Mexican red knee tarantula is a docile and slow-moving reptile with a long lifespan making it an ideal pet for beginners and arachnid enthusiasts. They are coveted for their beauty and peaceful temperament and can be handled regularly as long as their movements are kept steady. Good care for tarantulas involves providing a proper living environment and a nutritious diet.
Housing
A Mexican red knee tarantula can be housed in a tank sized between 5 to 10 gallons. The tank can be made of glass or plastic, but glass is preferred for long-term use. Covered tanks are best for tarantulas as they can escape from their enclosure.
A built-in door will be convenient for feeding and cleaning purposes. The tank’s width should be thrice the spider’s leg span and height the same as that of the spider’s leg.
Substrate or Bedding
A mix of peat moss, soil, and vermiculite makes for excellent bedding. It should also be at least two to three inches thick, allowing the tarantula to burrow and help cushion any falls. Whatever substrates you choose to use, make sure that it is additive and chemical-free.
Places to Hide
Tarantulas need places to hide in the enclosure as they get stressed if they feel exposed. Artificial or natural plants, cork bark, and coconut halves make for excellent hiding places.
Temperature
For taking care of your tarantula, it is essential to maintain a consistent temperature in the enclosure. The recommended temperature is around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and this can be achieved by attaching a heat mat to the outside back wall of the enclosure.
Humidity
You can keep the humidity level of the enclosure at 60 to 70 percent. Do this by placing a water bowl in the enclosure and lightly misting the substrate. If the humidity is too high, you will notice the tarantula moving away from the water dish in the corner. If it is too low, you will find the tarantula near the water dish.
Lighting
Tarantulas do not require special lighting in the enclosure. However, you can use an incandescent or LED dimmable light to create day and night settings. The light can be placed outside the enclosure in a way that light can reach inside. The cycle to be maintained is 12 hours a day and 12 hours at night..
Feeding
Give your tarantula live feed approximately half of its body length. Crickets, locusts, mealworms, superworms are some commonly fed insects. Occasionally, you can also offer a pinky mouse or lizard to the tarantula. Also, make sure to remove any uneaten live prey, as their constant movement can stress the spider. The amount of food these tarantulas require is significantly less. Mexican red knee tarantulas usually have to be fed once or twice a week, and they stop eating for almost a month before a molt.
Water
A shallow water dish is enough for your tarantula as they get the necessary moisture from their food. The dish should not be more than half an inch deep, and the water should be changed every day.
Requiring a little care and just a small space, Mexican red knee tarantula makes a great pet for hobbyists.