Tarantulas are one of the most misunderstood animals in the exotic pet world. Films and media often portray them as aggressive and dangerous, but the reality is very different.
In fact, many species of tarantula are calm, fascinating to observe, and surprisingly easy to care for. This is why tarantulas have become increasingly popular pets in the UK.
At Riverview Reptiles, we regularly meet people who are curious about keeping tarantulas but are unsure whether they make good pets. The truth is that many species are ideal for beginners and require far less care than most reptiles.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about keeping a tarantula as a pet in the UK.
Are Tarantulas Dangerous?
One of the most common questions people ask is whether tarantulas are dangerous.
Most tarantula species commonly kept as pets have venom that is no worse than a bee sting for humans. Bites are extremely rare and usually only happen if a spider feels seriously threatened.
Most tarantulas will actually try to escape rather than bite.
Some species also have urticating hairs, which they can flick as a defence mechanism. These tiny hairs can cause mild irritation to skin but are generally harmless.
For this reason, tarantulas are best considered display pets rather than animals that are handled regularly.
When kept correctly, tarantulas are very safe pets.
Why Tarantulas Make Great Pets
Tarantulas have several advantages compared with many other exotic pets.
Low Maintenance Pets
One of the biggest reasons people enjoy keeping tarantulas is how little daily care they require.
Most adult tarantulas only need feeding once a week, and basic maintenance takes very little time.
Compared to reptiles that require lighting, heating, and complex setups, tarantulas are extremely simple to keep.
Small Enclosures
Tarantulas do not require large vivariums. Many species thrive in relatively small enclosures with simple setups.
This makes them perfect for people with limited space or those wanting to start their first exotic pet collection.
Fascinating Behaviour
Although they may not interact with owners in the same way as reptiles, tarantulas display fascinating natural behaviours.
These include:
• Burrowing
• Web building
• Hunting prey
• Molting (shedding their exoskeleton)
Watching these behaviours can be incredibly rewarding for keepers.
Quiet and Odour Free
Tarantulas are completely silent pets and produce no noticeable smell.
This makes them ideal for homes, bedrooms, or offices where noise and odour could be an issue.
Tarantula Care Basics
Setting up a tarantula enclosure is simple and relatively inexpensive.
A basic tarantula setup usually includes:
• A secure enclosure
• Substrate such as coco fibre
• A hide or shelter
• A shallow water dish
• Occasional misting depending on the species
Different species of tarantula have slightly different habitat needs.
Terrestrial Tarantulas
Ground-dwelling species that prefer floor space and hides.
Arboreal Tarantulas
Tree-dwelling species that require taller enclosures and climbing structures.
Burrowing Tarantulas
Species that need deeper substrate to dig tunnels.
Choosing the right enclosure setup for your species is essential.
What Do Tarantulas Eat?
Tarantulas are carnivorous predators and eat live insects.
Typical tarantula foods include:
• Crickets
• Locusts
• Mealworms
• Roaches
Young tarantulas may eat more frequently, but most adult tarantulas only need feeding once per week.
Uneaten food should always be removed from the enclosure.
Best Beginner Tarantulas
If you are new to tarantula keeping, some species are much more beginner friendly than others.
Popular starter species include:
Mexican Red Knee Tarantula
One of the most famous tarantula species. Calm, hardy, and very striking in appearance.
Curly Hair Tarantula
A slow moving species known for its docile temperament and distinctive curly hairs.
Chilean Rose Tarantula
A classic beginner species that has been kept successfully for many years.
Brazilian Black Tarantula
Highly sought after for its deep velvet black colour and calm behaviour.
These species are generally hardy, slow moving, and forgiving for new keepers.
Common Tarantula Myths
There are many myths surrounding tarantulas.
Here are a few of the most common misconceptions:
Myth: Tarantulas are aggressive
Reality: Most species are calm and avoid conflict.
Myth: Tarantulas require complicated care
Reality: They are one of the simplest exotic pets to keep.
Myth: Tarantulas are highly dangerous
Reality: Most species pose very little risk to humans.
Education is one of the best ways to overcome these misunderstandings.
Where to Buy a Tarantula in the UK
If you are considering buying a tarantula, it’s always best to purchase from a specialist reptile and exotic animal shop.
A good specialist shop will help you:
• Choose the right species
• Select the correct enclosure
• Understand feeding and care requirements
• Provide ongoing advice
At Riverview Reptiles, we stock a range of tarantulas along with everything needed to set up a proper enclosure.
Our team can guide you through the process so you feel confident starting your tarantula keeping journey.
Final Thoughts
Tarantulas are fascinating animals that are often unfairly feared. In reality, they are low maintenance, quiet, and incredibly interesting pets.
For anyone interested in exotic animals, a tarantula can be a great introduction to invertebrate keeping.
With the right species and setup, tarantulas can thrive in captivity and provide years of enjoyment for their owners.