New Tarantula Keepers
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you just got your first tarantula, are new to the hobby, or maybe you're thinking of getting your first tarantula, this information is for you!
Your First Tarantula
What To Expect When You're Expecting a Spiderling
So you just picked up your 1st tarantula or you're thinking about ordering a tarantula online. It can be intimidating trying to learn everything you need to know to care for a tarantula, not to mention learning all about the different types of species. In this video I will go over the different types and classifications of tarantulas and give you a good head start on picking the tarantula that is right for you and some basic info on how best to keep each type of tarantula. I also included some tips for first time tarantula keepers and a little insight into my experiences keeping spiderlings. So if you want to know how to care for a tarantula, this is the perfect place to start.
Starting Your Journey as a Tarantula Keeper
Welcome to the world of tarantula keeping! Whether you’re just starting out or still deciding if a tarantula is the right pet for you, this page is designed to help you build the knowledge and confidence you need. From understanding what sets tarantulas apart from other spiders to learning about proper care, handling, and feeding, the videos here will guide you through the essential skills every beginner should know. Tarantulas may seem intimidating at first, but with the right information and setup, they are some of the easiest and most fascinating exotic pets to care for. Let’s start with the basics, what exactly makes a tarantula different from other spiders?
What's the DIFFERENCE Between Tarantulas & Spiders?
All tarantulas are spiders, but not all spiders are tarantulas. So what is the difference? What makes tarantulas separate from other types of spiders? What do they have in common? What exactly IS a tarantula? Those questions AND MORE are answered in this video.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what a tarantula is and what makes them unique, the next step for many new keepers is actually getting one. Buying a tarantula isn’t as simple as walking into a pet store, and in most cases, ordering from a reputable online breeder or dealer is the best way to go. But how do you know which sellers to trust? What should you look for when choosing your first tarantula? In the next video, we’ll go over everything you need to know about buying a tarantula online, from finding reliable sellers to ensuring your new eight-legged friend arrives safely.
How To Buy A Pet Tarantula - Don't Get Scammed!
One question I am asked a lot, especially by new keepers or people wanting to get into the tarantula hobby, is How Do I Buy a Pet Tarantula? So in this video we are covering how to buy pet tarantulas, where to by pet tarantulas, and what to look out for an avoid so you do not get scammed, ripped off, or end up with sick or old pet tarantulas.
Once you’ve found a reputable seller and picked out your first tarantula, the real work begins. Proper research is the key to being a responsible keeper and making sure your tarantula stays healthy. There’s a lot of misinformation floating around, and care requirements can vary between species, so knowing how to find accurate, science-backed information is one of the most important skills you can develop. In the next video, we’ll go over the best ways to research tarantula care, how to spot bad advice, and where to find reliable resources to help you every step of the way.
How To Research Tarantula Care & Husbandry
Everyone tells you to RESEARCH your tarantula or exotic pet care BEFORE you bring your new pet home, but no one really explains how best to do that research. There is a lot of old, out dated, and incorrect information out there so it can get confusing and overwhelming. So I break down how I research the care and husbandry of tarantula species, or really any arachnid, invertebrate, reptile or amphibian, I am planning on getting in the future. Hopefully these steps will help you in your journey to learn as much about your new pet as possible so you can be the best keeper you can be and give them best life you can.
Doing your research is crucial, but putting that knowledge into practice is where things really start to come together. One of the first challenges new keepers face is feeding their tarantula, especially when dealing with tiny, fast-moving spiderlings. Unlike adult tarantulas, slings have different nutritional needs and require smaller prey items, careful feeding schedules, and the right environmental conditions to thrive. In the next video, we’ll go over everything you need to know about feeding spiderlings, from choosing the right feeder insects to making sure your little tarantula gets the nutrition it needs to grow.
