How to Safely Handle a Tarantula: A Step-by-Step Guide
Handling a tarantula can be a thrilling experience for arachnid enthusiasts, but it’s crucial to prioritize both your safety and the spider’s well-being. Tarantulas, despite their imposing appearance, are delicate creatures, and improper handling can lead to injury or stress. This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on how to safely pick up a tarantula, covering essential precautions, techniques, and post-handling care.
Disclaimer
Before we dive in, it’s imperative to emphasize that handling a tarantula is not without risk. While tarantula bites are rarely medically significant (unless you have an allergy), they can be painful. Furthermore, some tarantula species possess urticating hairs, which they can flick off their abdomen as a defense mechanism. These hairs can cause skin irritation, itching, and even respiratory problems if inhaled.
**Therefore, handling should only be attempted by experienced keepers who understand the potential risks and are comfortable with the spider’s temperament. If you’re a beginner, start with observing your tarantula’s behavior and learning about its specific species before considering handling.**
**If you are bitten, thoroughly wash the area with soap and water. If urticating hairs get in your eyes, flush them with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or swelling.**
Understanding Tarantula Behavior
Success in handling a tarantula starts with understanding its behavior. Tarantulas are generally docile creatures, but they can become defensive if they feel threatened. Learning to recognize signs of stress or agitation is key to avoiding bites or hair-kicking.
* **Signs of Stress:**
* **Raised front legs:** This is a common warning sign, indicating the tarantula is feeling threatened and preparing to defend itself.
* **Rapid movements:** A stressed tarantula might move erratically or try to escape quickly.
* **Flicking urticating hairs:** This is a clear sign that the tarantula is feeling threatened and is ready to defend itself. Some species can also “bombard” by aiming and forcibly ejecting the hairs.
* **Striking:** This is a last resort defense mechanism. The tarantula will quickly strike with its fangs.
* **Freezing:** Some tarantulas will freeze and remain completely still when scared, which can be deceiving. It’s still important to be cautious.
* **Species-Specific Temperaments:** Research your tarantula’s species to understand its typical temperament. Some species, like the Chilean Rose Hair ( *Grammostola rosea*), are known for their docile nature, while others, like the Ornamental Tarantulas (*Poecilotheria* spp.), are more defensive and arboreal (tree-dwelling) and are generally not recommended for handling.
* **Individual Temperament:** Even within the same species, individual tarantulas can have different temperaments. Observe your tarantula’s behavior over time to learn its personality.
Essential Precautions Before Handling
Before attempting to pick up your tarantula, take the following precautions:
1. **Wash Your Hands:** Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to remove any lotions, perfumes, or food odors that might trigger a defensive response from the tarantula. Also, ensure your hands are dry. Wet hands can make it difficult to get a secure grip, and can also stress the tarantula.
2. **Choose a Safe Environment:** Select a flat, stable surface for handling. Avoid handling near edges or in areas with potential hazards like shelves or other pets. A carpeted floor is ideal, as it provides a soft landing in case the tarantula falls.
3. **Avoid Handling After Feeding or Molting:** Do not handle your tarantula for at least 48 hours after feeding. A full tarantula is more likely to regurgitate its food if stressed. Also, never handle a tarantula that is molting or has recently molted. During this time, their exoskeleton is soft and vulnerable, and handling can cause serious injury.
4. **Have a Soft Brush Ready (Optional):** A soft paintbrush can be helpful for gently encouraging the tarantula to move onto your hand. Do not use anything sharp or forceful.
5. **Stay Calm and Confident:** Tarantulas can sense your nervousness. Approach the handling process with a calm and confident demeanor. This will help to minimize the tarantula’s stress.
6. **Have an Escape Plan:** Mentally prepare a plan for what you’ll do if the tarantula becomes agitated or tries to escape. Knowing how you’ll react can help you avoid panicking and potentially injuring the spider.
7. **Wear Protective Gear (Optional, but recommended for beginners and urticating hair-heavy species):** Consider wearing long sleeves and gloves, especially if your tarantula is prone to flicking urticating hairs. Eye protection is also a good idea to prevent hairs from getting in your eyes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Picking Up a Tarantula
Now that you’ve taken the necessary precautions, follow these steps to safely pick up your tarantula:
1. **Slow and Steady Approach:** Approach the tarantula slowly and deliberately. Avoid sudden movements, which can startle the spider.
2. **Gentle Encouragement:** Gently touch the tarantula’s back legs with your finger or the soft brush. The goal is to encourage it to move forward onto your hand. Avoid touching the front legs or head, as this can be perceived as a threat.
3. **Hand Placement:** Position your open hand in front of the tarantula, allowing it to walk onto your palm. Avoid scooping or grabbing the spider. The tarantula should initiate the movement onto your hand.
4. **Support and Balance:** Once the tarantula is on your hand, keep your hand flat and steady. Avoid jerky movements. Use your other hand to provide support if needed, but avoid touching the tarantula directly unless necessary.
5. **Observe and Adapt:** Pay close attention to the tarantula’s behavior. If it appears stressed or uncomfortable, gently return it to its enclosure. Do not force the spider to stay on your hand if it doesn’t want to.
