Did you know that some people keep tarantulas as pets? These fascinating creatures might seem scary, but many are surprisingly gentle and low-maintenance. Choosing a pet spider is a big decision! You want a companion that fits your lifestyle and that you can care for properly. Many potential owners worry about handling, feeding, or finding the right habitat for their eight-legged friend.
This guide will clear up those worries. We will explore the best beginner-friendly spider species. You will learn exactly what each type needs to thrive in your home. Stop guessing about temperature and humidity levels. By the end of this post, you will have the clear knowledge to confidently select and care for your very own pet spider.
Top Pet Spiders Recommendations
- RC Tarantula: Skitter around and spook friends and family with a giant remote control spider (batteries included).
- Features: Easy-to-use remote, moving legs, and light-up LED eyes.
- Manoeuvrable: The RC spider moves quickly and does an awesome 360° spin.
- Fun Fact: Real tarantulas are big and scary-looking (and hairy), but are generally harmless to humans.
- Dunbarn, Edward (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 106 Pages - 11/05/2019 (Publication Date) - Zoodoo Publishing (Publisher)
- 3 toys for 3 times the fun
- Loud Squeaker in each toy
- Each Toy approx: Green Spider: 4.5" h x 6.5" w Purple Spider: 4.5" h x 6.5" w Black Spider: 4.5" h x 6.5" w
- Great for fetch and play
- Hideout for Jumping Spiders: This hide is specifically designed for jumping spiders and other pet spiders, offering them a safe and comfortable place to rest and hide.
- Decoration: With its attractive design, the hide adds a decorative element to your spider's enclosure, making it more visually appealing.
- Anlter Pet Spider Hideout: The hide is made with quality materials to ensure durability and long-lasting use.
- Easy to Install: It can be easily placed inside the enclosure, providing a quick and convenient setup for your pet spider.
- Boutsianis, Wendy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 109 Pages - 10/25/2023 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Natural & Effective Spider Repellent – Formulated with a powerful blend of plant-based essential oils like peppermint oil, clove oil, lemongrass oil, and vinegar extract, these spider repellent pouches naturally deter spiders and crawling insects. Keep your home, garage, basement, and storage areas spider-free without toxic sprays.
- Long-Lasting Protection – Each spider deterrent pouch provides up to 30–60 days of continuous protection. With 10 pouches included, you get full coverage for your entire home, office, RV, car, or cabin. Replace when the scent fades for year-round spider away.
- Safe for Homes and Pets – Our spider repellent indoor is safe to use around children, cats, dogs, and other pets. A natural solution that protects your family and the environment while keeping spiders away.
- Easy to Use – Simply place or hang each pouch in spider-prone areas such as closets, attics, windows, doors, or under sinks. No complicated traps or messy sprays required
- Reads, Animal (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 78 Pages - 10/07/2022 (Publication Date) - Admore Publishing (Publisher)
- 1. Jumping spider enclosure mushroom ledges, for your jumping spider or other arboreal pet. With 1 pet bowl you can put food or water in it. Strong magnet to secure the enclosure.
- 2. This Jumping spider accesorries is the perfect accessories for your pet jumping spider, whether it’s looking for a snug place to snooze, or just hang out.
- 3. Strong magnets are inserted inside, guaranteeing that the aesthetics will not be affected during installation, and making them perfect as decorative accessories in small animal enclosures.
- 4. Made of safe material, safe for your spider babies.
Choosing Your Eight-Legged Friend: A Pet Spider Buying Guide
Thinking about welcoming a spider into your home? Pet spiders are fascinating, low-maintenance companions. This guide helps you pick the right one and the right gear. We focus on making smart choices for both you and your new arachnid pal.
Key Features to Look For in a Pet Spider
When buying a spider, look closely at a few important features. These signs tell you if the spider is healthy and suitable for a beginner or an expert.
Health Indicators
- Active Movement: A healthy spider moves smoothly and quickly when disturbed. Lethargic or slow spiders might be sick.
- Good Body Shape: Check its abdomen (the back part). It should look plump, not shriveled or flat. A shriveled abdomen often means dehydration or starvation.
- Intact Legs: Ensure all legs are present and look strong. Missing legs can happen, but many missing legs suggest poor care previously.
Species Suitability
Different spiders need different care. Beginners should start with docile, hardy species like the Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula. Expert keepers might choose fast, defensive, or medically significant species like the Ornamental Tarantula.
