How often should I feed my tarantula, and what should I give it?

Feeding Schedule by Life Stage

For young tarantulas, feed every 2–3 days, starting with 2–3 small crickets or mealworms. As they grow to adulthood, increase the interval to every 5–7 days, with 1–2 insects per feeding. Seniors may need less frequent feedings, around every 7–10 days, with 1–2 insects as well. This schedule ensures they receive adequate nutrition without overloading their digestive systems.

Young tarantulas require more frequent feedings to support their rapid growth. As they mature, their metabolic rate slows, allowing for longer intervals between meals. Monitor their size and activity levels to adjust the frequency accordingly.

• Young tarantulas: 2–3 days, 2–3 crickets/mealworms
• Adult tarantulas: 5–7 days, 1–2 crickets/mealworms
• Seniors: 7–10 days, 1–2 crickets/mealworms
• Adjust feeding frequency based on tarantula size and activity
• Monitor growth and adjust feeding schedule every 2–3 months

Measuring and Transitioning Food

Measure food portions using a spoon to ensure consistency. When transitioning from young to adult food, gradually reduce the size of the insects over a week. Provide fresh water in a shallow dish daily, ensuring it's accessible but not submerged in the substrate. Consistency in feeding is crucial for maintaining your tarantula's health and behavior.

Transitioning food sizes is important to prevent shock to their digestive system. Start with smaller insects and gradually increase the size as they grow. This process should take about a week to allow their bodies to adjust.

• Use a spoon for consistent food portions
• Gradually transition food size over 1 week
• Provide fresh water daily in a shallow dish
• Ensure water is accessible but not submerged in the substrate
• Start with smaller insects for young tarantulas
• Increase insect size as they grow to adulthood

Water and Treats

Water should be available at all times, but not in the substrate to prevent mold. Treats like fruit flies or small pieces of banana can be offered once a week for variety. Always ensure treats are a small portion of the total intake. Variety in their diet can help prevent boredom and maintain their health.

Offering treats is a great way to engage your tarantula and provide mental stimulation. However, treats should be given sparingly to avoid disrupting their regular feeding routine.

• Water in a shallow dish, not in the substrate
• Treats once a week, small portion of total intake
• Offer fruit flies or banana pieces as treats
• Monitor water quality daily and refresh as needed
• Limit treats to once a week to maintain regular feeding

Common Feeding Mistakes

Overfeeding is a common mistake that can lead to health issues such as obesity and digestive problems. Always measure portions and remove uneaten food after 24 hours. Underfeeding can also be harmful, leading to malnutrition and weak immune systems. Monitor your tarantula's weight and activity levels to ensure they are receiving the right amount of food.

Another common mistake is not providing enough variety in their diet. Tarantulas can become bored with the same food day after day. Offering a variety of insects can help keep them engaged and healthy.

• Overfeeding can lead to obesity and digestive problems
• Remove uneaten food after 24 hours to prevent spoilage
• Underfeeding can cause malnutrition and weak immune systems
• Monitor weight and activity levels to adjust feeding
• Offer a variety of insects to prevent boredom
• Limit treats to once a week to maintain regular feeding

Keep reading about Tarantula: Tarantula care sheet

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