Alan's arthropods & trips

• About: Widely known as the largest spider in the world. They're known to be rather aggressive and their urticating hairs are some of the worst. They require high humidity and temperature.
• Origin: Rainforests of Brasil.
• Classification: New World
• Burrower/Terrestrial/Arboreal: Terrestrial, but may burrow or even climb.
• Rate of Growth: Very fast
• Adult Size: 25cm-28cm

• Housing:

Spiderlings: Small jars, deli cups, small plastic Tupperware containers, vials can be used for very small specimens. Once the spiderling 's leg span reaches half the diameter of the enclosure, it is time to move it to a larger container. Be sure to make air holes in the container.

Juveniles: Smaller Critter Keepers or other smaller pre-made plastic enclosures, up to 20 liter aquariums.

Adults: Larg Critter Keeper, other pre-made plastic enclosure, or 40 liter aquariums. Many cages can be purchased that have more floor space than height.

NOTE: Try and avoid allowing the spider to fall more than 1.5 times it 's body length should it climb to the top of the enclosure.

NOTE: Avoid woven mesh cage tops as the tarantula's claws can get caught in the mesh.

• Temperament:

Very defensive and fast, be extremely careful for urticating bristles. This species is notorious for kicking and hissing when disturbed.

• Humidity:

High 80% - 90%. Plastic or sandwich wrap can be put on 80% of the top of the cage to raise humidity levels and help maintain them.
A moist towel can also be placed over a portion of the top of the cage to keep humidity up in dry conditions, or the sides of the cage can be lightly misted (DO NOT mist the spider directly) to maintain humidity.

• Temperature:

Moderate 20-28 degrees, fluctuations are tolerated as long as temperatures return too normal shortly. (Room temperature should be fine ~22 degrees during day).

• Feeding/Drinking:

Spiderlings: Pinhead crickets or baby cockroaches, cut up portions of larger crickets or crickets. The substrate can be dampened, or small amounts of water dribbled down the side of the enclosure for moisture is all that is needed because spiderlings get most of their fluids from their food.

Juveniles: Staple diet of big crickets or cockroaches, nothing larger than the tarantula's abdomen. A big water dish is a necessity and should be kept full of fresh water at all times.

Adults: Crickets, Mealworms, Cockroaches, Superworms, Moths or a Pinky Mouse or Anole Lizard thrown in for variety.

NOTE: Try and acquire all food items from pet stores as to avoid the possibility of pesticide-infected food, which can kill your tarantula.

NOTE: If the tarantula has not accepted it's food item in 24 hours time, remove it and try again later.

• Substrate:

Spiderlings: 2 cm of peat moss, potting soil, or a mixture of the two.

Juveniles: 5 - 7 cm of peat moss, potting soil, a mixture of the two, and you can add some vermiculite to the substrate to help keep humidity up.

Adults: 7 - 12 cm of peat moss, potting soil, a mixture of the two, and you can add some vermiculite to the substrate to help keep humidity up.

NOTE: Be sure that anything you buy to use as a substrate has no additives, fertilizers, or pesticides in them, as they can be harmful to your tarantula.

• Suggested Cage Furnishings:

Cork bark, half buried flowerpot laid lengthwise, half of a coconut shell, or fake plastic or silk plants. All tarantulas should be given something to hide in or under so they feel secure.

NOTE: Cedar is especially poisonous to all invertebrates and should never be used in a tarantula's enclosure.

NOTE: Do not use anything sharp or jagged such as cactus that could potentially harm your tarantula.