minutes
- Space: 10 gallons minimum
- Handling: Once a week
One-Time Setup
The initial setup includes purchasing an enclosure, substrate, and a heat source. You'll also need a water dish and a hideaway for your tarantula.
The enclosure should be a minimum of 18x18x12 inches for terrestrial species or 24x24x18 inches for arboreal species. The substrate should be a dry, inorganic material like coconut fiber or orchid bark.
A heat mat or heat lamp is necessary to maintain the temperature range of 72–82°F (22–28°C).
- Enclosure size: 18x18x12 inches (terrestrial) or 24x24x18 inches (arboreal)
- Substrate: Coconut fiber or orchid bark
- Heat source: Heat mat or heat lamp
Recurring Consumables
You'll need to replenish the substrate every 3–4 months, and the water dish should be cleaned daily. Food, such as crickets or mealworms, should be provided every 2–3 days.
Bedding, like paper towels or newspaper, can be used to line the enclosure and should be changed every 1–2 weeks. Replacement equipment, like a water dish or hideaway, may be needed every 6–12 months.
Regular veterinary check-ups are important, and you should budget for these annually.
- Substrate replacement: Every 3–4 months
- Water dish cleaning: Daily
- Food provision: Every 2–3 days
- Bedding change: Every 1–2 weeks
- Replacement equipment: Every 6–12 months
- Veterinary check-ups: Annually
Recurring Costs
In addition to the initial setup, you'll need to budget for ongoing costs. These include the cost of food, substrate, bedding, and replacement equipment.
The cost of food can vary, but you should expect to spend about $10–$20 per month on crickets and mealworms. Substrate costs can range from $5–$15 per bag, and bedding can be as low as $5 per roll.
Replacement equipment, like water dishes or hideaways, can cost between $10–$30 each.
- Food cost: $10–$20 per month
- Substrate cost: $5–$15 per bag
- Bedding cost: $5 per roll
- Replacement equipment cost: $10–$30 each
Are You Ready?
Before bringing a tarantula home, ask yourself these questions: Do you have the space for a 10-gallon enclosure? Can you dedicate 15 minutes a day to their care? Are you prepared for the long-term commitment of up to 30 years?
Do you understand the importance of maintaining the correct temperature and humidity? Can you handle the minimal handling required to avoid stress? Are you ready to invest in the ongoing costs of food, substrate, and equipment?
If you can answer 'yes' to these questions, a tarantula might be the right pet for you.
- Space for 10-gallon enclosure
- Daily care time of 15 minutes
- Understanding of temperature and humidity requirements
- Minimal handling to avoid stress
- Budget for ongoing costs
- Commitment to long-term care
Keep reading about Tarantula: Tarantula care sheet
Related questions
How often do I need to feed my tarantula?
You should feed your tarantula every 2–3 days with insects like crickets or mealworms.
How much space does a tarantula need?
A terrestrial tarantula needs at least 18x18x12 inches of space, while an arboreal species requires 24x24x18 inches.
How long do tarantulas live?
Tarantulas can live up to 30 years, so it's a long-term commitment.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your tarantula is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.