Curly Hair Tarantula Care
The curly hair tarantula (Tliltocatl albopilosus) is an excellent choice for beginners due to its docile nature, hardiness, and relatively easy care requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Enclosure Setup
* Size: For an adult curly hair tarantula, a 5- to 10-gallon tank is suitable. Focus on providing more floor space than height, as they are terrestrial and can injure themselves from falls. For spiderlings (slings), a small container like a “sling crib” or 3-inch cube is appropriate. Juveniles can be moved to a medium enclosure (e.g., 6-8 inch cube).
* Substrate: Curly hair tarantulas are burrowers, so deep substrate is essential. Provide at least 4-5 inches for adults, and at least one body length for smaller spiders. Good substrate options include:
* Coconut fiber (Eco Earth)
* Peat moss
* Chemical-free potting soil
* Vermiculite
* A mixture of these.
Ensure the substrate allows for burrowing and holds some moisture.
* Hides and Décor: Provide at least one hide for your tarantula to feel secure. Cork bark, half a small clay flower pot, or hollow logs work well. You can also add some leaf litter for enrichment. Make sure all décor is secure and won’t fall on your tarantula.
* Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent mold growth. Avoid mesh lids, as tarantula feet can get stuck. Instead, opt for an acrylic lid with drilled holes.
Temperature and Humidity
* Temperature: Curly hair tarantulas thrive in ambient temperatures between 68°F and 76°F (20°C to 24°C). They generally do well at room temperature. Avoid heat lamps or under-tank heaters directly underneath the enclosure, as tarantulas will burrow down to find cooler temperatures, which can lead to overheating. If supplemental heat is needed, a thermostat-controlled heat pad on the side of the enclosure is safer.
* Humidity: They need moderate humidity. You can achieve this by keeping the lower substrate layers moist while allowing the top layers to dry between waterings. Overfilling the water dish once or twice a month is usually sufficient to maintain humidity in the substrate. Aim for humidity levels around 60-70%. Regularly check the water dish and ensure it’s always full.
Feeding
* Diet: Curly hair tarantulas are insectivores. Good staple feeder insects include:
* Crickets
* Didcoid roaches
* Mealworms
* Black soldier fly larvae
* Flightless fruit flies (for slings)
Offer a variety of insects for varied nutrition.
* Prey Size: Prey should be no larger than your tarantula’s abdomen to prevent injury.
* Feeding Schedule:
* Spiderlings: Feed 2 times per week with pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or pre-killed roach nymphs. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours. Wait 24-48 hours after a molt before offering food again.
* Juveniles: Feed every 7-10 days with small to medium crickets or Dubia roaches. Adjust feeding based on abdomen size. If it’s thinner than the carapace, feed more often. If it’s plump, feed less often. Wait 3-7 days post-molt to feed.
* Adults: Feed every 1-2 weeks (or 14-21 days) with appropriately sized prey.
* Water: Always provide a shallow water dish with clean water. Your tarantula will also get some hydration from its food.
General Care and Maintenance
* Lighting: No special UVB lighting is needed. A regular room light or a low-wattage LED for a day/night cycle is sufficient.
* Cleaning: Remove uneaten prey and feces regularly. A full enclosure cleaning and substrate change can be done every 4-6 months, or when the enclosure appears dirty.
* Handling: While curly hair tarantulas are known for their docile temperament, handling should be limited. They are delicate and can be injured from falls. They are also a “New World” tarantula, meaning they can kick urticating (stinging) hairs from their abdomen as a defense mechanism, which can cause irritation.
By following these guidelines, you can provide a healthy and comfortable environment for your curly hair tarantula.