How much should I feed my tarantula at each life stage?
Feeding your tarantula correctly is crucial. Here's a breakdown by age and life stage. Adult tarantulas should be fed every 7–10 days, offering 1–2 crickets or mealworms per feeding.
Adult Tarantulas
Adult tarantulas should be fed every 7–10 days. Offer a portion of 1–2 crickets or mealworms per feeding. Ensure the insects are no larger than the space between the tarantula's eyes to prevent overeating. Provide a shallow water dish for hydration, as they may not drink from a bowl. Monitor their weight and adjust the frequency of feeding if they are losing or gaining too much weight.
Maintaining a consistent feeding schedule is important for adult tarantulas. If you notice they are not eating, check the enclosure's temperature and humidity levels, as these can affect their appetite.
Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent mold growth in the water dish, which can be harmful to your tarantula.
- Feed every 7–10 days
- 1–2 crickets or mealworms per feeding
- Insects no larger than eye space
- Provide a shallow water dish
- Monitor weight and adjust feeding frequency
- Check enclosure temperature and humidity
- Ensure adequate ventilation
Young Tarantulas
Young tarantulas, up to 1 inch in legspan, need to be fed more frequently, every 3–4 days. Start with just one small cricket or mealworm to prevent overfeeding. Monitor their growth and adjust the size of the food accordingly. It's important to observe their eating behavior and ensure they are consuming the food.
Young tarantulas are more active and grow rapidly, so their dietary needs are higher. Provide a variety of insects to ensure they receive a balanced diet.
Always handle young tarantulas gently to avoid injury, as they are more fragile.
- Feed every 3–4 days
- 1 small cricket or mealworm per feeding
- Monitor growth for food size adjustments
- Observe eating behavior
- Provide a variety of insects
- Handle gently
Senior Tarantulas
Senior tarantulas may require less frequent feeding, every 10–14 days. Offer the same size of food as for adults, but consider their reduced activity level. Be mindful of their overall health and adjust feeding accordingly. It's important to monitor their weight and activity levels to ensure they are not losing too much weight.
Senior tarantulas often have slower metabolisms and may not require as much food. However, they still need a balanced diet to maintain their health.
Provide a comfortable resting spot in the enclosure for senior tarantulas to reduce stress.
- Feed every 10–14 days
- Same size food as adults
- Adjust for reduced activity and health
- Monitor weight and activity levels
- Provide a comfortable resting spot
Transitioning Food
Transitioning from baby to adult food should start when the tarantula reaches 1.5 inches in legspan. Gradually increase the size of the food over a period of 2–3 weeks to avoid digestive issues. Always introduce new food types slowly and monitor the tarantula's response. It's important to observe any changes in their behavior or health during the transition.
During the transition, provide a mix of baby and adult food to ensure the tarantula is getting the necessary nutrients.
Keep the enclosure clean and free of any uneaten food to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Transition at 1.5 inches in legspan
- Gradual increase over 2–3 weeks
- Monitor response to new food types
- Provide a mix of baby and adult food
- Keep enclosure clean
Common Feeding Mistakes
Overfeeding is a common mistake. It can lead to bloating, which can be fatal. Underfeeding can cause malnutrition and weaken the tarantula. Always observe the tarantula's eating behavior and adjust the amount of food accordingly. It's crucial to maintain a balance in their diet.
Another common mistake is not providing enough water. Tarantulas need a shallow water dish in their enclosure to stay hydrated. Ensure the water is fresh and clean.
Avoid feeding your tarantula insects that are too large for them to handle, as this can cause injury or digestive issues.
- Overfeeding can be fatal
- Underfeeding leads to malnutrition
- Observe eating behavior and adjust food amount
- Provide fresh and clean water
- Avoid feeding insects too large
Keep reading about Tarantula: Tarantula care sheet
Related questions
How often should I feed a baby tarantula?
Baby tarantulas should be fed every 3–4 days.
What size insects should I feed an adult tarantula?
Offer insects no larger than the space between the tarantula's eyes.
How long should I transition my tarantula to adult food?
The transition should take place over a period of 2–3 weeks.
How often should I check the water dish in the enclosure?
Check the water dish daily to ensure it is clean and filled with fresh water.
What should I do if my tarantula stops eating?
If your tarantula stops eating, check the enclosure's temperature and humidity levels. Adjust them if necessary and observe the tarantula for any signs of illness.
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.