How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)
One of the most stressful parts of keeping baby tarantulas, or spiderlings, is knowing when how much to feed them. Maybe you just got your first tarantula sling and you are asking yourself “How do I feed my spiderlings and scorplings?” It can be confusing and a little worrisome and stressful trying to find small enough prey that your tiny spider will eat that will not hurt them. Not to mention figuring out how often and how much to feed them at this small size! So in this video I break down what I use as feeders, how often I feed and how I feed my slings and scorpions. Hopefully this will help take some of the stress out of feeding your new tarantulas or scorpions.
Once your tarantula arrives, the next big step is getting it safely out of the shipping container and into its new home. Unboxing a tarantula can be nerve-wracking for new keepers, especially if it’s a fast-moving species or appears stressed from transit. Knowing how to handle the process calmly and correctly will make things easier for both you and your spider. In the next video, we’ll go over the safest way to unbox your tarantula, what to watch out for, and how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
How To Unbox Spiders - DON'T KILL YOUR NEW TARANTULA!
Sooner or later, we all end up buying tarantulas, spiders, scorpions or some other invert from an online dealer. The selection is better, they are shipped overnight to your door, and usually less expensive than pet stores. Many people are nervous about unboxing or unpacking and rehousing their spiderlings. In this video I walk you through every step you need to prepare for and unbox your tarantula spiderling you ordered on line!
Getting your tarantula safely out of its shipping container is just the first step. At some point, you’ll need to move it into a more permanent setup or upgrade its enclosure as it grows. Rehousing can be one of the most stressful parts of tarantula keeping, especially with fast or defensive species, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be difficult. In the next video, we’ll go over the safest and most effective techniques for rehousing tarantulas, how to minimize stress for both you and your spider, and what to do if things don’t go as planned.
How To Rehouse a Tarantula - Terrestrial Species
I have a lot of tarantulas that are to be rehoused and I thought, since I need to rehouse them, I will show you exactly how I go about rehousing my tarantulas. This is specifically how I rehouse terrestrial species of tarantulas, but this is just the first installment of the How To Rehouse Tarantulas series where I will be showing the methods I use for other types of tarantulas as well.
Once your tarantula is settled into its new enclosure, making sure that setup meets its needs is the next big step. The right enclosure is more than just a box to house your spider. It plays a huge role in their health, behavior, and overall well-being. From choosing the right size and ventilation to selecting the best substrate and hides, every detail matters. In the next video, we’ll break down everything you need to know about tarantula enclosures so you can create the perfect home for your new eight-legged friend.
Everything You Need to Know about Tarantula Enclosures!
Fossorial, Terrestrial, Semi-Arboreal, and Arboreal tarantula enclosures for Spiderlings, Juvenile, Sub-Adult and Adult tarantulas! What is the difference, How do you set them up? This week we are breaking down the 4 different types and 4 different sizes of tarantulas and discussing which enclosure suits them best and how to properly set them up in the Ultimate Guide to Tarantula Enclosures!
There are a lot of different types of exotic pet enclosures out there. Some are amazing, some are junk you are just wasting money buying. Not all enclosures are ideal for tarantulas, and there are some very inexpensive containers that make GREAT enclosures for a fraction of the cost. In this video I am telling you all about my picks for the BEST tarantula enclosures. Some are high end, custom made enclosures specifically for tarantulas and scorpions. Others are more of the do-it-yourself, build your own enclosure variety.
Setting up the perfect enclosure is a big part of keeping your tarantula healthy, but understanding their anatomy will take your knowledge to the next level. Unlike mammals or reptiles, tarantulas have some seriously unique adaptations, from their book lungs and exoskeleton to their fangs and urticating hairs. Knowing how their bodies function not only helps you appreciate them more but also makes it easier to recognize signs of stress, injury, or illness. In the next video, we’ll take a deep dive into tarantula anatomy and break down what makes these arachnids so incredible.
The Anatomy of a Tarantula & Spider Biology
Have you ever wondered about the anatomy of a tarantula? Have you been curious to see INSIDE a spider and get a close look at their organs, circulatory and nervous systems? Maybe you just wondered what a spider brain looks like? We are covering the anatomy and biology of tarantulas and spiders using the 4D Tarantula Spider Anatomy Model!
