Tarantula

If you want a fluffy pet you can get out cuddle then don't get a tarantula. However, they are perfect if you want something fascinating and different that doesn't require much looking after.

I have 3 tarantulas but my first was a Chilean Rose Tarantula (called Lucretia) who is now 8 years old and inherited from my grandma in her will. Chilean Roses are one of the best species to have as a beginner as they are relatively friendly as tarantulas go and I have never been bitten. I have however had the misfortune to have once been sprayed with hairs of her back which caused a rash but no serious harm.

Tarantulas tend to be quite happy being left in their tank but if you want to pick it up, it is vital you don't drop it as the exoskeleton is very fragile and it will die if it gets damaged. I keep my hand flat and level with the floor and gently coax her on my gently stroking her back legs, then hold her with two hands.

Tarantulas require hardly any care, food or expenses.Just a tank (at least 3x the legs span wide), a heat mat , a small bowl of water (some more exotic rainforest species may need more humidity such as misting) something such as bark chippings or sand to line the bottom and maybe some rocks and a plantpot to hide under.

Tarantulas eat hardly anything. You can feed them small rodents, mealworms and various other insects which you can easily get from a lot of pet shops as I don'[t like to use ones from the garden in case they are diseased. Mine only eats about 5 crickets once a year but most will probably eat more - maybe up to once a week. I know when she's hungry as she climbs up the side of the tank.They are suprisingly strong and once she managed to push the lid of and escape so now the tank lid is held on by cellotape - highy recommeded!