Need a Low-Maintenance Pet? Try a Tarantula!   

by V. Berba Velasco

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
under-estimate 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.

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 the Honduran curly hair tarantula (Brachypelma
albopilosum) and the Guyana pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia
avicularia).

Unlike a dog or a cat, these animals do not require much care.
They can go for weeks without food or water, although regular
care is still recommended. They do not generate much waste
either, and so cleaning their cages is easy as well. 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. Make sure that their lids fit
tightly though, since these animals can be quite good at
escaping.

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, as this is an excellent
beginner species.

Owners should be aware that 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.

Also, do remember that you never have to actually hold the
tarantulas - just as you never have to actually hold your aquarium
fish. I recommend reading up on handling techniques, so that you
can move the animals around without having to touch them. This
can be helpful for those who are squeamish, or who simply wish to
be cautious. When in doubt, err on the side of safety.

If you're not intimidated by the prospect of keeping one of these
wondrous creatures, then I recommend them highly. They can be
quite addictive, and they never fail to entertain.


V. Berba Velasco Jr., Ph.D. is a senior electrical and software
engineer at Cellular Technology Ltd http://www.immunospot.com  ,
The neighborhood children have referred to him as the "Crocodile
Hunter" though, due to his impressive menagerie of magnificent
arachnids.

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Last Update:08/25/07