ROSE HAIR TARANTULA  

  • Native to the deserts and scrubland of Chile, Argentina and Bolivia; has been captive-bred for years.
  • A moderately large tarantula, the Chilean Rose-Haired Tarantula reaches adult size at 3-4 years with about a 5” leg span.
  • Its dark brown body is covered with reddish-orange to pink hairs.
  • Males have longer legs and are more fuzzy looking. Females are more stocky and bulky. Females live up to 15 years (avg 12 yrs); males have a much shorter lifespan.

Diet

Small spiderlings (slings) will eat pinhead crickets. As they grow they can eat larger sized prey. Dubia, and other types of feeder roaches, are good feeder options as well. Small slings (1/4-1/2” or less) can be fed as often as two to three times per week. Larger slings (1/2” and above) can be fed once per week, while adults can be fed as few as every three to four weeks.

Depending on your feeding schedule, be sure to feed an appropriately sized meal and remove any uneaten insects the following day. A good general rule of thumb to deternine appropriate meal size is the insect should be about the same size as the tarantula’s abdomen. As with any pet, never feed any insects that have been found. Use only insects specifically bred as feeders. A healthy weight for a tarantula is same size abdomen (butt) as carapace (head).

Housing  

Slings can become very stressed if kept in too large of an enclosure and will often die if they are moved to a larger enclosure too soon. Slings should be housed in small condiment cups or deli cups until they nearly outgrow it. When they outgrow their enclosure they should be moved to a slightly larger one until they reach at least a few inches in leg span, then they can be moved into their final adult sized enclosure. Adults of this species can comfortably be housed in a 5-10 gallon. Enclosure size should be three times the tarantula’s body length.

The bedding should consist of a minimum of a thick layer of either peat moss, coco-fiber &/or a soil-type substrate. Their humidity should range from 40% - 60%. Provide a shallow water dish for adults. Slings and smaller T’s should be misted every 2-3 days (as needed) to provide drinking water for your spider. The substrate should never be swampy and should be allowed to dry completely in between misting. Do not spray the tarantula directly, as it can agitate and stress them. Any tarantula should be given a very shallow water dish as soon as their enclosure will allow it. Juveniles and adult’s bedding should be kept dry. Offer a hiding spot &/or begin a burrow, as this species is an opportunistic burrower.

Temperatures should be maintained between 70-80 degrees during the day with a slight drop at night. Room temperature is usually perfect for them.

Handling & Care

Rose Hair Tarantulas are considered very docile and not likely to bite. Like other terrestrial species, they will flick urticating hairs off of their abdomen when stressed. These hairs can have a varied effect on people ranging from no reaction to itching and burning lasting a few minutes to a few days.

If you notice your tarantula lying on its back, it is molting. At this time, remove any uneaten insects and do not touch the tarantula. Molting is a very stressful time for a tarantula where they become very vulnerable. When they are ready to molt they will become lethargic, stop eating, become timid and may begin building a web. You may also notice their abdomen get very large, or they may lose hair on their abdomen just before molting.

Venom

All tarantulas have some sort of venom. Rose Hair Tarantulas have very mild venom, causing a reaction that feels similar to a bee sting. Everyone has a different reaction and some people may be allergic. Caution should always be exercised when handling any tarantula.