When I was about six years old, a trip to the local pet store with my father sparked a lifelong fascination. While he talked to the clerk, my young eyes were drawn to an enormous spider residing in a large aquarium. It was unlike anything I had ever seen outside of the old horror movies my mom and I enjoyed. This creature, a Mexican redknee tarantula, Brachypelma smithi, became an instant icon in my mind, both terrifying and utterly captivating.
That moment ignited my passion for tarantulas.
Fast forward fifteen years, and I finally welcomed my first pet spider into my home. What started as a single spider quickly grew into an extensive collection of over 130 species. As a teacher, sharing my knowledge became a natural extension of my passion, leading to the creation of Tom’s Big Spiders, a website dedicated to tarantula care and husbandry.
Over the years, many people have reached out to me, seeking guidance on tarantula ownership. While many are already committed hobbyists, some are still considering whether a large, hairy arachnid is the right pet for them. I wholeheartedly believe in the joys of tarantula keeping. However, experience has taught me that they aren’t for everyone. Like any pet, tarantulas come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. And for those on the fence, a crucial question often arises: how much does a pet tarantula cost?
This article aims to delve into the costs associated with owning a pet tarantula, while also exploring the broader picture of tarantula ownership – the good and the bad – to help you determine if these fascinating creatures are the right addition to your life and budget.
The Upsides of Choosing a Tarantula as a Pet
Minimal Space Requirements Translate to Cost Savings
One of the most compelling advantages of tarantulas, especially from a cost-conscious perspective, is their modest space requirement. Unlike dogs, cats, or even rabbits, tarantulas don’t need sprawling enclosures. Most adult tarantulas, even with leg spans reaching 5-6 inches, thrive in enclosures comparable to a 5-10 gallon aquarium. This compact footprint means you can house them comfortably on shelves, desks, or even nightstands – perfect for apartments, smaller homes, or even classrooms.
This space efficiency not only simplifies housing but also indirectly impacts cost. Smaller enclosures are generally less expensive than larger ones, contributing to lower initial setup costs. Furthermore, the ability to house tarantulas in various locations within your home provides flexibility and potentially avoids the need for dedicated pet rooms or outdoor spaces, saving on space-related expenses.
Their small space needs also fuel the collecting aspect of the hobby. Since they are space-efficient, enthusiasts often find themselves keeping multiple tarantulas, building fascinating collections of different species.
A World of Variety at Different Price Points
Exploring the diverse world of pet tarantulas in a local pet store.
The term “tarantula” often conjures up the image of a large, brown, hairy spider. However, the reality is far more diverse. With over 900 species, tarantulas exhibit an astounding range of sizes, colors, patterns, and behaviors. You can find terrestrial species that roam the ground, fossorial species that create burrows, and arboreal species that dwell in trees. Their environmental needs also vary, with some preferring arid conditions and others requiring more moisture.
This vast diversity translates to a wide range of prices. Common beginner species like the Chilean Rose Hair (Grammostola rosea) or the Curly Hair tarantula (Tliltocatl albopilosum) are often very affordable, especially as spiderlings (baby spiders). More rare or visually striking species, like those with vibrant blue, green, or orange coloration, can command higher prices due to their desirability and sometimes, slower growth rates or more specific care requirements. This variety allows potential owners to choose a tarantula that fits not only their experience level but also their budget.
Low Maintenance Equals Low Running Costs
Many pet owners are accustomed to the daily demands of furry companions – frequent feedings, enclosure cleaning, walks, and annual vet visits. Tarantulas, in stark contrast, are remarkably low-maintenance pets, leading to significant cost savings over time.
Feeding frequency is a prime example. Adult tarantulas only require feeding once a week, or even once a month, depending on their size and species. This dramatically reduces food costs compared to pets that need daily meals. Furthermore, tarantulas are clean animals that don’t necessitate frequent substrate changes. Spot cleaning to remove food remains (boluses) and occasional waste is usually sufficient.
Younger tarantulas, or spiderlings, will require a few “rehousings” as they grow, meaning moving them to larger enclosures. However, once they reach adulthood, their enclosures can remain unchanged for years, provided regular spot cleaning is maintained. Waste is minimal and often absorbed into the substrate, further simplifying cleaning and reducing maintenance costs.
Water requirements are also simple. A water dish with fresh water is all they need – no sponges or special water treatments necessary. This low-maintenance nature translates to less time and money spent on daily care, making tarantulas a budget-friendly pet option.
Inexpensive to Keep: A Budget-Friendly Pet Choice
The minimal needs of tarantulas extend to their overall cost of care, making them one of the most inexpensive pets to maintain. You don’t need to invest in expensive, elaborate enclosures. Many keepers successfully use modified plastic storage bins, costing just a few dollars, particularly for less display-oriented species. My own first tarantula, The Queen, lived happily for her first decade in a modified plastic storage bin that cost a mere $3.