Important Materials for Spider Housing
The enclosure, or habitat, is crucial. You need the right materials to keep your spider safe and happy.
Enclosure Materials
- Clear Acrylic or Glass: These materials let you see your spider clearly. Glass tanks work well for larger species. Plastic or acrylic containers are lighter and often cheaper for smaller spiders.
- Secure Lid: Spiders are escape artists! The lid must lock tightly. Mesh lids are okay for ventilation but ensure the holes are too small for the spider to squeeze through.
- Substrate: This is the bedding at the bottom. Coconut fiber (coir) or peat moss are excellent choices. They hold moisture well, which many spiders need. Avoid wood shavings like pine or cedar, as they can release harmful fumes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your spider and its setup directly affects its lifespan and happiness.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Proper Humidity and Temperature: Research your specific spider’s needs. Some need dry air; others need high humidity. Heating mats placed *outside* the enclosure can help maintain warmth if your room is too cold.
- Hiding Spots: Every spider needs a place to feel safe. Cork bark, half coconut shells, or commercially made hides improve the spider’s sense of security.
- Consistent Feeding Schedule: Providing appropriately sized, gut-loaded feeder insects (like crickets or roaches) on a regular schedule ensures good nutrition.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Things to Avoid)
- Overwatering: Too much moisture breeds mold and bacteria, which harms spiders. Always allow the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Rough Handling: Spiders are display pets, not cuddle pets. Rough handling often results in dropped spiders or defensive kicks/bites.
- Wrong Sizing: A small spider in a huge tank feels exposed and stressed. A large spider in a small tank will struggle to find food and water.
User Experience and Use Cases
What is it like owning a pet spider? The experience varies widely based on the spider type and your expectations.
Beginner Experience (Docile Tarantulas)
For most first-time owners, the experience is hands-off observation. You watch them molt (shed their skin), eat, and rearrange their homes. They offer quiet, fascinating entertainment. Setup is usually simple: a small tank, substrate, water dish, and a hide.
Advanced Experience (Fast or Arboreal Species)
Owners of arboreal (tree-dwelling) spiders or very fast species focus more on habitat design—providing climbing branches and monitoring vertical space. These spiders require faster reflexes when feeding or cleaning because they move quickly.
Pet Spider Buying Guide FAQs
Q: How often do I need to feed my pet spider?
A: Most adult tarantulas eat once every one to two weeks. Spiderlings (babies) eat more often, maybe two or three times a week. Always remove uneaten food promptly.
Q: Do all pet spiders bite?
A: Yes, all spiders can bite, but most pet tarantulas bite only if severely provoked or handled roughly. Some species also flick irritating hairs (urticating hairs) as a defense instead of biting.
Q: What is the most important thing for a spider’s water dish?
A: The water dish must always have fresh water. For large spiders, the dish should be shallow so they cannot drown. For small spiders, you can moisten a small piece of cotton ball instead of using a dish.
Q: How long do pet spiders live?
A: Lifespans vary greatly. Female tarantulas can live for 15 to 30 years, depending on the species. Male tarantulas usually live much shorter lives, often only a few years after reaching maturity.
Q: Should I buy a spider that is already an adult?
A: Beginners often benefit from buying a spiderling or juvenile. Adults are more established, but they cost more, and you miss out on watching them grow.
Q: What is molting, and what should I do when it happens?
A: Molting is when the spider sheds its old skin to grow larger. During this time, the spider is very vulnerable. Do not feed it or try to handle it. Leave it completely alone until its new exoskeleton hardens, which can take several days or weeks.
Q: Are special lights needed for pet spiders?
A: No. Spiders do not need special UV or heat lamps like reptiles do. Room temperature light is usually sufficient. Too much light can stress them out, as most are nocturnal.
Q: Where is the best place to buy a pet spider?
A: Purchase spiders from reputable local pet stores that specialize in exotics or from established online breeders. This ensures you get a healthy spider with known lineage.
Q: Can I keep two spiders in the same tank?
A: Absolutely not. Almost all spiders are solitary creatures. Keeping them together will result in one spider eating the other. They must live alone.
Q: What if my spider escapes?
A: Stay calm. Spiders usually hide in dark, quiet places close to the ground, like under furniture or behind baseboards. Turn off the central vacuum and use a flashlight to search. A piece of cardboard can help gently guide it back into a container.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!