How to Care for a Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula

The Chilean rose-hair tarantula is a great pet to have. It's different from all other pets and is a fine addition to any home. The Chilean Rose-Hair tarantula is a desert-dwelling species, so they are much easier to care for than the tropical variety, but there are things any perspective owner needs to know in order to make the tarantula’s stay a pleasant one.

Things You'll Need

• A rose-hair tarantula
• Appropriate cage
• Water sprayer

Instructions

1. Purchase a small fish tank or Critter-Keeper, no bigger than 10 gallons.

2. Line the bottom of the tank with 2 to 3 inches of vermiculite or small bark-bit substrate.

3. Place a cave-like retreat of some sort in the tank that allows the tarantula to hide if it wants to.

4. Supply the tarantula with drinking water at all times. This can be done via sponge or small dish of sorts.

5. Moisten the substrate every couple of days with a hand-held water sprayer. The tank should be at about 55 to 70 percent humidity.

6. Feed the tarantula 2 to 3 large crickets or similar insect once a week or so. Baby pink mice work for the adults if you so wish.

7. Leave the tarantula alone if it is upside-down. It is molting, not dead. Clear the tank of crickets during its molt cycle.

8. Keep tarantulas separated if you own more than one. They are cannibalistic and the result won’t be good.

9. Change the substrate twice a year or as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• A hygrometer can be purchased at almost any pet store that deals with lizards and spiders. Putting one in with the tarantula can help gauge the humidity in its tank.

• Be careful when handling any tarantula. Rose-Hairs are docile and easily picked up, but as with any spider, they can bite.