New Tarantula Keepers
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you just got your first tarantula, are new to the hobby, or maybe you're thinking of getting your first tarantula, this information is for you!
Your First Tarantula
What To Expect When You're Expecting a Spiderling
So you just picked up your 1st tarantula or you're thinking about ordering a tarantula online. It can be intimidating trying to learn everything you need to know to care for a tarantula, not to mention learning all about the different types of species. In this video I will go over the different types and classifications of tarantulas and give you a good head start on picking the tarantula that is right for you and some basic info on how best to keep each type of tarantula. I also included some tips for first time tarantula keepers and a little insight into my experiences keeping spiderlings. So if you want to know how to care for a tarantula, this is the perfect place to start.
Starting Your Journey as a Tarantula Keeper
Welcome to the world of tarantula keeping. Whether you are just getting started or still trying to decide if a tarantula is the right pet for you, this page is here to help you build the knowledge and confidence you need. The videos below cover the basics every new keeper should understand, from what makes tarantulas different from other spiders to proper care, feeding, and the mistakes you want to avoid early on. Tarantulas can seem intimidating at first, but with the right information and setup, they are some of the easiest and most fascinating exotic pets you can keep. So let’s start with the basics. What exactly makes a tarantula different from other spiders?
What's the DIFFERENCE Between Tarantulas & Spiders?
All tarantulas are spiders, but not all spiders are tarantulas. So what is the difference? What makes tarantulas separate from other types of spiders? What do they have in common? What exactly IS a tarantula? Those questions AND MORE are answered in this video.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what a tarantula is and what makes them unique, the next step for a lot of new keepers is actually getting one. Buying a tarantula is not usually as simple as walking into a pet store. In most cases, ordering from a reputable online breeder or dealer is the better way to go. But how do you know which sellers you can trust, and what should you look for when choosing your first tarantula? In the next video, we are going to break down everything you need to know about buying a tarantula online, from finding reliable sellers to making sure your tarantula arrives safely.
How To Buy A Pet Tarantula - Don't Get Scammed!
One question I am asked a lot, especially by new keepers or people wanting to get into the tarantula hobby, is How Do I Buy a Pet Tarantula? So in this video we are covering how to buy pet tarantulas, where to by pet tarantulas, and what to look out for an avoid so you do not get scammed, ripped off, or end up with sick or old pet tarantulas.
Once you’ve found a reputable seller and picked out your first tarantula, the real work begins. Good research is one of the most important parts of being a responsible keeper and making sure your tarantula stays healthy. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and care can vary quite a bit from one species to the next, so learning how to find accurate, science-based information is a skill that will help you right from the start. In the next video, we are going to break down how to research tarantula care properly, how to spot bad advice, and where to find reliable information you can actually trust.
How To Research Tarantula Care & Husbandry
Everyone tells you to RESEARCH your tarantula or exotic pet care BEFORE you bring your new pet home, but no one really explains how best to do that research. There is a lot of old, out dated, and incorrect information out there so it can get confusing and overwhelming. So I break down how I research the care and husbandry of tarantula species, or really any arachnid, invertebrate, reptile or amphibian, I am planning on getting in the future. Hopefully these steps will help you in your journey to learn as much about your new pet as possible so you can be the best keeper you can be and give them best life you can.
Doing your research is crucial, but putting that knowledge into practice is where things really start to come together. One of the first challenges new keepers face is feeding their tarantula, especially when dealing with tiny, fast-moving spiderlings. Unlike adult tarantulas, slings have different nutritional needs and require smaller prey items, careful feeding schedules, and the right environmental conditions to thrive. In the next video, we’ll go over everything you need to know about feeding spiderlings, from choosing the right feeder insects to making sure your little tarantula gets the nutrition it needs to grow.