6. **Short Handling Sessions:** Keep handling sessions brief, especially when you are first getting used to handling your tarantula. A few minutes is usually sufficient. Overhandling can stress the spider.
7. **Returning to the Enclosure:** To return the tarantula to its enclosure, simply lower your hand into the enclosure and allow the spider to walk off. Do not drop or force the spider off your hand.
What To Do If the Tarantula Becomes Agitated
Even with the best precautions, a tarantula might become agitated during handling. Here’s what to do:
* **Stay Calm:** Panicking will only make the situation worse. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm.
* **Avoid Sudden Movements:** Sudden movements can further agitate the tarantula. Move slowly and deliberately.
* **Return to the Enclosure:** If the tarantula is displaying signs of stress (raised legs, hair-flicking, rapid movements), gently return it to its enclosure. Do not try to force it to stay on your hand.
* **Use a Brush or Container:** If the tarantula is being particularly uncooperative, you can use a soft brush or a small container to gently guide it back into its enclosure.
* **Step Away:** If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, it’s okay to step away and try again later. The safety of both you and the tarantula is paramount.
Understanding Urticating Hairs
Urticating hairs are a defense mechanism found in many New World tarantula species (those native to the Americas). These hairs are barbed and can cause significant skin irritation, itching, and even respiratory problems if inhaled.
* **Symptoms of Urticating Hair Exposure:**
* **Skin irritation:** Redness, itching, and a burning sensation.
* **Respiratory problems:** Coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing (if inhaled).
* **Eye irritation:** Redness, watering, and pain (if the hairs get into the eyes).
* **Treatment for Urticating Hair Exposure:**
* **Skin:** Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Use tape to gently remove any remaining hairs. Apply an anti-itch cream or antihistamine to relieve the itching.
* **Eyes:** Flush the eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
* **Respiratory system:** If you experience difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
* **Prevention:** Wear long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection when handling tarantulas that are known to flick urticating hairs. Avoid touching your face while handling the spider. Work in a well-ventilated area.
Alternative Handling Techniques
While direct handling can be rewarding, there are alternative ways to interact with your tarantula without physically touching it:
* **Observation:** Simply observing your tarantula’s behavior can be a fascinating experience. Learn about its hunting techniques, molting process, and social interactions (if kept communally – only for certain species).
* **Photography and Videography:** Capture stunning photos and videos of your tarantula to share with other enthusiasts.
* **Enrichment:** Provide your tarantula with a stimulating environment by adding new decorations, hides, and substrate to its enclosure. Observe how it interacts with its environment.
* **Target Training (Advanced):** Some keepers have successfully trained their tarantulas to respond to target cues using food rewards. This can be a challenging but rewarding way to interact with your spider.
Choosing the Right Tarantula Species for Handling
If you’re interested in handling tarantulas, it’s crucial to choose a species that is known for its docile temperament. Here are a few species that are generally considered good choices for beginners:
* **Chilean Rose Hair ( *Grammostola rosea*):** This species is known for its calm demeanor and infrequent hair-kicking. However, individual temperaments can vary.
* **Goliath Birdeater ( *Theraphosa blondi*):** Despite their massive size, they can be surprisingly docile, but they are known to kick hairs and possess large fangs. Experienced handlers only.
* **Pinktoe Tarantula ( *Avicularia avicularia*):** These arboreal tarantulas are generally docile, but they are also very fast and can be skittish. They also squirt feces as a defense mechanism.
* **Honduran Curly Hair ( *Tliltocatl albopilosus*):** Docile and good eaters but known to kick hairs more readily than the Rose Hair. Relatively slow-moving.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Research:** Thoroughly research any species you are considering before acquiring it. Understand its specific care requirements, temperament, and potential risks.
* **Reputable Breeder:** Purchase your tarantula from a reputable breeder or pet store that can provide accurate information about the spider’s history and health.
* **Avoid Wild-Caught Tarantulas:** Wild-caught tarantulas are often stressed and more likely to be defensive. They may also carry parasites or diseases.
Post-Handling Care
After handling your tarantula, it’s important to ensure its well-being.
* **Return to Enclosure:** Gently return the tarantula to its enclosure and allow it to settle down.
* **Observe for Stress:** Observe the tarantula for any signs of stress or injury. If you notice anything unusual, consult with a veterinarian or experienced tarantula keeper.
* **Provide Food and Water:** Ensure that the tarantula has access to fresh water and food (if it’s not close to molting).
* **Wash Your Hands:** Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any potential irritants.
* **Clean Handling Area:** Clean the handling area to remove any urticating hairs or other debris.
Conclusion
Handling a tarantula can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to prioritize safety and respect the spider’s well-being. By understanding tarantula behavior, taking necessary precautions, and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can minimize the risks and enjoy a positive interaction with these fascinating creatures. Remember, responsible handling is key to ensuring the health and happiness of your tarantula. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid handling.
This guide is not a substitute for experience. Start slow, observe your spider, and only handle when you and your tarantula are comfortable. Good luck, and enjoy the fascinating world of tarantula keeping!