Top Beginner Tarantula Keeping Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them!)

Introduction

Starting your tarantula-keeping journey can be exciting, but beginners often make avoidable mistakes that can impact the health and well-being of their spider. Learning from these common missteps can save you time, money, and frustration, while ensuring your tarantula thrives. Let’s explore the top mistakes beginner tarantula keepers make—and how to avoid them!

1. Choosing the Wrong Species

The Mistake: Many beginners are tempted to start with fast or defensive species like the Cobalt Blue or Indian Ornamental due to their stunning appearance.

Why It’s a Problem: These species are challenging, requiring advanced care and enclosures. Beginners can quickly feel overwhelmed, which might discourage them from continuing the hobby.

How to Avoid It: Opt for docile and hardy species like the Chilean Rose (Grammostola rosea) or the Curly Hair (Tliltocatl albopilosus). They’re forgiving of minor mistakes and are perfect for learning.

2. Overfeeding or Underfeeding

The Mistake: Feeding schedules are often misunderstood, leading to either overfeeding or starving your tarantula. Good record keeping is key. Logging your feedings in the Arachnifiles app is a great way to make sure everyone one is feed when they should be.

Why It’s a Problem: Overfeeding can make a tarantula lethargic, while underfeeding may affect its growth and health.

How to Avoid It: Stick to a consistent schedule based on your tarantula’s size and species. Juveniles typically eat more frequently than adults, who may only need food every 7-10 days.

Pro Tip: Use Arachnifiles for feedings to keep track of meal dates and types.

3. Using the Wrong Substrate

The Mistake: Sand, gravel, or wood shavings are sometimes used as substrate, but these materials are unsuitable for tarantulas.

Why It’s a Problem: They can cause dehydration, injury, or irritation, leading to a stressed and unhealthy tarantula.

How to Avoid It: Use coco fiber, topsoil without added chemicals, or Reptisoil. These substrates hold moisture well and allow for burrowing.

Eco Earth Coco Fiber Substrate *

4. Neglecting Proper Enclosure Setup

The Mistake: Overly large enclosures, improper ventilation, or too many decorations can create a poor living environment.

Why It’s a Problem: A tarantula can struggle to find food, suffer from poor humidity regulation, or risk injury from climbing.

How to Avoid It: Choose an enclosure proportional to your tarantula’s size, prioritize horizontal space for terrestrial species, and add minimal but functional decorations like hides and water dishes.

Tarantula Cribs Enclosures

Exo Terra Tarantula Enclosure *

5. Handling Too Frequently

The Mistake: New owners often want to hold their tarantula regularly to bond with it.

Why It’s a Problem: Tarantulas don’t enjoy being handled—they’re fragile and prone to injury if dropped, and handling can cause them unnecessary stress.

How to Avoid It: Appreciate your tarantula as a display pet. Interact safely by observing and maintaining its enclosure.

6. Ignoring Humidity and Temperature Requirements

The Mistake: Beginners often assume all tarantulas thrive in the same conditions, leading to improper care.

Why It’s a Problem: Incorrect humidity or temperature can lead to dehydration, molting issues, or even death.

How to Avoid It: Research your tarantula’s natural habitat and mimic those conditions. Use a digital thermometer and hygrometer for accuracy.

Reptile Thermometer & Hygrometer *

Conclusion

Tarantulas are low-maintenance pets, but avoiding these beginner mistakes is crucial to their health and your success as a keeper. With the right knowledge and tools, you’ll grow into a confident tarantula enthusiast in no time.