How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)
One of the most stressful parts of keeping baby tarantulas, or spiderlings, is knowing when how much to feed them. Maybe you just got your first tarantula sling and you are asking yourself “How do I feed my spiderlings and scorplings?” It can be confusing and a little worrisome and stressful trying to find small enough prey that your tiny spider will eat that will not hurt them. Not to mention figuring out how often and how much to feed them at this small size! So in this video I break down what I use as feeders, how often I feed and how I feed my slings and scorpions. Hopefully this will help take some of the stress out of feeding your new tarantulas or scorpions.
Once your tarantula arrives, the next big step is getting it safely out of the shipping container and into its new home. Unboxing a tarantula can be nerve-wracking for new keepers, especially if it’s a fast-moving species or appears stressed from transit. Knowing how to handle the process calmly and correctly will make things easier for both you and your spider. In the next video, we’ll go over the safest way to unbox your tarantula, what to watch out for, and how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
How To Unbox Spiders - DON'T KILL YOUR NEW TARANTULA!
Sooner or later, we all end up buying tarantulas, spiders, scorpions or some other invert from an online dealer. The selection is better, they are shipped overnight to your door, and usually less expensive than pet stores. Many people are nervous about unboxing or unpacking and rehousing their spiderlings. In this video I walk you through every step you need to prepare for and unbox your tarantula spiderling you ordered on line!
Getting your tarantula safely out of its shipping container is just the first step. At some point, you’ll need to move it into a more permanent setup or upgrade its enclosure as it grows. Rehousing can be one of the most stressful parts of tarantula keeping, especially with fast or defensive species, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be difficult. In the next video, we’ll go over the safest and most effective techniques for rehousing tarantulas, how to minimize stress for both you and your spider, and what to do if things don’t go as planned.
How To Rehouse a Tarantula - Terrestrial Species
I have a lot of tarantulas that are to be rehoused and I thought, since I need to rehouse them, I will show you exactly how I go about rehousing my tarantulas. This is specifically how I rehouse terrestrial species of tarantulas, but this is just the first installment of the How To Rehouse Tarantulas series where I will be showing the methods I use for other types of tarantulas as well.
Once your tarantula is settled into its new enclosure, making sure that setup meets its needs is the next big step. The right enclosure is more than just a box to house your spider. It plays a huge role in their health, behavior, and overall well-being. From choosing the right size and ventilation to selecting the best substrate and hides, every detail matters. In the next video, we’ll break down everything you need to know about tarantula enclosures so you can create the perfect home for your new eight-legged friend.
Everything You Need to Know about Tarantula Enclosures!
Fossorial, Terrestrial, Semi-Arboreal, and Arboreal tarantula enclosures for Spiderlings, Juvenile, Sub-Adult and Adult tarantulas! What is the difference, How do you set them up? This week we are breaking down the 4 different types and 4 different sizes of tarantulas and discussing which enclosure suits them best and how to properly set them up in the Ultimate Guide to Tarantula Enclosures!
There are a lot of different types of exotic pet enclosures out there. Some are amazing, some are junk you are just wasting money buying. Not all enclosures are ideal for tarantulas, and there are some very inexpensive containers that make GREAT enclosures for a fraction of the cost. In this video I am telling you all about my picks for the BEST tarantula enclosures. Some are high end, custom made enclosures specifically for tarantulas and scorpions. Others are more of the do-it-yourself, build your own enclosure variety.
Setting up the perfect enclosure is a big part of keeping your tarantula healthy, but understanding their anatomy will take your knowledge to the next level. Unlike mammals or reptiles, tarantulas have some seriously unique adaptations, from their book lungs and exoskeleton to their fangs and urticating hairs. Knowing how their bodies function not only helps you appreciate them more but also makes it easier to recognize signs of stress, injury, or illness. In the next video, we’ll take a deep dive into tarantula anatomy and break down what makes these arachnids so incredible.
The Anatomy of a Tarantula & Spider Biology
Have you ever wondered about the anatomy of a tarantula? Have you been curious to see INSIDE a spider and get a close look at their organs, circulatory and nervous systems? Maybe you just wondered what a spider brain looks like? We are covering the anatomy and biology of tarantulas and spiders using the 4D Tarantula Spider Anatomy Model!
