by Anna Hofman

Created on: September 05, 2009   Last Updated: September 06, 2009

Tarantula's are moderately easy to keep and care for, as well as fairly inexpensive (once you have bought the tank and habitat necessities). What many people do not consider is that tarantula's can live up to (and sometimes exceed), 15 years of age, so when you purchase these fascinating creatures - be sure that you are committed and won't get bored easily. Fortunately, however, tarantula's are extremely low maintenance, are not bothered if they are never handled and can go for over a week without feeding, therefore they are actually extremely good pets for anyone who wants something that they can keep, but still go away on holiday and not worry about.

All tarantulas will appreciate and do well in a 10 gallon aquarium, with a secure lid (obviously you don't want any cats getting in, or your tarantula getting out). The kind of habitat necessary depends on whether your spider is a floor-dwelling spider (terrestrial) or a tree-dwelling spider (abboreal). Either way you should provide a heat mat which covers half the floor space of the underneath of the tank. A light will also be required, though temperature will also depend on your species of tarantula. Although tarantulas are capable of climbing glass, and will be happy to do so, you should provide logs and "branches", for tree-dwelling tarantula's to keep them entertained and happy. Generally both varieties of tarantula like to have a moist tank, but it should never be wet. A water bowl should be provided and fresh water should be given daily.

Tarantulas are not recommended as pets for children as they are fairly fragile creatures which can bleed to death if dropped from even a small height, and will drop their hairs if they are afraid or intimidated. These hairs contain venom which can cause rashes in humans. This is the only reason they are not usually able to be handled. They are also shy, and they will bite a human if they feel very intimidated. This will almost never kill people, unless they are allergic to the venom, which is extremely rare. Although it sounds scary, tarantula bites are often compared to bee stings. If you do want to handle your tarantula occasionally, you should lower your hand into the tank and let the tarantula walk (without encouragement), onto your hand. If you choose to do this you should be careful to be near a surface so that if you drop it, it will not die from internal bleeding (they are extremely fragile), and you do not have it out for too long as it will get cold and become

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