Pet Spiders
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Spiders as Pets
Keeping spiders as pets, or any other exotic creature, is fast becoming a much-cherished hobby. Although not for everyone, keeping spiders as pets can be quite interesting, if the appropriate attention is given. With almost negligible amount of attention and care required, they are a “no-fuss” pet, which has an almost “Fish-like” effect when it comes to relieving stress. Who would have though keeping spiders as pets could be this hassle-free.
There are many advantages of choosing a spider as a pet over other species of the animal and insect kingdom. Firstly, spiders are extremely quite and clean creatures, also known to be one of the gentlest of species in the world. While their needs are not overtly extravagant, they need to be given almost the same amount of attention and care as with any other pet.
Almost all species of spiders are venomous although most of them have extremely mild venoms that fail to cause major damage, unless of course a person is allergic to them. Spiders need very little care, in that they eat small and medium insects, which are relatively easy to find. Most spiders are kept in small glass cases that have holes to allow the intake of air. The cages need to take care of every need as they will be the Spider’s natural habitat for the rest of its life. An active Spider needs to burrow, hunt, sleep, climb, drink water, rest at a cool or warm place and secrete a refuge for themselves as well as shed their skin. So their cages need to have enough amenities to allow them to do all this for a healthy and long life.
Spiders also tend to stay away from bright lights and so, natural light streaming into the cage may be quite sufficient for the spider to have a wonderful time. Lamps can be used to not only provide light, but also some warmth, when required.
Spiders may bite, so it is essential to ensure that adequate care is taken when handling them. Although most bites are mild and the toxins tend to emulate a bee sting more than anything else, they may cause an anaphylactic shock. Spiders are generally sold as spiderlings and those looking for spiders as pets should look at buying them over the counter. Generally female spiders live longer than males, and Tarantulas can live for up to 10 years even.
Spiders often molt, or shed their skin, as they grow and during these days, the spider must not be disturbed. The molting process may occur quite a number of times in the spider’s younger days, but usually occurs once a year as it grows older. In the heat, spiders tend to eat more due to a higher metabolic rate and the supply of food decides whether the spider will grow big or small. Spiders cannot be kept along with other spiders due to their cannibalistic nature. Also, when handling spiders, remember that they tend to release itchy strands of hair that almost shoot out of its body. This defense is usually irritating to the skin and may cause some minor trouble. Spiders, even as pets, do not like to be handled much and coaxing them into their boxes is generally considered as the best way to move them around.
Feeding spiders is a simple task as easily available insects can be fed to them. However, you must be careful not to give more than one insect at a time as they may refuse to eat. Also, spiders do not eat everyday and sometimes, may go for a week without food. In such cases, and during the molting period, you should no worry as it is absolutely normal for it to do so.
The Chilean Rose is considered to be the best spider as a pet, due to its calm and hardy nature. The Mexican Red Knee is another interesting spider species. So if you are looking for an interesting hobby that requires little investment, then spiders as pets is what you want.
<< Previous Pet Insects | Back to Pet Insects | Next >> Animal Fancy
Keeping spiders as pets, or any other exotic creature, is fast becoming a much-cherished hobby. Although not for everyone, keeping spiders as pets can be quite interesting, if the appropriate attention is given. With almost negligible amount of attention and care required, they are a “no-fuss” pet, which has an almost “Fish-like” effect when it comes to relieving stress. Who would have though keeping spiders as pets could be this hassle-free.
There are many advantages of choosing a spider as a pet over other species of the animal and insect kingdom. Firstly, spiders are extremely quite and clean creatures, also known to be one of the gentlest of species in the world. While their needs are not overtly extravagant, they need to be given almost the same amount of attention and care as with any other pet.
Almost all species of spiders are venomous although most of them have extremely mild venoms that fail to cause major damage, unless of course a person is allergic to them. Spiders need very little care, in that they eat small and medium insects, which are relatively easy to find. Most spiders are kept in small glass cases that have holes to allow the intake of air. The cages need to take care of every need as they will be the Spider’s natural habitat for the rest of its life. An active Spider needs to burrow, hunt, sleep, climb, drink water, rest at a cool or warm place and secrete a refuge for themselves as well as shed their skin. So their cages need to have enough amenities to allow them to do all this for a healthy and long life.
Spiders also tend to stay away from bright lights and so, natural light streaming into the cage may be quite sufficient for the spider to have a wonderful time. Lamps can be used to not only provide light, but also some warmth, when required.
Spiders may bite, so it is essential to ensure that adequate care is taken when handling them. Although most bites are mild and the toxins tend to emulate a bee sting more than anything else, they may cause an anaphylactic shock. Spiders are generally sold as spiderlings and those looking for spiders as pets should look at buying them over the counter. Generally female spiders live longer than males, and Tarantulas can live for up to 10 years even.
Spiders often molt, or shed their skin, as they grow and during these days, the spider must not be disturbed. The molting process may occur quite a number of times in the spider’s younger days, but usually occurs once a year as it grows older. In the heat, spiders tend to eat more due to a higher metabolic rate and the supply of food decides whether the spider will grow big or small. Spiders cannot be kept along with other spiders due to their cannibalistic nature. Also, when handling spiders, remember that they tend to release itchy strands of hair that almost shoot out of its body. This defense is usually irritating to the skin and may cause some minor trouble. Spiders, even as pets, do not like to be handled much and coaxing them into their boxes is generally considered as the best way to move them around.
Feeding spiders is a simple task as easily available insects can be fed to them. However, you must be careful not to give more than one insect at a time as they may refuse to eat. Also, spiders do not eat everyday and sometimes, may go for a week without food. In such cases, and during the molting period, you should no worry as it is absolutely normal for it to do so.
The Chilean Rose is considered to be the best spider as a pet, due to its calm and hardy nature. The Mexican Red Knee is another interesting spider species. So if you are looking for an interesting hobby that requires little investment, then spiders as pets is what you want.
<< Previous Pet Insects | Back to Pet Insects | Next >> Animal Fancy