A basic adult tarantula setup can be remarkably affordable. You’ll need an enclosure, substrate (coco fiber or topsoil are excellent and inexpensive choices), a hide (cork bark is popular and reasonably priced), and a water dish. That’s essentially it. Tarantulas thrive at normal room temperatures (mid-60s Fahrenheit and above) and don’t require special lighting or heating, eliminating the need for costly heating lamps or heat mats. A frugal owner could easily set up a suitable tarantula home for under $20.
Cost-effective plastic bin enclosures provide comfortable homes for tarantulas.
Food costs are also incredibly low. Feeding crickets weekly might cost only around $0.60 per month. Mealworms are another budget-friendly option, and uneaten mealworms can be refrigerated for later use. For those with larger collections, breeding feeder insects like mealworms or roaches can create a self-sustaining and incredibly cheap food source.
Even the initial cost of the tarantula itself can be surprisingly affordable. While sexed adult tarantulas can be pricier, spiderlings are often available for under $50. Finally, unlike many other pets, tarantulas don’t require annual vet checkups, vaccinations, or expensive medications. They are generally hardy creatures and rarely suffer from illnesses, further minimizing potential veterinary costs.
Rewarding Habitat Setup: Value Beyond Monetary Cost
A more elaborate acrylic tarantula enclosure with live plants adds aesthetic value.
While basic tarantula setups are inexpensive, creating more elaborate and naturalistic habitats can become a rewarding aspect of the hobby for many. Although fancy setups aren’t essential for the tarantula’s well-being, they can significantly enhance the owner’s enjoyment.
Some keepers choose premium glass or acrylic enclosures and incorporate live plants, moss, leaf litter, and decorative backgrounds. These setups can transform a simple enclosure into a captivating display, bringing a touch of nature indoors and becoming a conversation piece. For these hobbyists, the value lies not just in the pet itself, but in the creative and aesthetically pleasing environment they create. This aspect of the hobby offers a different kind of “return on investment,” one that is measured in personal satisfaction and visual appeal rather than solely monetary terms.
Longevity: Companionship that Lasts, Reducing Replacement Costs
The Queen, a Rose Hair tarantula, lived for over 25 years, exemplifying their longevity.
When I acquired my first tarantula, a Rose Hair (Grammostola porteri) in the mid-90s, I worried about her lifespan. Those concerns were quickly dispelled. “The Queen,” as she became known, lived for over 26 years under my care. Female tarantulas, in general, boast impressive lifespans, ranging from 10 to 30+ years depending on the species. Many popular “beginner” species are slow-growing and can easily live for two decades or more. While males have shorter lifespans, they can still live for 5 years or longer.
This longevity is a significant advantage for budget-conscious pet owners. The extended lifespan means you are less likely to incur the emotional and financial costs associated with pet replacement that can occur with shorter-lived animals like hamsters or gerbils. Choosing a tarantula can be a long-term commitment, providing years of companionship and fascination for a relatively low initial and ongoing investment.
Overcoming Arachnophobia: Priceless Personal Growth
My initial foray into tarantula keeping was partly driven by a desire to overcome my own fear of spiders. Through careful observation and interaction, tarantulas helped me conquer my lifelong arachnophobia.
And I’m not alone. Many tarantula keepers were initially arachnophobic. They often find that the large, hairy tarantulas are less frightening than the small, fast-moving house spiders that trigger their phobia. The fascination and care involved in tarantula keeping gradually replace fear with respect and even admiration. While not quantifiable in monetary terms, overcoming a phobia offers immeasurable personal value and can positively impact various aspects of life. For some, this personal growth is an invaluable “benefit” of tarantula ownership.
Endless Fascination: Entertainment Value Beyond the Price Tag
“Tarantula feeding videos” are incredibly popular online, amassing millions of views – a testament to the captivating nature of these creatures. There’s something inherently fascinating about watching a large arachnid hunt and consume its prey, performing what enthusiasts call the “tarantula happy dance.”
Feeding time is just one aspect of their captivating behavior. Raising a tarantula from a tiny spiderling to a mature adult is a rewarding process. Even after witnessing hundreds of molts, I still find the shedding process awe-inspiring. For those who delve into breeding, the experience is even more profound. And even when they are simply still, there’s a unique allure to observing these ancient creatures.
This inherent fascination provides a constant source of entertainment and educational value. For many owners, this intrinsic interest and the ongoing learning experience justify the cost of tarantula ownership, offering a form of entertainment that goes beyond mere monetary value.
The Potential Downsides of Tarantula Ownership
Not Cuddly Companions: Manage Expectations
It’s crucial to understand that tarantulas are not affectionate pets in the traditional sense. While their intelligence is debated, they are not wired for cuddles or displays of affection like dogs, cats, or even rats. Treating them with respect, similar to how you would a pet fish, is essential.
While some keepers who handle their tarantulas report a degree of habituation, there’s no evidence to suggest that tarantulas enjoy or benefit from handling. Furthermore, a tarantula’s temperament can change after each molt, with a previously docile spider becoming more defensive. If you seek a pet for physical affection and lap-time companionship, a tarantula is not the right choice. This lack of “cuddliness” isn’t a financial cost, but it’s an important factor in determining if a tarantula’s temperament and interactive qualities align with your expectations.
