EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

 Tarantulas and scorpions are fascinating, low-maintenance arachnids that appeal to both beginners and experienced keepers. With proper housing, diet, and care, they can live many years, providing a unique window into arachnid behaviour.

Overview:

• Terrestrial or arboreal spiders with long lifespans: 10–25 years depending on species and sex.
• Generally docile but may flick urticating hairs or bite if threatened.
• Mostly nocturnal.
   

Housing:

• Enclosure size:
  • Small species: 20–40 litres
  • Large species: 40–80 litres
  • Terrestrial: width > height
  • Arboreal: height > width
     
• Substrate: 7–15 cm of coconut coir, peat moss, or pesticide-free soil; avoid sand or fertilised soils.
• Decor: Hides (half-log, cork bark, clay pot); branches for arboreal species.
• Water: Shallow dish, clean and filled daily.
• Temperature: 21–29°C (70–85°F) depending on species.
• Humidity: 50–70% for most terrestrials, 70–80% for rainforest species; mist lightly as needed.
• Lighting: No UVB required; avoid direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
   

Diet:

• Insects: crickets, roaches, mealworms, superworms.
• Larger species may occasionally eat pinky mice.
• Avoid wild-caught insects that may carry pesticides.
• Feeding schedule: Juveniles 2–3×/week, adults 1–2×/week. Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours.
   

Molting:

• Tarantulas periodically shed their exoskeleton. Do not feed 1–2 weeks before and after molting.
• During molting: may lie on back or side; this is normal.
   

Handling:

• Generally discouraged. If necessary, handle gently, supporting the body fully. Avoid sudden movements.
   

Sexing:

• Males: smaller, thinner, may have tibial hooks or bulbous pedipalps (species-dependent).
• Females: larger, more robust, longer-lived. Confirm via exuviae (shed skin).
   

Health & Maintenance:

• Signs of good health: active, intact exoskeleton, regular feeding, clear simple eyes.
• Watch for lethargy, poor appetite, damaged exoskeleton, parasites.
• Daily: check water, remove uneaten prey.
• Weekly: spot clean substrate, wipe enclosure.
• Monthly: replace substrate if heavily soiled, clean hides, inspect for mould or mites.
   

Overview:

• Terrestrial arachnids, many from desert or tropical regions.
• Lifespan: 2–8 years, depending on species.
• Mostly nocturnal, sit-and-wait predators.
• Can sting defensively; UK keepers should handle with care or avoid handling.
   

Housing:

• Enclosure size: 20–40 litres for small species; 40–60 litres for larger species.
• Substrate: 5–10 cm of sand, coconut fibre, or soil mix depending on species.
  • Desert species: dry substrate.
  • Tropical species: retain some humidity (50–70%).
     
• Decor: Hides (half logs, cork bark, stones), shallow water dish.
• Temperature: 24–32°C (75–90°F), species-dependent.
• Humidity: Desert species 30–50%, tropical species 60–80%; mist lightly for tropical species.
• Lighting: No UVB required; avoid direct sunlight.
   

Diet:

• Insects: crickets, roaches, mealworms.
• Feed juveniles 2–3×/week, adults 1–2×/week.
• Remove uneaten prey promptly.
   

Handling & Safety:

• Handling is generally discouraged. Use tongs or scoop if necessary.
• Be aware that many species can sting; tropical species tend to be more defensive.
   

Health & Maintenance:

• Signs of good health: active, alert, glossy exoskeleton, regular feeding.
• Watch for lethargy, lack of appetite, or mould in substrate.
• Daily: check water dish.
• Weekly: spot clean substrate, remove waste.
• Monthly: refresh substrate if dirty, clean hides, check for mites.
   

Tarantulas and scorpions are low-maintenance, long-lived, and fascinating pets. By providing species-appropriate housing, temperature, humidity, diet, and minimal disturbance, they can thrive and display their natural behaviours safely in a UK home.