Now that we’ve taken a deep dive into tarantula anatomy, let’s talk about one of their most underrated and, honestly, most annoying defense mechanisms: urticating setae.
If you’re new to the hobby, you’ve probably heard people call them “hairs,” but that really does not do them justice. These are not just a little bit of spider fuzz. They are microscopic, barbed bristles that function as a surprisingly effective defensive weapon. And if you’ve ever dealt with the itching and irritation they can cause, then you already know exactly what I’m talking about.
Unlike fangs or venom, urticating setae let a tarantula defend themself without having to make direct contact with a threat. Instead, they can kick these tiny irritating bristles into the air with impressive accuracy. Whether the target is a predator, an unsuspecting keeper, or somebody who simply got a little too close, urticating setae are a very effective way for many New World tarantulas to say, back off.
So how do they actually work? Why do some tarantulas have them while others do not? And maybe most importantly, how do you avoid getting a face full of itchy spider dust? Let’s get into it.
Urticating Hairs - What YOU NEED To Know About Tarantulas!
Most people know some tarantulas have urticating hairs, but not many know about the different types of urticating setae, which species have which types, and what the differences are between the types of urticating hair. So if you are curious about urticating setae, what they are used for in defense, how they affect you, remedies for itching and rash and if you can even treat urticating hairs. So dive into the setae with me as we cover the 7 different types of urticating setae, what they are and how they are different, and which species of tarantulas have which.
By now, you are probably realizing that tarantulas have some pretty wild defense mechanisms. Fangs? Check. Venom? Check. The ability to weaponize their own itchy hairs? Absolutely. But do you know what is even more dangerous than a well-aimed cloud of urticating setae? Bad tarantula care advice.
One of the biggest challenges for new keepers is not just learning how to care for a tarantula. It is figuring out who to trust for that information. YouTube can be an incredible resource, but it is also full of outdated myths, bad husbandry, and some seriously questionable advice. The wrong setup, poor feeding habits, or even well-meaning but misinformed keepers can leave a tarantula stressed, unhealthy, or worse.
So how do you tell good tarantula care advice from bad? What are the most common mistakes new keepers make because of misinformation online? And how do you make sure you are learning from people who actually know what they are talking about? That is exactly what we are getting into in the next video. Let’s set the record straight.
Learning Tarantula Care on YouTube is Dangerous!
In this video I am explaining why it can be dangerous to learn care and husbandry for tarantulas, scorpions, snakes, or really any exotic pet by watching YouTube videos. I breakdown the pitfalls, tell you what to look out for, and how to navigate the platform to find the best, most reliable information to give your tarantula, scorpion or snake the best possible care!
Avoid dangerous care guides and bad advice and always use multiple sources when researching how to take care of your tarantula. The broader your base of knowledge, the higher your point of success!
Not all tarantula care advice is reliable, and learning how to make informed decisions is one of the most important skills a new keeper can develop. But even if you have the right information, one of the biggest choices you will make early on is deciding which tarantula to get first.
Some species are great for beginners. They are hardy, slow-moving, and generally pretty easy to care for. Others can be fast, skittish, or defensive, which can make them a lot more challenging for someone who is still learning the ropes. The right tarantula can make your introduction to the hobby smooth and enjoyable. The wrong one can have you questioning your life choices every time you open the enclosure.
So what actually makes a tarantula beginner-friendly? Which species are best for first-time keepers, and are there any that seem like a good starter species but really are not? In the next video, we are going to break down some of the best beginner tarantulas and a few things you should think about before bringing one home.
What is the BEST Tarantula?! Did YOURS Make The List?
The “BEST” tarantula is certainly subjective, but there are definitely some species that rank higher in most peoples opinions. In this video I cover my picks of the best pet tarantula species based on color, personality, ease of care, and how often they are out on display. These are not all species ideal for new keepers, but they are amazing tarantulas none the less.
