Tarantulas often find a mention when there’s a discussion on Exotic pets. These scary-looking spiders freak some people out but are rather harmless. One species, in particular, is even more prevalent. It is none other than the Goliath Birdeater Tarantula, the largest species of spiders.
If you’re looking forward to petting a birdeater, here’s an introductory guide for you. You’ll find every piece of information you need to know on how to keep and raise this spider through online platforms like https://www.topflightdubia.com/goliath-birdeater-tarantula-care.
About the Goliath Birdeater Tarantula
The Goliath Birdeater Tarantula is the common name for Theraphosablondi species of spiders. These are considered the largest spiders globally, weighing about six ounces with a leg span of about one foot. Technically, it’s not a tarantula but a spider.
Most of the species of Goliath Birdeater have a light brown to a golden hue. They’re native to the swamplands of South America but are found throughout the world in pet shops.
They are named thus due to their large size. The name comes from an 18th-century engraving that depicts a tarantula eating hummingbird. So the entire Theraphosa species of tarantulas were considered bird eaters.
The females have an average lifespan of 15 to 25 years, but males live only 3-6 years and die after maturity.
How to Keep Them At Home?
You can keep these spiders at your home inside of an aquarium. The aquarium should have a capacity of at least 15-20 gallons. But more importantly, it should have adequate height so that the spider doesn’t climb and cross over. Cover the aquarium with a lid for added protection.
Once you’ve got the aquarium, you need to pour 2-3 inches of peat moss. It’s recommended to sprinkle water regularly since the goliath birdeaterthrives the best in a humid climate.
How to Handle the Birdeater Tarantula?
These varieties of tarantulas are not ideal for handling or patting. It’s best to admire them when they’re inside the aquarium.
When threatened, they can make a hissing noise. If you get too close, they will uricate the hair, capable of irritating the skin. The spiders also possess venom, but it is mild to cause any significant damage.
Because these spiders have relatively poor eyesight, they can mistake your touch as a threat. Therefore, it’s advised to leave the eight-legged animals inside their aquarium and admire them from afar.
Only experienced handlers should ever take the spiders in their hands.
What Do They Eat?
You’re going to have to feed the tarantulas just like other pets. As mentioned earlier, they do not eat birds (although they can). The best food for the goliath birdeater tarantula is insects. They can eat a variety of insects ranging from crickets to dubia roaches. You can even throw a few mealworms into the aquarium.
Some owners also reportedly offer mice, lizards, and small reptiles to these tarantulas. But insects are sufficient for its health. Along with food, take proper care of its water requirements.
Because of their size and different nature, it’s recommended that you buy the goliath birdeater tarantulas only if you have handled a tarantula before. Keeping and caring for them can be demanding.
