Chaco Gold Knee Tarantula

Chaco Gold Knee Tarantula Care Guide

Grammostola pulchripes

SIZE
• Adult: approx. 18–20 cm leg span
• Lifespan: Females 20–25+ years; males shorter

HOUSING
• Terrestrial species — floor space is more important than height
• Adult minimum: 60 × 30 × 30 cm
• Provide 8–12 cm of substrate for burrowing
• Add a hide, cork bark and some artificial/natural plants
• Secure, well-ventilated enclosure

TEMPERATURE
• Day: 22–26°C
• Night: 20–22°C
• Normal room temperatures are often suitable
• Avoid overheating

LIGHTING
• No UVB required
• Normal day/night room lighting is sufficient
• Avoid bright lights directly over the enclosure

HUMIDITY
• Aim for around 50–60%
• Keep substrate mostly dry with one slightly moist area
• Good ventilation is essential

FOOD
• Feed live insects such as crickets, locusts and roaches
• Juveniles require smaller prey more frequently
• Adults generally eat 1–2 appropriately sized meals per week, but appetite varies
• Remove uneaten prey

WATER
• Provide a shallow water dish at all times
• Use clean, fresh water and change regularly

SHEDDING
• Appetite often decreases or stops before moulting
• Never disturb or handle during a moult
• Remove live prey if the tarantula enters premoult
• Allow several days after moulting before offering food

HANDLING
• Generally calm, but handling is not recommended
• They can become defensive and may flick urticating hairs
• Always handle close to the ground if absolutely necessary

HEALTH
• Watch for persistent lethargy, injury, mites or unusual posture
• Good ventilation and appropriate substrate help prevent problems
• A tarantula lying on its back is normally moulting — do not disturb it

CLEANING
• Remove uneaten food and waste as required
• Keep the water dish clean
• Spot-clean soiled substrate
• Avoid unnecessary disturbance of the enclosure

BEFORE YOU BRING YOUR ANIMAL HOME
✓ Secure terrestrial enclosure
✓ Suitable deep substrate
✓ Cork bark hide
✓ Water dish
✓ Digital thermometer/hygrometer
✓ Appropriate live insects
✓ Long feeding tongs
✓ Secure lid with good ventilation

IMPORTANT BITS
• Do not over-handle
• Urticating hairs can cause significant irritation
• Never use heat mats without proper temperature control
• Keep substrate deep enough for natural behaviour
• Do not disturb a moulting tarantula
• Chaco Gold Knees are generally hardy but can live for decades — they are a long-term commitment