Once you’ve picked out your first tarantula, the next step is getting the enclosure set up right. You’ve got the substrate, the hide, and the water dish covered, but what about lighting? Tarantulas do not need UVB or basking lights like reptiles, but lighting is still something worth thinking about. Maybe you want a better view of the enclosure, or maybe you just want the setup to look good. Either way, LEDs can work well when used correctly. So how do tarantulas react to light, and how do you use LEDs without stressing them out? Let’s get into that in the next video.
Lighting Tarantula Enclosures with LEDs!
I have been asked numerous times in the group to make a video about how I set up my lights for my tarantula enclosures and what kind of lights I use. So here is a video that explains what type of lights I utilize in my setups and how I hook them all up together. This video also covers a little bit of the science behind what wavelengths of light tarantulas can actually see. Lighting your tarantula enclosures is not necessary as the ambient room light will provide sufficient light for a day and night cycle. Though many people, like myself, want to light up the enclosure to make them look cool and show them off to their friends. It also makes it easier when viewing them, feeding, or just doing general maintenance. This can be a very dangerous thing as well since most lights put out way to much heat and could easily dehydrate and eventually kill your pet tarantula. So I make sure to show you the lights I use personally that have worked well for me.
Lighting can make a tarantula enclosure look amazing, but when it comes to breeding and raising spiderlings, looks are the least of your concerns. At that point, it is all about survival. Raising a few slings is one thing. Running a full tarantula nursery is something else entirely. From hatching egg sacs to managing hundreds or even thousands of tiny spiderlings, a professional breeding operation takes serious knowledge, patience, and the right setup. In the next video, we are going behind the scenes of a tarantula nursery to see what it really takes to raise the next generation.
How To Keep Your Tarantulas Warm in the Winter - Spiderling Nursery
The temperature is dropping but we are keeping our tarantula spiderlings nice and cozy. In this video I show you how to build an ideal, climate controlled environment for your tarantula spiderlings. This easy Do-It-Yourself project is a cheap and quick way to keep your slings at an optimal temperature, no matter how cool your house gets. Even though this is focused on spiderling enclosures, the same concept can be scaled up for keeping juvenile and adult tarantulas warm in the winter.
After seeing how a full-scale tarantula nursery operates, it is easy to understand how quickly this hobby can get expensive. And you do not need to be running a breeding operation to feel it. Even with just a few tarantulas, the costs start adding up fast between enclosures, feeders, substrate, and the constant temptation to add just one more spider to the collection. Before you know it, your budget is gone. The good news is that keeping tarantulas does not have to drain your wallet. In the next video, we are going to look at some of the best ways to save money while still giving your tarantulas the care they need, from simple DIY enclosure ideas to smarter ways to shop.
TOP 10 Reptile Expo Tips ‐ SAVE TIME & MONEY!
Whether you are going to your first reptile expo or convention, or you just want to save some time and money on your next trip, I have put together 10 Tips that will make sure you get the MOST out of your dollar and time. Whether you are looking to buy new a new tarantula, invert, snake or some other reptile or amphibian, or you just need to pick up some supplies, this video will help you out!
Finding ways to save money in the hobby is great, but some things are absolutely worth investing in. Having the right tools on hand can make tarantula care a whole lot easier, whether you are rehousing a fast species, cleaning an enclosure, or offering food without bothering your spider more than necessary. There are a few tools every tarantula keeper should have because they make routine care safer, easier, and a lot less stressful for both you and the tarantula. In the next video, we are going to break down five essential tools every keeper should own and why each one actually matters.
Top 5 Tools for Tarantula Keepers!
New to keeping tarantulas or a seasoned veteran, this is a list of the top 5 tools of the trade for keeping tarantulas. Everything you need to help maintain and care for your tarantula that will keep both you and the T safe and happy.
Emergency Preparation! Having a Plan for your Tarantulas when Disaster Strikes!
