by V. Berba Velasco Jr., Ph.D.
If you’re like me, then you don’t really have the luxury of keeping a high-maintenance pet such as a dog. Even a less demanding pet such as a cat might be beyond your time constraints. Fish tanks can be difficult too, since it’s easy to underestimate the time and effort involved in keeping them clean.
So what options do you have?
Well, you could try a snake or one of the hardier lizard varieties. My personal favorites, however, are tarantulas. That’s right—those big, hairy, eight-legged freaks.
Contrary to popular belief, tarantulas are really not deadly; in fact, there are no known instances of anyone dying from a tarantula bite. In addition, most of the pet store specimens that you’ll encounter are exceedingly docile, and will generally not bite unless they are severely provoked.
Start With a Beginner-Friendly Species
The most common variety available is the Chilean rose hair tarantula (Grammastola rosea), which is notoriously gentle and easy to handle. It is also known to have fairly mild venom, and almost never bites.
Other docile and readily available species include:
- Honduran curly hair tarantula (Brachypelma albopilosum)
- Guyana pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia).
These species are widely considered suitable for beginners and are commonly available through reputable pet stores and breeders.
Why Tarantulas Are Truly Low Maintenance
Unlike a dog or a cat, these animals do not require much care. They can go for weeks without food, and in some cases water, although regular care is still recommended. They also generate very little waste, making cage cleaning simple and infrequent.
Some species do have rather specific humidity requirements, but the most common pet-store varieties are not so demanding. They also require very little space, and most of them can be kept in plastic shoebox-sized containers.
There is no single enclosure that works for every tarantula species. Terrestrial tarantulas require more floor space and deep substrate, while arboreal species need vertical height. Choosing an enclosure that matches the natural behavior of the species is far more important than choosing a specific brand or style.
Make sure that their lids fit tightly, though, since these animals can be quite good at escaping.
Learn Proper Care Before You Buy
I do recommend reading up on tarantula care, so as to learn the proper care requirements for the specimen that you choose. Be aware that some species can be quite aggressive, and are not recommended for beginners. These species are less commonly available though, and are generally obtained via mail order.
If in doubt, start with a Chilean rose hair tarantula. It remains one of the best beginner species due to its calm temperament and straightforward care requirements.
Know That Individual Temperament Can Vary
Even within docile species, there can be some individuals that are more aggressive than others. In addition, there is always the possibility of an allergic reaction if you are bitten. In theory, this could result in a potentially fatal anaphylactic shock, although I am not aware of any circumstances in which this has actually happened.
For these reasons, new owners should learn how to read a tarantula’s body language, and should stay away from species that have a reputation for biting without provocation.
Handling Is Optional (and Often Unnecessary)
Also, do remember that you never have to actually hold the tarantulas—just as you never have to actually hold your aquarium fish. Many experienced keepers choose not to handle them at all.
I recommend learning proper handling and transfer techniques so you can move your tarantula safely when needed without direct contact. This is especially useful for those who are squeamish or simply prefer to err on the side of caution.
When in doubt, safety should always come first.
A Surprisingly Fascinating Pet
If you’re not intimidated by the prospect of keeping one of these remarkable creatures, tarantulas make excellent low-maintenance pets. Many owners find them surprisingly engaging, and it’s easy to become fascinated by their behavior and unique presence.
They may not be for everyone, but for the right person, they’re endlessly interesting.
