How to Know if a Pet Tarantula is Sick

Tarantulas are generally very healthy pets if they are kept in the right environment. Before buying a tarantula, read up on what environment should be provided for your particular type of tarantula. It is important, though, to know when your pet tarantula may be ill and to seek appropriate help.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Research the molting process and know what generally takes place. A molting tarantula will lie on its back and not eat. Make sure not to touch your tarantula during a molt.

2. Pay close attention to changes in your tarantula's activity levels, appearance or food intake. Significant changes in these areas warrant a closer look for possible illnesses. Some possible illness signs are similar to what happens during molting so it's important to be knowledgeable about that process.

3. Observe how your pet tarantula is walking. Healthy ones will walk on the tips of their toes like ballerinas. Walking down at the heel on a flat foot is a sign of trouble. Another sign of potential illnesses or stress is pacing the enclosure.

4. Watch for bleeding or other unusual secretions. This can indicate an injury or other problem.

5. Look for changes in your spider's abdomen. A small, wrinkly abdomen is a sign of dehydration.

Tips & Warnings

• Adults may fast for extended periods before a molt. Don't be alarmed if your spider stops eating for a week or two.
• Insects caught in the wild should only be fed to your tarantula with care as they may have insecticide on them. Choose store-bought or hand-raised insects to avoid this issue.

[paul1967]

on 9/16/2009 I bought a Chilean rose hair tarantula about a month ago. It is in a ten gallon aquarium. My spider was first in potting soil in the tank because I had read that you could put them in this type of substrate. After about a week, I noticed numerous microscopic ant-like insects all over the surface of the potting soil. I called the pet store to ask about this. They told me that those were parasites and to get my spider out of there before the parasites killed him. I then bought some cedar mulch and put it in the tank. After about a week, I noticed that my spider was turning black on his tail end. I called the pet store again because I thought that my spider was possibly molting. The lady told me that cedar mulch or cedar anything would kill spiders and all other insects for that matter because cedar has an oil to it that insects avoid. I then bought some coconut mulch yester...

[hwang1004]

on 6/18/2009 for my tarantula, i've been putting the wrong amount of cholrine drops and i've been putting too much.. and also i havent given her water in 3 days.. now she has a spot on her back and it looks kind of flaky. if i give her plenty of water and put the right amount of chlorine drops, will she get better?
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[eddz]

on 1/20/2009 I've had my rose hair for over three years and never had any significant problems with her since I moved she hasnt eaten for five to six months and her butt is going bald and looks flakey like it needs lotion? I dont think it is wise to put lotion on my spider but I have no clue what to do?? Someone's gotta have seen this stuff. Help

[Sashy135]

on 10/5/2008 I just got a Mexican red knee tarantula from a person who was mistreating it,and his abdomen has a bald spot on it,I'm wondering if this could be anything other then him having flicked his butt hairs....any suggestions?