Tarantula spiderlings are baby tarantula spiders that are usually sold by petshops and tarantula breeders. Spiderlings are usually released when they reach 2nd instars which is about 1 to 1.5cm leg span. These little creatures are very shy and are very delicate to handle which requires extra care when rehousing them. It is usually enclosed in a straw or any small vial or container when shipped or released by the seller. In this way, we need to be extra cautious not to accidentally kill it.
Things you will be needing in rehousing a newly bought tarantula spiderlings.
- Enclosure - usually a small deli cup , sputum container or any small plastic container.
- When choosing a container, you should first identify if your tarantula belongs to a terrestrial or arboreal species.
- Terrestrial - they are ground dwellers therefore space is more important than height.
- Arboreal- requires tall enclosure with plenty of climbing space;height is more important.
- Safety pin - will be used in order to make small holes around the container for ventilation.
- Substrate - coco peat or vermiculite; or a combination of the two.
- Brush or forceps - will be carefully used in "poking" the spiderlings rump rather than using your finger.
- Spray - you will be using in misting the sides of the container.
Things to do :
- First , you will need to identify if your tarantula belongs to an arboreal or terrestrial species. Just use the search engine and type the name of your tarantula and some care sheet page will provide you the answer.
- Choose the best container for your tarantula. I prefer those transparent sputum containers, to easily monitor the spiderlings. The space of your container should not be too big or too small. I usually choose a container that is 2 to 3 times the total size of a spiderling. For example, for my terrestrial spiderling with 1cm legspan the diameter of the container that I am using is about 3cm.
- Next, carefully poke holes to the side of your chosen container using your safety pin. I use this because it is small enough that a spiderling would not be able get out of it. I usually use a safety pin that is heated first for me to easily poked holes to those hard sputum containers.
- After providing some ventilation , put some coco peat on it which will be around 2 to 3 cm. Level the coco peat and put a little pressure on it by pressing it hard . In this way, if you accidentally drop the container, the spiderling will not be covered with cocopeat at all.
- Spray the cocopeat with some water including the sides of the container. It should not be too wet or swampy or your spiderling will not be comfortable and will be upset about it.
- Lastly , carefully use a brush or forceps in order for you to poke and distract the spiderling . I would not recommend poking it with your finger because some spiderlings are very aggressive and defensive and wont mind biting you. I would not also recommend using sticks as you might injured your precious little fellow.
Then oh lala! You're done! Your little friend will be comfortable and happy with his new enclosure as well as with his new responsible owner. Thank you for reading my blog. Feel free to ask questions and drop comments in here.
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| Juvenile Brazilian Giant Whiteknee (acanthoscurria geniculata) tarantula |
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| Spiderling Greenbottle blue (c. cyaneopubescens) tarantula |
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| Spiderling Mexican red rump(brachypelma vagans) tarantula - premolt |
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| Spiderling Mexican fireleg (brachypelma boehmei) tarantula |
