How to Care for Your Curly Hair Tarantula Like a Pro

Getting a pet curly-haired tarantula has never been easier, but it's important to learn the right way to care for them. Here's your crash course!

Curly-haired tarantulas may look intimidating, but they're actually a wonderful and unique pet to own. With the right care and attention, a curly-haired tarantula can be a great companion for years to come. Here's what you need to know about properly caring for your new pet!

Understand the Habitat Needs 

Having the right habitat for your curly-haired tarantula is important. The enclosure should be large enough to allow them room to move and explore, but should not be overcrowded. Aim for an enclosure that has at least eight times more floor space than the width of your tarantula’s body. Since tarantulas like humidity, try including a shallow water dish with damp peat moss or coco fiber in it to help keep the humidity level high. Ensure that the habitat is well ventilated and includes plenty of hiding places, like pieces of cork bark or other natural objects that can mimic their natural environment.

Provide Fresh, Live Food Regularly 

Curly-haired tarantulas can live off fresh, live food, like crickets and mealworms. Ensure that you provide your tarantula with these live foods regularly. You may need to supplement the food with nutritional powders or gel diets to make sure they are getting the nutrition they need. Additionally, consider providing some occasional treats, such as waxworms and other small insects.

Maintain a High Humidity Level 

Curly-haired tarantulas do not need special environmental conditions to be happy, but they do require a high level of humidity. Keep the humidity between 70 and 80%, measured with a hygrometer or moisture meter. To maintain this humidity level, misting their enclosure once a week should suffice. Be careful not to over-mist, as this may cause the enclosure to become too humid and can lead to respiratory problems in your tarantula.

Monitor Temperature and Feeding Schedule

Curly-haired tarantulas are most comfortable in temperatures ranging from 75 - 85 F (24 to 30 C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature in your enclosure and make sure it doesn't get too hot or too cool. A low-powered under tank heater may be needed if your house is particularly cold. As for feeding, tarantulas should be fed about once a week, depending on their size, with crickets or mealworms as a main staple. Make sure to remove any uneaten prey from the enclosure after an hour otherwise they may start eating the tarantula’s legs!

Use Serious Caging Techniques for Safety

Tarantulas should always be kept in an enclosure that is escape-proof. A terrarium with a vented lid or a plastic aquarium with a secure top is best. Screen tops are not suitable as tarantulas can push through even the smallest holes. Sand, bark, or other arid-type substrates should also be provided so your tarantula can construct a burrow and hide inside when it wants to be alone.

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What You Should Know Before Getting a Curly Hair Tarantula

Considering adding a curly hair tarantula to your home? Before you make the commitment, it's important to understand their unique needs, diet, and how to properly care for them. Read on to learn more about this fascinating species and decide if they are right for you.

Learn About the Curly Hair Tarantula's Temperament.

Curly hair tarantulas are known to be very docile creatures, so they make excellent pets for first-time arachnid owners. They are typically not aggressive and rarely bite humans. However, they may display defensive postures, including leg rubbing and curling their spines when they are startled or feel threatened, so it's important to move slowly and carefully around them.

Research What a Curly Hair Tarantula Needs in its Environment.

A curly hair tarantula requires a specific environment in order to thrive. Before bringing one home, you should research the necessary components of their terrarium. The ideal habitat should include adequate space, appropriate substrate, and temperature control with an adjustable thermostat. Make sure you can create a safe and comfortable habitat for your pet before making the commitment of adoption.

Know How Big It Gets and What to Feed It.

Curly hair tarantulas can reach up to 5-6 inches in leg span as adults, making them one of the larger species of tarantula. As for feeding, you should choose foods with soft exoskeletons for your curly hair tarantula pet such as small crickets, mealworms and roaches. Feeding them with an appropriate sized food item is essential—if the prey is too large, it risks injuring the tarantula as it attempts to eat it.

Consider Your Facility for Housing the Curly Hair Tarantula.

The key to a healthy and happy curly hair tarantula is providing the right enclosure. An aquarium with a secure, tight-fitting lid works best. For substrate, you should use eco earth or vermiculite with a dish of water, as curly hair tarantulas are very prone to dehydration. Consider also adding a hide (made from bark) and branches for your pet to navigate between and climb on. You should also keep your tarantula’s enclosure humid at all times by using a mister or spray bottle aimed into the corner of the tank

Do Regular Maintenance and Keep an Eye Out for Health Concerns.

As with any pet, routine maintenance of your curly hair tarantula’s enclosure is important. Doing regular cleaning and checking for signs of stress or health problems can help ensure a happy, healthy tarantula. Be on the lookout for signs like loss of appetite or quivering as these can indicate that something may be wrong. Additionally, molting's are completely normal but should always be monitored to make sure it goes normally.

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