Now that we’ve taken a deep dive into tarantula anatomy, let’s talk about one of their most underrated (and annoying) defense mechanisms—urticating setae. If you’re new to the hobby, you might have heard people refer to these as "hairs," but trust me, they are way more than just a bad case of spider fuzz. These microscopic, barbed bristles are a tarantula’s secret weapon, and if you’ve ever experienced the itch and irritation they cause, you know exactly why.
Unlike fangs and venom, urticating setae don’t require a tarantula to get up close and personal with a threat. Instead, they can kick these irritating little missiles into the air with shocking precision. Whether it’s a predator, an unsuspecting human, or just someone who got a little too close for comfort, urticating setae are an effective way for New World tarantulas to say, "Back off!"
But how do they actually work? Why do some tarantulas have them while others don’t? And most importantly, how do you avoid getting a face full of itchy spider dust? Let’s get into it.
Urticating Hairs - What YOU NEED To Know About Tarantulas!
Most people know some tarantulas have urticating hairs, but not many know about the different types of urticating setae, which species have which types, and what the differences are between the types of urticating hair. So if you are curious about urticating setae, what they are used for in defense, how they affect you, remedies for itching and rash and if you can even treat urticating hairs. So dive into the setae with me as we cover the 7 different types of urticating setae, what they are and how they are different, and which species of tarantulas have which.
By now, you’re probably realizing that tarantulas have some pretty wild defense mechanisms. Fangs? Check. Venom? Check. The ability to weaponize their own itchy hairs? Double check. But do you know what’s even more dangerous than a well-aimed cloud of urticating setae? Bad tarantula care advice.
One of the biggest challenges for new keepers isn’t just learning how to care for their tarantula—it’s figuring out who to trust for that information. YouTube is an incredible resource for learning, but it’s also a breeding ground for outdated myths, bad husbandry practices, and some seriously questionable advice. The wrong setup, incorrect feeding habits, or even well-meaning but misinformed keepers can lead to a tarantula that is stressed, unhealthy, or worse.
So how do you separate good tarantula care advice from bad? What are the most common mistakes new keepers make because of misinformation online? And how can you make sure you’re learning from sources that actually know what they’re talking about? That’s exactly what we’re covering in the next video. Let’s set the record straight.
Learning Tarantula Care on YouTube is Dangerous!
In this video I am explaining why it can be dangerous to learn care and husbandry for tarantulas, scorpions, snakes, or really any exotic pet by watching YouTube videos. I breakdown the pitfalls, tell you what to look out for, and how to navigate the platform to find the best, most reliable information to give your tarantula, scorpion or snake the best possible care!
Avoid dangerous care guides and bad advice and always use multiple sources when researching how to take care of your tarantula. The broader your base of knowledge, the higher your point of success!
Not all tarantula care advice is reliable, and making informed decisions is one of the most important skills a new keeper can develop. But even with the right knowledge, one of the biggest choices you’ll make early on is which tarantula to get first.
Some species are perfect for beginners—hardy, slow-moving, and easy to care for. Others can be skittish, fast, or defensive, making them more of a challenge, especially for someone still learning the ropes. The right tarantula will make your introduction to the hobby smooth and enjoyable, while the wrong one might have you questioning your life choices every time you open the enclosure.
So what makes a tarantula beginner-friendly? Which species are the best for first-time keepers, and are there any that seem like a good choice but actually aren’t? In the next video, we’ll go over the best beginner tarantulas and what you should consider before bringing one home.
What is the BEST Tarantula?! Did YOURS Make The List?
The “BEST” tarantula is certainly subjective, but there are definitely some species that rank higher in most peoples opinions. In this video I cover my picks of the best pet tarantula species based on color, personality, ease of care, and how often they are out on display. These are not all species ideal for new keepers, but they are amazing tarantulas none the less.
