How to Buy a Pet Spider

Spiders make a fantastic exotic pet. Compared to other types of pets, they are clean, neat, require little space, are cost effective and require little day-to-day maintenance. Not to mention, they are fascinating to observe! Here are a few tips on how to buy a pet spider.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Surf the web. There are literally thousands of different species of spiders. Take the time to search the web and find a species which you would like to own as a pet. You should consider the cost to purchase the spider, the degree to which it is venomous, if the spider is readily available and whether there is additional equipment needed for your spider. These would be things like heat lamps, lights and terrariums.
2. Contact previous owners. Once you've decided which type of pet spider you would like to buy, contact someone who has owned the same species. While that might seem tough to do since they are a fairly rare pet, it's easier than you think. On the web, simply browse clubs and chat rooms either on Aol, Yahoo or MSN. All of them can be exceedingly informative sources of information. You can discuss the pros and cons of owning that species of spider and find out if there are tricks or pieces of advice they can offer. This step is imperative as you'll be gaining knowledge from an owner who has had first hand experience.
3. Locate your spider. Depending on the rarity of the breed of spider you wish to buy as a pet, it may take quite some time to locate it. Surf the web and contact pet stores in your area. The closer the store the better, as travel for the spider can add additional stress to the arachnid. If the breed of spider you wish to purchase can't be found at any pet store locally, you're going to have to call an exotic pet dealer. This will cost you some additional money as these people operate as specialists, locating only a few pets a month. For help with exotic dealers you may want to contact zoos and speak with the head zookeeper. They'll be able to point you in the right direction.
4. Purchase the spider. Now that you've located your multi-legged friend, it's time to purchase it. But along with your spider, be sure to buy the accompanying equipment which is required. Again, this will be different for each species. Refer to your research from the web and in speaking with other owners for specifics.

Tips & Warnings

• Join a club. Whether it be an arachnid club or an exotic pet club, by speaking with others with the same interests you'll be able to enjoy your hobby.
• Spiders are venomous. Be sure that you have properly read and informed yourself of your particular species of spider once you buy them. Also be sure that you know to do in case of a spider bite. Again, each particular species has different precautions to follow.