Rose Hair Tarantula Care Sheet
Natural History:
Rose hair tarantulas are found in deserts and scrub lands of Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. They are nocturnal, spending their days in the shelter of moist, cool burrows. In addition, they are very hardy, and can withstand a wide variety of environmental conditions.
Size and Longevity:
Rose hair tarantulas are a fairly slow growing species, taking up to 4 years to reach maturity. Adults will range in size, but the average leg span is 4-5 inches, and can easily live to be 15 years old, and 20 year old rose hairs are not unheard of.
Housing:
Tarantulas neither want or need a huge enclosure. They are nearly blind, and depend mostly on sense of touch to navigate and interpret their surroundings. Therefore, they do best in enclosures where they can roam about freely, but not feel overly exposed. A secure screen-type cover is needed to keep your tarantula in and other unwanted visitors out.
Heating and Lighting:
Lighting is not necessary for tarantulas. Typically ambient room lighting is sufficient. Tarantulas do best when kept around 75 degrees.
Substrate and Furnishings:
The bedding, EcoEarth from ZooMed is recommended, should be at least 1-3 inches deep, and kept just moist enough to clump when pinched, but it should never drip. Additional decorations such as live or fake plants, sticks, and rocks may be used as well. However, make sure that anything even remotely heavy is placed firmly on the cage bottom before the bedding is added. Otherwise, your pet may burrow under said item, only to have it fall and crush them.
Water and Humidity:
A small, shallow water dish should always be present. The entire enclosure should be misted every few days to maintain the substrate and humidity levels as outlined earlier.
Nutrition:
These tarantulas will eat 2-3 large crickets a week.
Handling:
Rose hairs are among the most docile and even-tempered of all tarantula species. However, as with any tarantula, it should be remembered that rose hairs are venomous, even if only slightly so. Most humans suffer no systemic effects from a rose hair bite, instead experiencing localized pain, itching, and burning. Nonetheless, many people do hold their rose hair tarantulas, and as long as it is done carefully, respectfully, and infrequently, no harm will come to the animal, or you. Justremember that you are handling it at your own risk.
When you get home:
Place the moistened bedding, water dish, and any small plants in the cage while still leaving the tarantula room to crawl. Open your tarantula’s holding container and carefully release it into the cage. Place the cover on your cage, making sure it is secure.
Additional Supplies and Information:
Please contact Exotics & Aquatics Pet Store
We have all the necessities your new tarantula needs, and we will gladly answer any questions you have.