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How to Pet a Tarantula: Brachypelma Vagans Tarantula


This photo is taken when my Brachypelma Vagans Tarantula is still a baby. You can say it is pretty small. I think, I have taken this photo when my spider is a one and a half week old or less.

According to Ausserer, these spiders are frequently found in Belize, El Salvador and Guatemala where it would dig deep burrows. This type of spiders are able to dig to provide home/house for themselves. They are obligate burrows and will dig deep burrows when kept in the right conditions. They have practiced this, and thanks to evolution, so that they can be protected from animal-spider hunters and to give them one-shot hunt to all insects and/or animals that may pass their burrows or house.

Vagans are good-looking spiders just like Nhandu Chromatus Tarantula. They came from the family Brachypelma with distinctive jet black legs and abdomen. Their abdomens contain red hairs that is able to be seen by the naked eye. That is why it is also called Red-Rump or anything associated with the color red. The carapace is edged with cream or any of that color and has thin radiating lines of cream colouring. 

In terms of petting, these tarantulas should not be hand held as they are tend to be aggressive and skittish. They can harm any one who handled them. They are characterized by or tending toward unprovoked offensives and/or attacks. I am also warning you that they move fast. They do run quick.

They can be held captive as pets and the advisable space for them is 12x12x12 inches tanks/aquariums. Put enough soil so that they can burrow deep enough to provide them feeling of safety. The humidity level for this species are above 70%. It is a good feeling that they are kept warm. Substrate for the cage should be of peat or vermiculite mix. At least  3 (preferably 4 to 6) inches deep soil is a vital ingredients of making homes for these tarantulas. These spiders will dig deep burrows if the substrate is suitable. It is essential that an open water dish is provided. You are warned about humidity and it must not fall below 60 percent!

This is a terrestrial scrubland species. They tend to burrow deep enough. It's venom effect is not yet known, but they are expected to be in low toxicity and is not harmful enough to kill a human being.

You may put a shelter or flowerpot or cork Bark. You may put rocks or displays/decorations that would not harm the tarantulas. 

The females can last up to 15 years, and the male specie may mature between 1 and 2 years of age.

Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula

Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula. The Chilean rose tarantula or Grammostola rosea also known as the Chilean flame tarantula, Chilean fire tarantula or the Chilean red haired tarantula or the Chilean rose hair tarantula is probably the most common species of tarantula available in pet stores today, due to the large number of wild caught specimens exported cheaply from their native Chile. Grammostola rosea originates from the northern Atacama Desert region of Chile and live in the driest deserts on earth. Grammostola rosea  is a common pet of tarantula rearers.

It has been a quarter of months, yeah, almost three months that I have had my Rose-haired Tarantula. It was a little over 12 weeks now. She has moulted/molted once because I am doing powerfeed on him.

I can say that it is one of the most docile or easily taught tarantulas in my collection. It was fun petting this specific hairy spiders. I have learned that the Rose-haired Tarantula has been a standard pet in shops and at home. It can even be part of a science room. How cool is that eh?

Unlike other spiders, this one is quiet and a little shy in terms of spider actions. They require a little room or space unlike the Mexican True Red Leg Tarantula. They are easy to care for and easy to pet.

They are also good-natured and handleable though holding them might cause stress. It should not be hold on for quite a while or often.

They are also inexpensive. They would produce a lot of offsprings, too! THey can produce 500 babies with higher survival.

They can be kept in simple enclosures or house. An aquarium with soil for a shallow burrow is provided. It is advisable to put a piece of driftwood, cork bark, hollow log, or tree-parts so that it can climb and explore its house. Do not practice to put them on different houses now and then. You may put plants and other decorations so long it will not harm the Rose-haired Tarantula.

Nhandu Chromatus Tarantula

Nhandu chromatus or Brazilian black or white tarantulas are spiders that are captive-easy and readily feed. They eat other spiders, cockroach, and other creepers.

These eight-legged creatures can also be housed in any kind of container.  They can be kept in any plastic wares or glassrium.  A vivarium or converted aquarium is also ideal in a sense that it can creep around in a larger room. It has to have at least a cubic foot (30x30x30 cm, 12x12x12 inch) for a grown spider or an adult.  Also, more compartments and floors should also be provided.  These terrestrial insects enjoyed burrowing so you might want to put a definite amount of soil in their cribs. You should also provide ventilation for the Brazilian black or white tarantulas but make it sure that it has the required humidity.

The spiderlings are kept in waxworm tubs. When they grew older, they can be kept in larger livefood tubs. It is also beneficial and enjoyable for tarantulas if they have a nice display tank.

No need for decors or anything that would make the aquarium beautiful, in a sense that it would look to humans appealing. At least, an object where the tarantula can climb and hunt for food should be put in the aquarium. A plant may be put but it is not essential as part of the aquarium. One must avoid sharp edges and rough textures in making a house for tarantulas.

Spider Postcard