Developed with and approved by a qualified veterinarian.
This care sheet covers a variety of tarantula species, including:
Care Difficulty | Moderate |
Average Life Span | Depending on the species and with proper care: Up to 30 years (females) Up to 7 years (males) |
Average Adult Size | 2 to 10 inches, depending on species |
Diet | Carnivore/insectivore |
Minimum Habitat Size | 10-gallon |
An appropriately sized and shaped habitat at least three times their leg-span long and two times their leg-span wide is required to accommodate normal behavior and exercise. Minimum height for ground dwellers should be the length of the tarantula. Tree-dwelling tarantulas require a 10-inch minimum height.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect the habitat at least once a month, or more often if needed:
A well-balanced tarantula diet consists of:
Things to remember when feeding your tarantula:
Handling tarantulas is not recommended. If feeling threatened, they may bite or even run and fall. A short fall can cause a serious or even fatal injury.
When tarantulas molt, they lie on their back with their feet up in the air. Juveniles molt about four times a year and adults once a year. They may stop eating up to two weeks before a molt; do not disturb during this time. Be sure to remove all live food from enclosure, as even a cricket could harm them during this period.
Tarantulas are available for purchase at your local Petco location. Please call ahead to check availability.
Pink toe tarantulas are one species of tarantula that can sometimes be kept in groups if the habitat is large enough and all are well fed. House other tarantula species separately and do not house different invertebrate species together.
Signs of a healthy tarantula
Red flags (If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.)
Health Issue | Symptoms or Causes | Suggested Action |
---|---|---|
Health Issue Dehydration | Symptoms or Causes Slow moving, shriveled appearance. | Suggested Action Consult your veterinarian and ensure the proper humidity by misting the habitat more frequently. |
Health Issue Falls, injuries | Symptoms or Causes Bleeding. | Suggested Action Immediately consult your veterinarian. |
Ask a Pet Care Center employee about Petco's selection of products available for the care and happiness of your new pet. All products carry a 100% money-back guarantee.
Because all invertebrates are potential carriers of infectious diseases such as salmonella, always wash your hands before and after handling your invertebrate or habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread of disease.
Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physician before purchasing or caring for invertebrates and should consider not having an invertebrate as a pet.
Go to the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets for more information about invertebrates and disease.
The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, please contact your veterinarian as appropriate.
Sponsored
Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!