Legal Restrictions: Do Your Homework to Avoid Legal Costs
Although uncommon, some localities have restrictions on keeping tarantulas, ranging from specific species to all venomous arachnids. It’s crucial to research local laws before acquiring a tarantula to avoid potential legal issues, fines, or the forced removal of your pet. Failing to check local regulations could lead to unexpected costs and legal complications.
Venom and Urticating Hairs: Potential for Medical Costs (Though Rare)
Tarantulas are venomous animals and can bite if they feel threatened. However, “beginner” species are typically New World tarantulas from the Americas, possessing mild venom comparable to a bee sting. New World tarantulas also have urticating hairs – irritating bristles on their abdomens that they can flick as a defense mechanism. These hairs can cause itching, burning, and discomfort if they come into contact with skin or eyes.
Responsible handling and cautious interaction minimize the risk of bites or hair exposure. However, potential owners should be aware of these defenses. While serious medical issues from tarantula bites or hairs are rare, they are a possibility. In very unusual cases, a bite might require medical attention, incurring healthcare costs. However, for most keepers, these risks are easily managed with proper care and respect for the animal.
Feeder Insects: A Psychological Cost for Some
Turkish roaches (B. lateralis) serve as a nutritious and cost-effective food source for tarantulas.
Surprisingly, for some, the biggest hurdle in tarantula keeping isn’t the spider itself, but the feeder insects. Those squeamish around insects may find crickets, roaches, or mealworms repulsive. Some keepers even report dreading feeding time due to their aversion to handling feeder insects. Others struggle with the ethical aspect of feeding live prey.
While feeder insects are a necessary part of a tarantula’s diet, this aspect can present a psychological “cost” for some owners. Finding alternative feeding methods, like pre-killed insects, or simply overcoming the squeamishness, may be necessary for those sensitive to feeder insects.
Negative Reactions from Others: Social Costs
Sharing your passion for tarantulas with others can sometimes be met with negative reactions. Arachnophobia is a widespread phobia, and fear often breeds revulsion. Tarantula keepers may encounter comments ranging from mild disgust to outright hostility. Some may face social exclusion or resistance from housemates or family members. My own mother forbade tarantulas in the house due to her arachnophobia.
These negative reactions are a social “cost” of tarantula ownership. While not financial, they can impact your social interactions and require navigating others’ fears and misconceptions. Open communication and education can help mitigate these social challenges.
Potential for “The Wrong Type” of Keeper: Ethical Responsibility
Unfortunately, the “scary” and “dangerous” image of tarantulas can attract individuals with less than ideal motives. Some acquire tarantulas to flaunt “bravery” or recklessness, sometimes engaging in sensationalized and exploitative behavior for attention online. Poor husbandry practices, like keeping tarantulas in inadequate enclosures to provoke “aggressive” displays, are also seen. Reckless handling, teasing, or showcasing highly venomous species irresponsibly are further examples of negative behaviors.
These types of keepers harm the hobby by perpetuating negative stereotypes and endangering themselves and their animals. Tarantulas are not toys or props and deserve respectful and responsible care. Choosing to be a tarantula keeper comes with an ethical responsibility to provide proper care and represent the hobby positively. This ethical consideration is a non-monetary “cost” – a responsibility to be a good steward of these animals and the hobby.
Addictive Hobby: Potential for Escalating Costs (Optional)
A glimpse into a large tarantula collection, highlighting the addictive nature of the hobby.
Perhaps more of a warning than a downside, tarantula keeping can be incredibly addictive. Most first-time tarantula owners eventually acquire more. My own collection has grown to over 200 spiders. Collections of 30 or more are not uncommon.
While the initial costs are low, an expanding collection can lead to increased expenses for enclosures, substrate, and feeders. This “addictive” nature isn’t inherently negative, but it’s something to be aware of, especially for budget-conscious individuals. The potential for an expanding collection is a variable cost to consider.
So, Are Pet Tarantulas Affordable and Right for You?
For those seeking a unique and fascinating pet, tarantulas offer an amazing and surprisingly affordable option. They are beautiful, hardy, and endlessly captivating creatures that are far removed from the terrifying image often portrayed in media. With respectful care, they can bring years of joy to their keepers.
In answer to the question, “How Much Is A Pet Tarantula?”, the cost is remarkably reasonable. Initial setup costs can be under $20, and monthly maintenance is minimal. The price of the tarantula itself varies by species, but many beginner-friendly options are very affordable, especially as spiderlings.
However, affordability is just one piece of the puzzle. Consider the “downsides” – their non-cuddly nature, potential social reactions, and the responsibility of handling feeder insects. If these factors are not deterrents, and the “upsides” – low maintenance, fascinating behavior, and longevity – appeal to you, then a tarantula could be the perfect, budget-friendly pet.
If you’re considering tarantula ownership, thorough research is key. Websites like Tom’s Big Spiders are designed for beginner keepers, offering current, experience-based information. Joining tarantula forums and Facebook groups to connect with experienced keepers is also highly recommended.
- Tom Moran – Tom’s Big Spiders
