5 Reasons Why You Should Keep A Tarantula As A Pet

Most people either decide to get a cat or dog as a pet. Some even want to get a bird such as a parrot or a cockatiel or get an aquarium for keeping fish as pets. These are the most common pet choices. However, some people go beyond the norm and look for exotic animals to keep as pets.

They get the most unexpected animal as pets, and when you learn about them, they will leave you in awe. These exotic pets can be amazing ones such as peacocks, vultures, monkeys, paradise birds, while others are deadly like tigers, wolves, insects, and even snakes.

If you are in the market for an exotic pet do not want the high maintenance of these exotic species- you should consider a Tarantula.

Tarantulas require very little maintenance and cost, can live long, take up minimal space, and are incredibly docile – making them perfect pets!

Your Friendly Neighborhood Tarantulas As Pets

Many people are arachnophobic (aka fearful of spiders) and are terrified of all sorts of these eight-legged creatures, and that is normal. However, if you do not have such a phobia, then tarantulas can be excellent pets.

Yes, they look scary and intimidating, but they are incredibly calm and become docile once used to the environment.

Many people who have previously kept tarantulas as pets consider them to be the simplest of pets, as the cost of keeping them is minimal.

Advantages of Tarantula as a Pet

So, here are some pros of keeping tarantulas as pets:

1. A Very Budget Friendly Diet

Tarantulas do not need expensive foods to survive. They can even survive for weeks and even a month with no food. As they are ambush predators, they have a very slow metabolism. So, they very rarely get hungry.

As for their food menu, you can feed them your house insects, which will cost you absolutely nothing. But if you want to give them a treat, give them some protein-filled TopFlight Dubia Roaches.

Moths, crickets, cockroaches, any small insect you find in your backyard, you can feed it to them.

2. The Cost Of Keeping Them Is Very Low

Unlike many other exotic pets, the amount of money you need to spend behind them is meager. For example, if you want to keep some rare birds, you need a large cage, an open space, create a suitable environment, and much more.

For reptiles like snakes, you need to do similar things. Get an enormous container, create a suitable environment as snakes are cold-blooded and cannot handle weather change very well.

Tarantulas, on the other hand, are low cost. The most expensive part of keeping a tarantula is the tarantula itself.

To keep a tarantula, you just need a medium-sized container, drill some holes in it and put coco-fiber substrate and a cork bark hide. That is it you are done.

3. Require Very Low Maintenance

Tarantulas, unlike other animals, do not run here and there. They tend to stay in one place and hardly move unless they are webbing.

You hardly need to give any attention to your little pet, apart from feeding it every day. At most, it will take you 20 minutes a week (not per day) for caring for tarantula.

Since they will also straight up eat most insects, your little tarantula can help prevent pests.

4. No Need To Worry About Space

As we said earlier, tarantulas hardly move from one space, and they are tiny creatures compared to other pets. They take up little space, only as much as the container you are keeping it in.

Fun fact, tarantulas themselves prefer living in a small space as they are not chasing predators, but ambush predators, who like to stay at one place and let the food come to them.

In fact, being in a large space might put a lot of stress on your tiny tarantula.

5. Be By Your Side For A Long Time

Tarantulas can live for a very long period. Based on what type of tarantula you are buying, their longevity may vary, but most tarantulas live for about 15-20 years. Owning one makes it easier being an eco-friendly pet owner.

Another remarkable fact about these creatures is that they are very durable and can cope with any environment you put them through.

So, even if you forget that you have a pet and go out somewhere for a week or two when you come back, you will find that your little pet is still in good shape.

These little creatures might be scary looking, but they are very calm and straightforward to maintain, not to mention they are very resilient. Even if you forget about taking care of them, it will hardly impact their health, which would not be possible for other pets.

You do not need extra money to feed them, no extra money to spend by taking them to the vet, and they take very little space and attention from you.

Disadvantages of Tarantula as a Pet

There are, however, a few cons of having a tarantula as a pet. Here are a few of them:

1. Not Such A Bonding Relationship

Most people get a pet to build a bond with them and to enjoy a good time. However, as the tarantulas are not a developed species, they can hardly remember who their owner is.

So if you are looking for a pet that you want to build a bond with, the tarantulas are not for you. They like to live by themselves.

2. Risk Of Being Poisoned

Tarantulas are predators, after all, so they have poison in their fangs. They usually are very calm and will not attack any human.

However, if you agitate them and invade their space, they will lash out at you and might poison you. Although they are not threatening, they might cause an allergic reaction.

Final Thoughts

There are some pros to keeping a tarantula as a pet, and there are also some cons. If you do wish to keep an exotic pet that might shock your friends and family while also not willing to spend a fortune behind them, then do consider getting a tarantula as even though they might look creepy, they can still be excellent house pets.

Considerations for Dog Owners: Tarantula Vs. Dog

When it comes to choosing between a traditional pet like a dog and an exotic one like a tarantula, there are several factors that dog owners must weigh. The decision is not as straightforward as it may seem, and here’s why:

1. Maintenance and Care

Dogs require daily attention, exercise, grooming, and a specific diet. Tarantulas, on the other hand, are low-maintenance creatures that require minimal care. They can even survive for weeks without food. This difference in care can be a significant consideration for busy dog owners.

2. Space Requirements

While dogs need ample space to run and play, tarantulas require only a small container. This makes tarantulas a more suitable option for those living in apartments or confined spaces.

3. Health Concerns

Dogs may suffer from various health issues that require regular veterinary care. Sneezing, for example, can be a common issue in dogs. If you notice your dog sneezing frequently, it might be worth checking out this guide on why dogs keep sneezing. Tarantulas, conversely, are resilient creatures that rarely need medical attention.

4. Lifespan and Commitment

Dogs typically live for 10-15 years, while tarantulas can live up to 20 years. The commitment to a pet’s lifespan is something to consider, especially when weighing the longevity of these two distinct species.

5. Emotional Connection

While tarantulas can be fascinating pets, they do not offer the emotional connection and companionship that dogs provide. If bonding and interaction are essential for a pet owner, a dog might be the preferable choice.

6. Cost Consideration

The ongoing costs of keeping a dog can be substantial, including food, grooming, and veterinary care. Tarantulas are far more budget-friendly, with minimal ongoing expenses.

In conclusion, the choice between a dog and a tarantula depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and what one expects from a pet. Both have their unique advantages and challenges, and understanding these can help in making an informed decision.

Salman Zafar

Salman Zafar is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of EcoMENA. He is a consultant, ecopreneur and journalist with expertise across in waste management, renewable energy, environment protection and sustainable development. Salman has successfully accomplished a wide range of projects in the areas of biomass energy, biogas, waste-to-energy, recycling and waste management. He has participated in numerous conferences and workshops as chairman, session chair, keynote speaker and panelist. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management and environmental sustainability across the globe Salman Zafar can be reached at salman@ecomena.org

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