Once you’ve picked out your first tarantula, the next step is setting up the perfect enclosure. You’ve got the right substrate, a good hide, and a solid water dish, but what about lighting? Tarantulas don’t need UVB or basking lights like reptiles, but that doesn’t mean lighting isn’t something to consider. Whether you want to illuminate your enclosure for better viewing or just make your setup look more impressive, LED lighting can be a great option. But how do tarantulas react to light, and what’s the best way to use LEDs without stressing them out? Let’s dive into the next video and find out.
Lighting Tarantula Enclosures with LEDs!
I have been asked numerous times in the group to make a video about how I set up my lights for my tarantula enclosures and what kind of lights I use. So here is a video that explains what type of lights I utilize in my setups and how I hook them all up together. This video also covers a little bit of the science behind what wavelengths of light tarantulas can actually see. Lighting your tarantula enclosures is not necessary as the ambient room light will provide sufficient light for a day and night cycle. Though many people, like myself, want to light up the enclosure to make them look cool and show them off to their friends. It also makes it easier when viewing them, feeding, or just doing general maintenance. This can be a very dangerous thing as well since most lights put out way to much heat and could easily dehydrate and eventually kill your pet tarantula. So I make sure to show you the lights I use personally that have worked well for me.
Lighting can make your tarantula enclosures look amazing, but when it comes to breeding and raising spiderlings, the focus shifts from aesthetics to survival. Successfully caring for slings on a small scale is one thing, but what does it take to run a full-scale tarantula nursery? From hatching egg sacs to managing hundreds—or even thousands—of tiny spiderlings, a professional breeding operation requires serious knowledge, patience, and the right setup. In the next video, we’ll take an inside look at a tarantula nursery and see what it takes to raise the next generation of arachnids.
How To Keep Your Tarantulas Warm in the Winter - Spiderling Nursery
The temperature is dropping but we are keeping our tarantula spiderlings nice and cozy. In this video I show you how to build an ideal, climate controlled environment for your tarantula spiderlings. This easy Do-It-Yourself project is a cheap and quick way to keep your slings at an optimal temperature, no matter how cool your house gets. Even though this is focused on spiderling enclosures, the same concept can be scaled up for keeping juvenile and adult tarantulas warm in the winter.
After seeing how a full-scale tarantula nursery operates, it’s easy to understand why keeping and breeding these spiders can get expensive fast. Even for hobbyists with just a few tarantulas, costs can add up quickly—between enclosures, feeders, substrate, and new additions to the collection, it’s not hard to blow through your budget before you know it. But keeping tarantulas doesn’t have to drain your wallet. In the next video, we’ll go over some of the best ways to save money while still providing top-notch care for your tarantulas, from DIY enclosure hacks to smart shopping strategies.
TOP 10 Reptile Expo Tips ‐ SAVE TIME & MONEY!
Whether you are going to your first reptile expo or convention, or you just want to save some time and money on your next trip, I have put together 10 Tips that will make sure you get the MOST out of your dollar and time. Whether you are looking to buy new a new tarantula, invert, snake or some other reptile or amphibian, or you just need to pick up some supplies, this video will help you out!
Finding ways to save money in the hobby is great, but there are some things that are worth investing in. Having the right tools on hand can make tarantula care much easier, whether it is rehousing a fast species, keeping enclosures clean, or safely offering food without disturbing your spider. There are a few must-have tools that every tarantula keeper should own to make daily care safer, easier, and more efficient. In the next video, we will break down the five essential tools that every tarantula keeper needs and how they can help you avoid unnecessary stress for both you and your spider.
Top 5 Tools for Tarantula Keepers!
New to keeping tarantulas or a seasoned veteran, this is a list of the top 5 tools of the trade for keeping tarantulas. Everything you need to help maintain and care for your tarantula that will keep both you and the T safe and happy.
Emergency Preparation! Having a Plan for your Tarantulas when Disaster Strikes!
