Tarantulas may seem like daunting creatures to handle, but with the right knowledge and care, they can make excellent pets. Handling of tarantulas requires a great deal of respect and patience, but it can be a rewarding experience. Here, we’ll discuss the basics of how to handle tarantulas safely and effectively. When handling a tarantula, it’s important to ensure you have the correct equipment. You’ll need a pair of tweezers or tongs to help you maneuver the tarantula and keep it away from your hands. You may also want to have a spray bottle of water handy in case the tarantula becomes agitated. It’s also important to be prepared with a secure container to store your tarantula when it is not being handled.
Once you’re ready to begin handling the tarantula, it’s important to remain calm and gentle. Gently scoop the tarantula up with the tweezers or tongs, and be sure to keep a steady grip. Move slowly and avoid quick motions or jerking motions, as this can be very frightening for the tarantula. The goal is to provide a safe and comfortable handling experience for the tarantula. With some practice, you’ll become a pro at handling tarantulas.
Common Species
There are many species of tarantulas found in the world, with the most common being the Mexican Redknee, Chilean Rose, and the Goliath Bird-Eater. The Mexican Redknee is a bright orange tarantula with long, black legs and a black carapace. It is native to Mexico, and is a popular pet among tarantula enthusiasts. The Chilean Rose is a hairy tarantula with a brown and black color pattern, and is native to Chile. It is also a popular pet tarantula due to its mild temperament and long lifespan. The Goliath Bird-Eater is the largest species of tarantula, and is native to South America. It has a black and brown color pattern, and is very intimidating in size.
Habitats
Tarantulas can be found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. In desert habitats, tarantulas will burrow underground to stay cool during the day and emerge at night to hunt for food. In forests, tarantulas can be found living in hollow logs, under rocks, and in the trees. Grasslands provide tarantulas with plenty of open space to hunt for food and hide from predators. Finally, urban areas are often home to tarantulas, as they can find plenty of insects to feed on in gardens and parks.
Handling Guidelines for Tarantulas
Safety
Safety is paramount when handling tarantulas. To ensure that everyone involved stays safe, it is important to use proper techniques and supplies. First, use thick, leather gloves to protect your hands from the tarantula’s fangs. This will help prevent any serious bites or stings from occurring. Secondly, use a firm, shallow container to transport the tarantula. It is important to make sure the container is not too deep to avoid the tarantula from jumping out and escaping.
Lastly, be sure to gently move the tarantula when handling it. Do not force it to move and be sure to support its body when lifting it. When handling a tarantula, it is also important to be gentle and not to cause it any undue stress. Do not hold it for too long and be sure to place it back in its container after handling. If the tarantula becomes agitated, it is best to put it back in its enclosure and leave it alone. It is also important to keep the tarantula away from other animals, both domestic and wild, as tarantulas can be dangerous if provoked. Following these guidelines when handling tarantulas will ensure everyone’s safety.
Preparing to Handle
Before attempting to handle a tarantula, you should take the time to prepare yourself and the environment. First, you should familiarize yourself with the species of the tarantula you are attempting to handle. You should know how to properly identify the individual, as well as its temperament and behaviors. It is also important to be aware of any potential health risks associated with the species, such as venom. Once you feel confident in your knowledge of the species, you should make sure to use appropriate protective gear. Thick gloves and protective eyewear should be worn at all times when handling tarantulas.
Next, you should make sure to prepare the environment in which you will be handling the tarantula. You should make sure to find a secure, enclosed area with few distractions. This will help to reduce stress levels for both you and the tarantula. The area should also be clear of any potential hazards, such as sharp objects, that could cause injury to the tarantula. As a final step, you should make sure to have a secure container for the tarantula to be placed in once it is finished being handled. By taking the time to properly prepare yourself and the environment for handling a tarantula, you can ensure that the experience is safe and stress-free for both you and the tarantula. With the proper knowledge, protective gear, and environment, you can safely handle and enjoy your tarantula.
Physical Handling
When handling a tarantula, it is important to remember that they are fragile creatures and could be injured easily. It is best to use two hands when handling these creatures, one to support the body, and the other to support the legs. This is also important to ensure that your hands are clean and free of any oils or lotions as these can damage the tarantula’s body. It is also important to remember that tarantulas can bite, and it is best to avoid placing your hands near their mouth.
It is important to handle tarantulas gently. They should be moved slowly and with care, as sudden movements can cause them to become defensive and bite or kick hairs. If the tarantula does become defensive, it is important to move it away from yourself, as this can cause it to become more agitated. It is also important to handle tarantulas in a secure area, as they can easily escape if they are placed on an open surface.
When handling a tarantula, it is important to remember to always support its body and legs. This will help to prevent the tarantula from being injured, as it can easily be damaged due to its fragile body. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the tarantula is supported at all times, as a drop from a height can cause injury or death. It is also important to be mindful of the tarantula’s needs and to ensure that it is not held for too long, as this can cause the tarantula to become stressed.
Care and Maintenance
Housing
Tarantulas require a home that can provide them with the necessary humidity, ventilation, and safety to grow and thrive. A terrarium with a secure lid is a great home for a tarantula, as it provides them with a secure, dark, and damp environment. The terrarium should be at least three times the size of the tarantula. It’s best to use a substrate such as peat moss, coconut coir, or potting soil to insure proper humidity. You should also provide a hide and a shallow water dish, as well as a few pieces of bark or cork to give your tarantula places to climb and explore.
Feeding
Tarantulas are carnivores, and they should be fed live prey. Common food items include crickets, mealworms, and other small insects. The size of the prey should be appropriate for the size of your tarantula, and you should only feed your tarantula as much as it can eat in one sitting. If you’re looking to provide your tarantula with a more varied diet. You can also offer it small pieces of cooked chicken, beef, or fish. Read more on Tarantula Feeding.
Health
The most important thing to remember is to keep your tarantula’s environment clean. This means regular spot cleaning of the terrarium, as well as full cleanings when necessary. You should also check your tarantula for parasites or mites, and make sure that the temperature and humidity levels are appropriate for your species. If you notice any signs of illness, contact your vet immediately. With proper care and maintenance, your tarantula can have a long and healthy life. Read more on care sheet for tarantulas.
Conclusion
The handling of tarantulas can be done safely as long as proper precautions are taken. It is important to remember that tarantulas are wild animals and should always be approached with caution. It is also important to be aware of the potential risks associated with handling tarantulas. Such as the potential of being bitten or exposed to venom. Proper handling techniques should be learned and followed whenever interacting with tarantulas. When handling tarantulas, gloves should always be worn and a secure container should be used to transport them. By taking these precautions, tarantulas can be handled safely and without harm.
