Tarantulas

From Pets Wiki

Tarantulas. To many the name brings up monstrous spiders, with poison that could kill people. Most tarantulas, however, dont have that kinda of poison. Sure, maybe a rash and it will probably hurt alot if you get bit, but not much unless your allergic to their venom. Deffinatly have a doctor check you out first. Some tarantulas are quite gentle to handle, and some are even beatiful.

[edit] Basic information

There are two types of tarantulas, Burrowing and Tree-climbing. Burrowers need habitats with good amount of ground space but short walls. Similar to a shoe box. They also burrow alot. Tree climbers need less ground space but a taller cage. They are the type that crawl up the cage and across the top. Many tarantulas have Itching Hairs, which are on their stomache. If they feel threatened they can flick them onto people. They get stuck in your skin and itch really bad. If you ever handle your tarantulas, handle them over something soft, like a bed. Never let them fall, because if they hit the ground their exoskeleton will crack. They usually eat stuff like small crickets. When they get larger it is optional to feed them pinky mice, but not reccomended. They do NOT have salmonella, for those who are curious. They dont eat meat, they just suction all their fluids out, like a vampire. Crickets are reccomended to be fed, so that your tarantulas are healthier. They often molt, which means they shed their skin and have a new one. Careful not to 'help' them along when they molt, as it may mess up their natural process. Well, I hope this is enough to get you interested in a pet tarantula. Good luck!