How is My Tarantula's Home?

Question

Okay, so I have a tarantula and had her for about 2 days now. I did my research before my parents bought her and I try to keep it humid for my Rose Hair. I make sure the substrate is moist and if you pinch it clumps and I make sure not to make it soaking wet. I also remember not to mist her because I read they don't like misting to be on them. Her substrate (Bedding) is about .75 inches thick. She has a small half log (Not hollow) and a little water dish. I keep her out of direct sunlight and feed her every 3 days or so. And according to the what my parents said, the seller said that she is 6 months old... However from cephlathorax to tip of her abdomen... She is about 2 inches (So maybe you guys can shine some light on whether or not she is really 6 months old)

Also I read that Rose Hairs don't actually like burrowing, they do it because they are in captivity. If that is the case tell me if it true.

Also tell me about feeding habits and if I am doing it correctly.

Also tell me if there are physical ways to measure humidity, cuz I don't have a device that measures humidity. :( And if there is a physical way to measure humidity, can you tell me what I am suppose to be feeling for and such?

All you experienced tarantulas owners with long living tarantulas give me advice please!

And if you don't mind adding, any certain handling tips so every once in a while I can get her use to my hand.

Thanks in advance. ^-^

Answer 1

Add a little more bedding.  You will need about 2-3".

You don't really need moisture for Rosies.. Ambient is fine, since they are a desert species and a wide water dish should provide enough moisture.  You can measure humidity with a small hydrometer.  You can pick one up specifically designed for terrariums at petco or petsmart.

Little water dish?  What kind of dimensions?  You should be using one around 3" wide by 1" deep.  A peanut butter jar lid would do the job.  Just add a rock in the center to prevent crickets from drowning.

Age is hard to say, but I would say a couple years old if the body length is really 2 inches.  Rosies don't grow very fast but can live past 20 years old easily if taken care of.

It is true that rosies are not much of burrowers, but they have been witnessed burrowing.  It is personal preference of the individual spider.  I would give her a hollow half-log or a half-buried flower pot for something to hide in.

Feeding should be 2-3 crickets once a week.  If any are not eaten, remove them in a couple days as they will stress the spider.  Rosies are known to fast for no apparent reason, sometimes for up to a year.  Keep an eye on the abdomen and make sure it is nice and round like a grape.

As for handling, don't do it too often, and not high off the ground.  Even a 10" drop could mean a fatal rupture of the exoskeleton, causing the spider to die a slow death.  Best way to handle is to slowly put your hand in front of her, give her a gentle push on the abdomen, and let her walk onto your hand.  She may sit there or continue walking around.  You can move your other hand in front of her so that she will walk from hand to hand.

Enjoy your new pet ;)

Answer 2

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