PARAGUAY RED HAIRED TARANTULA

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Grammostola sp.
Adult Size: Approx. 12–15 cm leg span | Lifespan: Females 15–20+ years | Activity: Mainly nocturnal

📏 SIZE

• Adults generally reach around 12–15 cm leg span.

• Females are typically larger and longer-lived than males.

• Growth is relatively slow.

🏠 HOUSING

• Terrestrial, secure and well-ventilated enclosure.

• Adult minimum: approximately 30 × 30 × 30 cm.

• Provide 8–12 cm of suitable substrate for burrowing.

• Add a sturdy cork bark hide.

• Ensure the enclosure is completely escape-proof.

🌡️ TEMPERATURE

• Aim for 21–25°C.

• A slight drop at night is fine.

• Avoid prolonged temperatures above 27–28°C.

• Keep away from direct sunlight and radiators.

💡 LIGHTING

• No UVB required.

• Normal household lighting is sufficient.

• Provide a natural day/night cycle.

• Avoid bright lights directly over the enclosure.

💧 HUMIDITY

• Aim for approximately 50–65%.

• Allow the substrate to dry between light moisture applications.

• A water dish is more important than maintaining high humidity.

• Good ventilation is essential.

🦗 FOOD

• Feed appropriately sized live insects such as crickets, locusts and roaches.

• Adults generally eat around once every 1–2 weeks, although individual appetite varies.

• Remove uneaten prey.

• Do not leave live prey in the enclosure when a moult is approaching.

💦 WATER

• Provide a shallow water dish at all times.

• Replace with fresh water regularly.

• Occasional light moisture can be provided to part of the substrate.

• Never leave the enclosure waterlogged.

🐚 SHEDDING

• The tarantula may stop eating and become less active before moulting.

• It may retreat into its hide.

• Never disturb a moulting tarantula.

• Remove live prey when a moult is suspected.

• Allow the spider to fully harden before offering food again.

🤲 HANDLING

• Handling is not recommended.

• Individual temperament varies and tarantulas can move quickly when startled.

• Urticating hairs may cause skin and eye irritation.

• If relocation is necessary, use a catch cup and soft brush.

❤️ HEALTH

• Healthy tarantulas should have good grip, normal movement and a firm abdomen.

• Refusal of food can be completely normal before moulting.

• Problems can result from overheating, dehydration, poor ventilation or unsuitable substrate.

• Seek specialist veterinary advice if there are signs of serious injury or illness.

🧹 CLEANING

• Remove uneaten prey and visible waste regularly.

• Spot-clean contaminated substrate.

• Replace substrate only when genuinely necessary.

• Avoid excessive disturbance of the enclosure.

• Never use pesticides, aerosols or household cleaning chemicals.

🏡 BEFORE YOU BRING YOUR ANIMAL HOME

✓ Secure escape-proof enclosure
✓ Suitable deep substrate
✓ Sturdy hide
✓ Shallow water dish
✓ Temperature checked and stable
✓ Good ventilation
✓ Appropriate live food available
✓ Catch cup and soft brush available

⚠️ IMPORTANT BITS

• Do not handle unless absolutely necessary.

• Urticating hairs can cause significant irritation.

• Never disturb a tarantula during or immediately after moulting.

• Do not overheat the enclosure.

• A shallow water dish should always be available.

• Keep away from children and other pets.

• Always assume the tarantula may move quickly or defensively.