Disaster can strike at any time. Whether it is a natural disaster or just a personal one, when keeping pet tarantulas it is always a good idea to have a plan in place in the even something terrible happens. In this video I discuss the importance of having a plan for what to do with your tarantulas or other exotic pets in the event you ever have to leave your home suddenly or the living condition at home changes and is no longer suitable for keeping your tarantulas. No one wants to think about having to evacuate their home or the possibility of relationships ending or the necessity of having to move because of work or school. We should hope for the best, but always have a plan for the worst.
How To Handle a Tarantula
Handling tarantulas can be a controversial topic. Some only keep a pet tarantula because they want to handle it and let it walk around on them. Others keep pet tarantulas and feel they should NEVER be handled because the tarantula receives no benefit from handling and it can possibly stress them out or even be dangerous. In this video I go over the best practices for handling tarantulas, discuss the pros and cons of handling your tarantula, and give you my Top 10 Best Tarantula Species To Handle. Hopefully this Top 10 List will help you if you decide to attempt to handle your tarantula.
TOP 10 Mistakes Keeping Tarantulas & Spiders - DON'T DO THIS!
We all make mistakes from time to time, but when you make a mistake keeping tarantulas, it can really make you feel like a failure. A smart person learns from their mistakes, but a wise person learns from the mistakes of others. So I made a video that covers the mistakes I have made or seen others make frequently so hopefully YOU can avoid making the same mistakes with your pet tarantulas. In this video I cover the Top 10 Mistakes in the tarantula hobby. These are mostly mistakes I made over the years as I progressed in the hobby. Hopefully you can learn from my mistakes and the mistakes of many others and give your tarantulas and other spiders the optimal conditions for a long and healthy life.
MORE TOP 10 MISTAKES Keeping Tarantulas & Spiders!
There are certainly more than 10 mistakes we can make while keeping pet tarantulas, so I made a follow video to my most watched video ever. We are revisiting some of the BIGGEST Mistakes Keeping Tarantulas with a follow up to the Top 10 Mistakes in the tarantula hobby video. These are mostly mistakes I made over the years as I progressed in the hobby. Hopefully you can learn from my mistakes and the mistakes of many others and give your tarantulas and other spiders the optimal conditions for a long and healthy life.
AVOID THESE Beginner Tarantula Keeper Mistakes!
Everyone makes mistakes, especially when starting out doing something new. Some of the mistakes in these videos USED TO be considered proper husbandry, but with time and experience it has been discovered to be harmful. Whether you just got your first tarantula, are considering getting one in the future, or you have been keeping tarantulas for a while now....these are the MOST COMMON mistakes people make when keeping tarantulas, especially if they are NEW to the hobby. Avoid making these beginner mistakes, whether you just got your first tarantula or you have a couple dozen tarantulas.
When we know better, we do better!
Too Hard, Too Fast - Responsible Keeping of Tarantulas & Reptiles
In this clip from The Exotic Pet Collective podcast, I am talking to Dillon from Animals at Home about keeping tarantulas and reptiles responsibly and knowing your limits as a keeper. We discuss the importance of proper husbandry and spending more time caring for your animals and less time shopping for new ones. Some people go too hard, too fast...and what starts as a fire usually burns up in the flames. So avoid keeper burnout and check out this video and learn dangers and pitfalls of adding too many species to your collection to quickly.
How To Build a Tarantula Bioactive Enclosure
Bioactive enclosures are all the rage right now in the reptile, amphibian and invert hobbies. Not all tarantulas will benefit from a bioactive enclosure, but some will thrive in those conditions. In this video I build a Bioactive Enclosure for my Theraphosa apophysis (Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater Tarantula). I take you step by step through the process of making a bioactive tarantula enclosure. In this video I am using a Tarantula Cribs enclosure with hydroballs as the false bottom. This setup will work for any moisture dependent species like Theraphosa blondi, Theraphosa stirmi, Pamphobetus species and more!
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