One very important fact to remember is that not all tarantulas are created equally.
After all, that's why there are species! For some species, the disparity in behavior is as significant as the disparity in color, shape and size! As a new owner, remember to exercise patience if the behavior exhibited by your pet tarantula does not concur with your expectations.
Before actually purchasing a tarantula, shop around and have a look at what is available.
When you identify one that you like, record the name and head home to do some research.
That way, you will not be met with any surprises when your tarantula displays behaviors common to its species.
Some species of tarantula are easier to care for than others.
As a beginner owner, we recommend that you start with one that is easy to care for.
Examples of the easy-to-please fellows are the Common Pink Toe, Costa Rican Striped Knee or Chilean Rose tarantula.
Is He My Type? So which species of tarantula should you really choose? Your first step should be to narrow down your choices to the species that are much easier to care for.
First timers could get into all sorts or problems if difficult, demanding or aggressive species are chosen at the onset.
Start with terrestrials, as they adapt more easily to living in confined spaces like small containers, and are happy to roam about on land.
Arboreal tarantulas are more demanding in terms of a dwelling space.
Remember they live in trees, so their living space will certainly need to have some tree-like structures to make them comfortable.
Another important recommendation is to opt for captive bred tarantulas versus wild caught tarantulas.
Captive bred tarantulas are already accustomed to living in a restricted environment, so taking them home would not be much of a culture shock for them, provided the conditions are similar to those at the breeder's location.
Wild caught tarantulas often react negatively to being caged and end up stressed, which can make them sick and cause them to die.
Tarantulas do not like to be handled - nor should they be because they have fragile structures that can be easily damaged if squeezed too hard.
So if you happened to be looking for a creepy crawler to join you at the blackjack table or on the kitchen counter while you prep the vegetables, you should probably choose a different pet! Watch them all day if you want...
they really don't care.
But being picked up and moved about aggravates them, making them prone to taking defensive actions because they feel threatened.
It is also important to note that all tarantulas - even the captive bred ones - are wild creatures.
They all possess the wildlife instincts, which will never go away, no matter how many years they are caged for.
Tarantulas are not meant to be tamed like common household pets such as cats or dogs, nor can they be.
If you see your new pet rolling over and playing dead, please don't think it is exhibiting the ability to learn new tricks, because it is not.
Rolling on their backs and remaining still is a sign that tarantulas are getting ready to molt - not entertain!
After all, that's why there are species! For some species, the disparity in behavior is as significant as the disparity in color, shape and size! As a new owner, remember to exercise patience if the behavior exhibited by your pet tarantula does not concur with your expectations.
Before actually purchasing a tarantula, shop around and have a look at what is available.
When you identify one that you like, record the name and head home to do some research.
That way, you will not be met with any surprises when your tarantula displays behaviors common to its species.
Some species of tarantula are easier to care for than others.
As a beginner owner, we recommend that you start with one that is easy to care for.
Examples of the easy-to-please fellows are the Common Pink Toe, Costa Rican Striped Knee or Chilean Rose tarantula.
Is He My Type? So which species of tarantula should you really choose? Your first step should be to narrow down your choices to the species that are much easier to care for.
First timers could get into all sorts or problems if difficult, demanding or aggressive species are chosen at the onset.
Start with terrestrials, as they adapt more easily to living in confined spaces like small containers, and are happy to roam about on land.
Arboreal tarantulas are more demanding in terms of a dwelling space.
Remember they live in trees, so their living space will certainly need to have some tree-like structures to make them comfortable.
Another important recommendation is to opt for captive bred tarantulas versus wild caught tarantulas.
Captive bred tarantulas are already accustomed to living in a restricted environment, so taking them home would not be much of a culture shock for them, provided the conditions are similar to those at the breeder's location.
Wild caught tarantulas often react negatively to being caged and end up stressed, which can make them sick and cause them to die.
Tarantulas do not like to be handled - nor should they be because they have fragile structures that can be easily damaged if squeezed too hard.
So if you happened to be looking for a creepy crawler to join you at the blackjack table or on the kitchen counter while you prep the vegetables, you should probably choose a different pet! Watch them all day if you want...
they really don't care.
But being picked up and moved about aggravates them, making them prone to taking defensive actions because they feel threatened.
It is also important to note that all tarantulas - even the captive bred ones - are wild creatures.
They all possess the wildlife instincts, which will never go away, no matter how many years they are caged for.
Tarantulas are not meant to be tamed like common household pets such as cats or dogs, nor can they be.
If you see your new pet rolling over and playing dead, please don't think it is exhibiting the ability to learn new tricks, because it is not.
Rolling on their backs and remaining still is a sign that tarantulas are getting ready to molt - not entertain!
Source...