Disaster can strike at any time. Whether it is a natural disaster or just a personal one, when keeping pet tarantulas it is always a good idea to have a plan in place in the even something terrible happens. In this video I discuss the importance of having a plan for what to do with your tarantulas or other exotic pets in the event you ever have to leave your home suddenly or the living condition at home changes and is no longer suitable for keeping your tarantulas. No one wants to think about having to evacuate their home or the possibility of relationships ending or the necessity of having to move because of work or school. We should hope for the best, but always have a plan for the worst.
How To Handle a Tarantula
Handling tarantulas can be a controversial topic. Some only keep a pet tarantula because they want to handle it and let it walk around on them. Others keep pet tarantulas and feel they should NEVER be handled because the tarantula receives no benefit from handling and it can possibly stress them out or even be dangerous. In this video I go over the best practices for handling tarantulas, discuss the pros and cons of handling your tarantula, and give you my Top 10 Best Tarantula Species To Handle. Hopefully this Top 10 List will help you if you decide to attempt to handle your tarantula.
TOP 10 Mistakes Keeping Tarantulas & Spiders - DON'T DO THIS!
We all make mistakes from time to time, but when you make a mistake keeping tarantulas, it can really make you feel like a failure. A smart person learns from their mistakes, but a wise person learns from the mistakes of others. So I made a video that covers the mistakes I have made or seen others make frequently so hopefully YOU can avoid making the same mistakes with your pet tarantulas. In this video I cover the Top 10 Mistakes in the tarantula hobby. These are mostly mistakes I made over the years as I progressed in the hobby. Hopefully you can learn from my mistakes and the mistakes of many others and give your tarantulas and other spiders the optimal conditions for a long and healthy life.
MORE TOP 10 MISTAKES Keeping Tarantulas & Spiders!
There are certainly more than 10 mistakes we can make while keeping pet tarantulas, so I made a follow video to my most watched video ever. We are revisiting some of the BIGGEST Mistakes Keeping Tarantulas with a follow up to the Top 10 Mistakes in the tarantula hobby video. These are mostly mistakes I made over the years as I progressed in the hobby. Hopefully you can learn from my mistakes and the mistakes of many others and give your tarantulas and other spiders the optimal conditions for a long and healthy life.
AVOID THESE Beginner Tarantula Keeper Mistakes!
Everyone makes mistakes, especially when starting out doing something new. Some of the mistakes in these videos USED TO be considered proper husbandry, but with time and experience it has been discovered to be harmful. Whether you just got your first tarantula, are considering getting one in the future, or you have been keeping tarantulas for a while now....these are the MOST COMMON mistakes people make when keeping tarantulas, especially if they are NEW to the hobby. Avoid making these beginner mistakes, whether you just got your first tarantula or you have a couple dozen tarantulas.
When we know better, we do better!
Too Hard, Too Fast - Responsible Keeping of Tarantulas & Reptiles
In this clip from The Exotic Pet Collective podcast, I am talking to Dillon from Animals at Home about keeping tarantulas and reptiles responsibly and knowing your limits as a keeper. We discuss the importance of proper husbandry and spending more time caring for your animals and less time shopping for new ones. Some people go too hard, too fast...and what starts as a fire usually burns up in the flames. So avoid keeper burnout and check out this video and learn dangers and pitfalls of adding too many species to your collection to quickly.
How To Build a Tarantula Bioactive Enclosure
Bioactive enclosures are all the rage right now in the reptile, amphibian and invert hobbies. Not all tarantulas will benefit from a bioactive enclosure, but some will thrive in those conditions. In this video I build a Bioactive Enclosure for my Theraphosa apophysis (Pinkfoot Goliath Birdeater Tarantula). I take you step by step through the process of making a bioactive tarantula enclosure. In this video I am using a Tarantula Cribs enclosure with hydroballs as the false bottom. This setup will work for any moisture dependent species like Theraphosa blondi, Theraphosa stirmi, Pamphobetus species and more!