So, Your Kid Wants a Tarantula? Check-in With This Guide First!

Right off the bat, tarantulas are spiders. But they are a special kind of spider. This six-legged creature sparked quite the interest due to their calm nature and are now being mass-adopted as pets. With that being said, tarantulas can also be temperamental. Having them as an adult versus as a kid is different and parents could be skeptical thinking about the prospect of their child owning one. In this article, we will be discussing just that, as well as the factors you should keep in mind before getting them a tarantula.

Do They Make Good Pets?

Some tarantulas can make great pets for kids; however, this depends on the breed. The tarantulas we will be covering in this article are ideal for kids. They are truly amazing animals that are always a marvel to behold. Tarantulas are cheap to acquire and do not need a large tank to thrive. They are silent, easy to feed, and highly resistant. They can also be long-term or short-term animals. Male tarantulas live for around 4 years and females can live for more than 20 years. 

How to Feed a Tarantula?

Tarantulas are carnivores. So, they can consume nearly everything in the forest. Usually, they hunt invertebrates such as cockroaches, crabs, or crickets.

You can choose to collect insects on your own to feed your tarantula. But as a kid-friendly approach, you can get tubes of big insects that feed your spider. If your local store does not store them, you can even acquire them online. In this scenario, the only factor is how comfortable you are handling these creatures. Before you take your tarantula home, make sure you and your kid can be comfortable feeding them!

How to Take Care of a Tarantula?

The fact that it requires minimal time to keep tarantulas is one of the vital reasons people keep them as pets. They are different from training your new puppy. You don’t have to wash them or feed them once a week. They even go on a fasting period where they are most comfortable when left alone. Tarantulas are perfectly content to be left alone. 

What Equipment Do I Need?

Another advantage is that you do not need much equipment to keep a tarantula. You will need a safe cage for them, of course. While many people use glass or plastic reptile cages, plastic shoe boxes or other food containers can also be used. Ensure that the cage is resistant to escape and provides proper ventilation. 

Fill the foundation of the enclosure with a suitable substrate, such as compost, topsoil,  or cocoon fiber, and add a tiny piece of wood or paper to provide cover for your tarantula.

Best Tarantula Breeds for Kids?

There’s an awesome array of various tarantulas available in pet shops. But when you acquire one for your child, you must choose one which moves slowly and is gentle; this will make your life much easier as a new tarantula owner. 

To help make your life easier, we are giving you some details about some of the most kid-friendly tarantula breeds available. 

1. Brazilian Black Tarantula

One of the greatest starting spiders is the Brazilian Black Tarantula. It is renowned for its docile temperament. This species is recognized for its peaceful and gentle nature. They’re not fast and not easily frightened. These tarantulas from Brazil are known for their jet-black color. They are among the most docile exotic animals and are highly desired for their beautiful, aesthetic black color. Brazilian tarantulas grow in captivity. Often they are difficult to find since they have grown quite a fanbase. Enthusiasts of this breed buy them the minute they are available. 

2. Brachypelma albopilosum

The Brachypelma albopilosum, also known as the “Honduran Curly Hair,” is known for its peaceful nature and ease of care. There is hardly any complaint of hair-kicking or threats from people who own them. This species is easily available in the store and often freebies are included with slings, thus it is not a costly species to be purchased. Moreover, their curly small hair makes them very adorable (talk about a bad hair day, but they’re always rocking it!).

3. Chilean Rose Tarantula

Chilean rose tarantulas are recognized for their diverse colors ranging from light tan to rose brown. They are also recognized as gentle and obedient; however, they should not be handled frequently since they can become rather fussy. They are tarantulas requiring minimum maintenance. They cannot be fed frequently, like most tarantulas, and require little room. They are also quite robust and not very sensitive to heat changes, thus they can live at room temperature. How perfect is that!

4. Greenbottle Blue Tarantula

Greenbottle blue tarantulas are renowned for their green, blue, orange, and royal blue legs. It’s a lovely pet tarantula many owners want! It certainly makes every room brighter. It is found on the north coast of Venezuela, in the Paraguaná Peninsula. Often they live in desert environments or grasslands. Greenbottle blues aren\’t the most placid spiders, but they aren\’t very protective. Although they are a nervous species, any beginner can still take care of them and develop them as an awesome pet.

5. Antilles Pink Toe Tarantula

Tarantula owners love them because of their distinct looks. The ends of their legs are bright pink or orange, but most of the spider is black or brown. Their body may also have blue, green, or magenta surfaces. These tropical spiders are Martinique-born but are usually grown in captivity. 

To keep them as pets, get yourself a big tank. These tarantulas are tree inhabitants and therefore live best with branches or cork for climbing. Another unique trait of this spider is that it requires a high moisture content of about 80%. Pink toes are highly colorful and easy to look after. They are the best mixture of all attributes that tarantula owners seek.

Tarantulas make amazing pets. They are low maintenance and excellent for your kids. They are also perfect if you want a calm pet who doesn’t require frequent check-ins. It is always important to check in with your nearest pet store to learn more about the breed you are purchasing. Although we mentioned kid-friendly tarantulas here, be sure to always watch them and provide adult supervision. Have fun and work hard to make your new pet\’s life easier with you and your kids. Thank you for reading!