Feather leg baboon tarantula is a fascinating pet that can make a great addition to any home. These spiders are easy to care for but if you decide to own one, there are some important things you need to know.
Feather leg baboon tarantulas are a popular choice among pet owners, especially for those who want to handle a challenging pet. This animal however is more than challenging due to its aggressive behavior and temperament.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about feather leg baboon tarantula, from their natural habitat to food and other relevant things.
Appearance & Behavior
The Feather Leg Baboon Tarantula is a medium-sized spider that can grow up to 2.5 to 3 inches long. The males are typically smaller than the females. Their legs can grow up to 5 to 6 inches long and these are covered with black hair with white stripes. The abdomen is dark while the carapace is covered with short hairs that can be golden brown in coloration. Their 2 large fangs can inject venom into their prey which causes later’s paralysis.
The Feather Leg Baboon Tarantula is a nocturnal animal that is active at night. During the day it will hide in its burrow or among the leaves of plants. Females are generally aggressive and will attack anything that comes near their nest. Hence, extra care must be observed when they already laid in their cocoon.
Habitat
This animal prefers warm and humid environments. In captivity, they should be kept in an enclosure that clones their natural habitat as closely as possible. Tarantulas are not huge spiders, but they still need enough room to move. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least four times the length of the spider.
Decor
Your spider’s enclosure should include plenty of hiding spots, like wood or rocks. This will give your spider somewhere to retreat when it feels threatened or when it wants to molt. You can also include some plants or other forms of greenery. Just make sure that any plants you include are non-toxic and won’t harm your spider.
Water
Your spider will need a water source that is large enough for them to soak in but not so deep that it will drown. A shallow dish or bowl filled with dechlorinated water works well. You should mist the cage daily so that the air inside is humid but not wet. This will help your spider stay healthy and prevent molting problems.
Substrate
The substrate should be deep enough so that it can burrow and should be something that can retain moisture, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss. You should mist the substrate from time to time so that it remains slightly damp.
Lighting
These spiders are adaptable when it comes to the amount of light they need. However, it is recommended that they be provided with at least 12-14 hours of light per day using either artificial or natural lighting. In this way, the day/night cycle which they need will be complied with. This would also keep them healthy and happy in captivity.
Temperature
The preferred temperature range for a Feather Leg Baboon Tarantula is 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be achieved using a basking light or heat emitter. It is important to make sure that there is a temperature gradient in the enclosure so that your tarantula can regulate its own body temperature.
Humidity
The preferred humidity range for a Feather Leg Baboon Tarantula is 60-70%. This can be achieved by misting the enclosure with distilled water once or twice a day. It is important to make sure that the humidity does not drop below 50% as this can lead to shedding problems.
Cleaning their habitat
It’s important to clean your tarantula’s enclosure to remove waste and prevent the spread of disease. Waste can build up in the enclosure and make it dirty or smell.
The first step in cleaning the enclosure is to remove your tarantula and place it somewhere safe.
Once the animal is out of the enclosure, it’s time to start cleaning by removing all of the decorations. The items can be cleaned separately with warm water and soap. Just be sure not to use any harsh chemicals or cleaners that could be harmful to your tarantula. Once all of the decor items are clean, allow them to air dry completely before you bring them back into the enclosure.
Next, use a safe cleaner and a sponge or cloth then wipe down all of the surfaces of the enclosure. Once you’ve finished cleaning, rinse the enclosure with water until all traces of the cleaner are gone.
The last step is to put your tarantula back into its home! Once your tarantula is back inside, give it enough time to settle then give it fresh food and water.
Feeding
In the wild, they feed on a variety of small insects and invertebrates. They are not picky eaters and will accept any live prey that is small enough to fit into their mouths.
In captivity, they can be fed a diet of crickets, mealworms, and other commercially available live feeder insects. It is important to dust the insects with a calcium supplement prior to feeding or at least gut-load the insect so that it will contain the essential nutrients your spider needs.
Screening Health Condition
The first thing you’ll want to do is take a close look at all of the spider’s legs. Healthy legs should be free of any wounds or deformities, and the joints should move freely. If you notice any abnormalities, it’s best to take the spider to a vet for examination.
You also want to inspect the spider for any signs of mites or parasites. These can usually be seen as small, dark spots on the spider’s body. If you see anything that resembles this, it’s important to get your spider treated as soon as possible.
Common Health Issues
One of the most common health concerns for these spiders is dehydration. This can occur if the humidity level in their enclosure drops way below the accepted level. Symptoms of dehydration include sunken eyes and slow movement. If you suspect your spider is dehydrated, mist its enclosure with water until the humidity level rises back above 60%.
Another common health concern is nutritional deficiencies, which can occur if your spider isn’t getting enough calcium or other essential nutrients in its diet. Symptoms of nutritional deficiencies include lethargy, poor appetite, and deformities in the legs or carapace.
Conclusion
Feather leg baboon tarantulas can be challenging to handle since they are aggressive and tend to bite whenever they are revoked. Nevertheless, they make great pets since they have a lifespan of up to 15 years. This means you can enjoy them for years to come!
Unlike other pets, they are low maintenance. You don’t need to feed or water them every day. While they do require some care and attention, once you have their enclosure set up, they will be able to take care of themselves.