Tarantula Enclosures – Steps to build Enclosure for Tarantula

Do you want to build your very own tarantula enclosures? Now let’s talk about how to create your very own tarantula habitat. Tarantulas are great pets, and a big part of the joy of tarantula keeping is giving a good home for your tarantula. A new tarantula owner has lots of questions about enclosures (also known as terrariums or vivariums) that need answers.

Exotic pets like tarantulas are best purchased from specialized dealers that know exactly what they’re doing and what kind of information to give you in order to ensure your tarantula’s healthy well-being. Tarantulas thrive in a proper tarantula cage setup. These arachnids have a territorial instinct that requires that they adapt to their new environment when they move from the pet store enclosure to their new home. 

There are 7 steps that will guide you to set up your tarantula enclosure accurately:

Choosing the right terrarium

To build a good tarantula cage, you need to start with the right enclosure. There are about 800 species of tarantulas, and you can split them up into two categories: terrestrial and arboreal. Ground-dwelling terrestrial tarantulas live on the ground and burrow in the ground, in which case they are called fossorial. These animals should have enclosures that are taller than they are wide. If they climb too close to the top of the tank, they may get hurt. It is best to allow them to climb a bit before getting out. A terrestrial tarantula needs a container that’s at least four times the size of the tarantula’s full-grown. Plastic containers are safe to use; they’re not the most attractive option.

When you buy this clear plastic container, you’ll get a lid that keeps moisture in and fresh air out, and you can use this as a storage container or you can use it too. For an adult tarantula, your terrarium should be at least 2 to 2-1/2 feet wide. Tarantula spiders that live in trees climb to their highest level and require enclosures that are higher than the height of the tree. The container should be wider than it is tall, as shown in the intro picture above. A good enclosure for a tarantula will be one that is not too big so that the tarantula can find and catch its food. Arboreal tarantulas need larger enclosures for breeding and feeding. Use a five-gallon enclosure for mature specimens.

Place items inside the terrarium

 A good tarantula cage should include hiding areas for your pet and also have a substrate, such as a coconut fiber, for them to crawl in. You’ll also need to place in the terrarium the following: 

• Rocks
• Trees
• Bark
• Tank decor

Substrate

Most enclosures should include at least one to three inches of substrate and more if it is a fossorial tarantula. These are also called “secondary” products and they mostly increase the visual appeal of the aquarium. The substrate in the aquarium should cover at least 60% of the top surface of the aquarium. Tarantulas can climb trees, but arboreal tarantulas enjoy doing so.

Get appropriate lighting

 Tarantulas do not need specific lighting to make their natural habitat look as it does in nature. It is best to keep your turtle’s terrarium in a room that is dark, such as a closet. The natural light in your room should provide enough lighting for your pet spider. Putting a light in the terrarium is for your own amusement, so you can watch the tarantula at night when the lights are off. If you’re looking for the best spot for a tarantula to live in your apartment, choose a room that receives direct sunlight or an area with some natural light If you’re planning to put up a light in your house, you might as well choose a warm-colored light, like a red light.

Maintain adequate moisture

 To set up an effective and safe home for your tarantula, it’s important to keep the humidity level inside the habitat at a level that is suitable for your species. To get a good reading, use a humidity gauge. It’s important to have a quality humidity gauge, as the air conditioner may not remove enough moisture from the air. Generally speaking, terrestrial tarantulas tend to enjoy lower humidity levels than arboreal tarantulas that live in rainforests.

Many desert tarantulas need a humid atmosphere to survive, but the climate of some arboreal species requires them to be exposed to higher levels of humidity. This is critical because if the enclosure gets too dry, the tarantula may die the next time it molds. It’s very important that the enclosure stays dry so the heat lamps can work properly. If it becomes too humid, you’ll increase the risk of mold developing. Staying hydrated is the best way to keep your substrate at a good level of humidity.

Pour a little water into the tank, allowing it to absorb the moisture. You can use a misting fan to increase the humidity level temporarily, but only use this method when it’s hot outside. If your terrarium has a light, you might consider placing the water dish below the light. That will help prevent the plant from getting direct light. During the night, the red light should help evaporate water from the dish. This will add moisture to the air, making it more comfortable to breathe.

Keep the temperature constant

It’s also very important to keep your tarantula cage at the right temperature. Make sure the interior of the terrarium is comfortable at 70 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In North America, the standard room temperature is about 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Tarantulas will often stay active after sunset. While they are inactive at night, it is unlikely they will become overheated. They won’t need heating pads, heating rocks, heating mats, or heating lamps. It’s important to keep your room warm and dry for your pets. At night, it’s likely to get a little cooler. Don’t use heating pads, heating rocks, heating mats, and heating lamps. They create hot spots that are too intense for a tarantula. If the temperature is too cold, a heater can bring that room back to its usual temperature.

Prepare food and water for your tarantula enclosures

 A tarantula’s basic needs are simple and easy to provide. Tarantulas eat almost nothing except insects. Tarantulas do not require frequent feeding or water. They primarily eat insects. Some of the most common options are: 

• Crickets
• Grasshoppers
• Locusts
• Moths
• Cockroaches
• Worms

Many tarantula owners feed their pets insects to give them more protein in their diet. Tarantulas can also be fed a variety of insect pests, from wasps to cockroaches. If you’re raising crickets for food, make sure that the insects receive a varied diet of green leafy plants, fish flakes, and even reptile food. Tarantulas get most of their moisture from the food that they eat. Water for them may come in many forms, such as rain, ice cubes, a fresh bowl of water, and a bowl of melted snow. Put a shallow dish with fresh water. Tarantulas love a good drink, but they need to submerge their fangs and chelicera to get it. If you are afraid that it will float away, you should add a few pebbles at the bottom of the dish.

Make environment interesting

 When you first bring the tarantula home, it comes in a small container. One of the easiest ways to move a spider into a new home is to set it in a terrarium. You may need to gently nudge the spider into its new home using a straw, or a pen. Make sure the container you use is big enough to fit the tarantula’s entire body, and do not use anything that is too wide. If you have a tarantula in your home, all you need to do is place a piece of paper over the spider and let it drop on the floor. You can also add a bottle to your terrarium if you need to move a sling or a juvenile more quickly.

Plastic soda pop bottles make great spider-catchers because the base is wide, which makes it easier to cover fast-moving spiders. You can’t always count on things going smoothly, so be prepared for things to go awry if you want to keep the tarantula in your collection. Close the door to the room where the terrarium is set up. It’s important that the tarantula’s habitat is ready when you bring it home. Check and adjust the temperature and humidity settings to maintain a steady temperature and moisture. A burrowing spider should be transferred to a suitable substrate. Use your finger to dig a small hole to let the spider know it’s perfect for burrowing.

How often should I clean my tarantula enclosures?

Check the water bowl for mold regularly to prevent it from becoming a problem. Clean up any debris, such as cricket parts or old substrate, as needed. You should clean your tarantula’s terrarium at least every four to six months. You’ll want to replace the substrate and clean the glass. 

How often should I feed a tarantula?

The majority of tarantulas only eat one or two crickets a week. Some larger species of cricket eat up to six crickets a week. Make sure your tarantula gets enough food to keep it happy and healthy. Feed your tarantula only when it needs food.

Can I keep several tarantulas in the same terrarium?

Never, you should never keep more than one tarantula in the same habitat. Tarantulas are territorial and cannibalistic. They will try to kill each other, even if they are of the same species.

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