How often should I feed my tarantula to gain weight?
Feed your adult tarantula a meal every 3 to 5 days, offering 1 to 2 crickets per feeding. For young tarantulas, start with 1 to 2 small crickets every 2 to 3 days, and increase as they grow.
Feeding Schedule by Life Stage
For young tarantulas, feed every 2 to 3 days, starting with 1 to 2 small crickets. As they grow to adulthood, increase the frequency to every 3 to 5 days. Seniors may need less frequent feedings, around every 5 to 7 days, depending on their activity level and size. Transitioning from baby to adult food should be gradual, increasing the size of crickets over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. Provide fresh water in a shallow dish daily, ensuring it's accessible but not submerged in the substrate.
To maintain a healthy weight, measure the crickets before feeding to ensure consistency. Use a small cup or spoon to provide the correct portion. Treats should be given sparingly, no more than once a week, as they can disrupt the tarantula's feeding pattern.
- Young tarantulas: 1 to 2 small crickets every 2 to 3 days
- Adult tarantulas: 1 to 2 crickets every 3 to 5 days
- Seniors: 1 to 2 crickets every 5 to 7 days
- Transition period: 2 to 3 weeks for size increase
- Water: Provide daily in a shallow dish
- Crickets: Fresh, gut-loaded insects
- Treats: Once a week, sparingly
- Portion control: Use a small cup or spoon
Practical Feeding Tips
Measure the crickets before feeding to ensure consistency. Use a small cup or spoon to provide the correct portion. When transitioning to adult food, start with smaller insects and gradually increase size. Treats should be given sparingly, no more than once a week, as they can disrupt the tarantula's feeding pattern.
Monitor the tarantula's weight gain. If they're not gaining weight, consider increasing the frequency of feedings to every 3 to 5 days and consider increasing the size of the crickets. If they're gaining too much weight, reduce the portion size or frequency. Ensure the enclosure has a temperature of 72–82°F (22–28°C) and a humidity level of 40–80% for optimal digestion.
- Measure crickets before feeding
- Use a small cup or spoon for portion control
- Gradual size increase over 2 to 3 weeks
- Treats: Once a week, sparingly
- Monitor weight gain and adjust feeding accordingly
- Enclosure temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- Enclosure humidity: 40–80%
- Optimal digestion environment
Common Feeding Mistakes
Overfeeding is a common mistake. Tarantulas are not like other pets that can easily overeat. They require precise feeding to maintain a healthy weight. Underfeeding can lead to malnutrition and a weakened immune system.
Another common mistake is not providing enough water. Tarantulas need access to fresh water at all times, but it should not be submerged in the substrate to prevent drowning.
- Overfeeding: Avoid excessive portions
- Underfeeding: Ensure adequate nutrition
- Water access: Provide fresh water daily
- Avoid drowning: Do not submerge water dish in substrate
- Malnutrition: Monitor weight and health
- Weakened immune system: Maintain balanced diet
Spotting Feeding Issues
If your tarantula is not gaining weight, it may be due to underfeeding or an issue with the type of food provided. Check the size and frequency of the crickets, and ensure they are gut-loaded with nutrients.
If your tarantula is gaining too much weight, it may be due to overfeeding. Reduce the portion size or frequency of feedings to help them maintain a healthy weight.
Observe the tarantula's behavior and appearance for signs of health. A lack of appetite or changes in behavior can indicate a problem with their diet or overall health.
- Lack of weight gain: Check feeding frequency and cricket size
- Excessive weight gain: Reduce portion size or frequency
- Behavioral changes: Monitor appetite and activity levels
- Nutrient-rich food: Use gut-loaded crickets
- Health observation: Regularly check for signs of illness
Keep reading about Tarantula: Tarantula care sheet
Related questions
How much should I feed my baby tarantula?
Start with 1 to 2 small crickets every 2 to 3 days. As they grow, gradually increase the frequency to every 3 to 5 days.
What should I do if my tarantula is not gaining weight?
Increase the frequency of feedings to every 3 to 5 days and consider increasing the size of the crickets. Ensure the crickets are gut-loaded with nutrients.
How often should I feed my senior tarantula?
Feed every 5 to 7 days, depending on their activity level and size. Monitor their weight and adjust the frequency if necessary.
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.