Thought you know all members of our family? Wrong, because there’s one member that I’ve kept secret for the last couple of months. No, he’s not the ugly uncle hidden in the cellar, he’s quite beautiful in fact – if you like spiders that is.
The family member I’m talking about is Mr Rose, a Chilean Rose tarantula or Grammostola rosea, if you want to be scientific. Ben bought him after the dramatic death of his spider Penny (she jumped off his hand and burst her abdomen) and since October, he’s been living with us without any major incidences. The Chilean Rose tarantula is probably the most common pet spider that you can find in pet shops in Europe and America as it’s a really low maintenance pet. It can live up to 20 years, but only feeds every now and again. A locust a week is plenty and sometimes your spider won’t touch their food for weeks, so don’t worry, if they’re not eating. They might be in a fasting period or preparing for moulting, the shedding of their skin.
The moulting process is really quite fascinating and we still have Mr Rose’s first skin – perfect for scaring friends with a spider phobia, hehe. Admittedly, it’s a little evil and I would be more than a little underwhelmed, if someone tried the same with a snake skin, but seeing everyone jump is just too funny.
What does a Chilean Rose tarantula need?
If you’re thinking of getting a Chilean Rose tarantula, there are a couple of things you should know before rushing to the pet store. They need a terrarium around three times the length of their leg span, a soft ground such as sand or bark (which is what we are using) as well as an average temperature of 25-30 degrees Celsius, which can be achieved with a heat mat like this one by Feedem Pet Supermarket.
Another important factor for tarantulas is the humidity in their tank. Chilean rose tarantulas require a relatively low humidity, so overfilling their water bowl once or twice a week should be enough to provide them with sufficient humidity. As I said, they are very easy to look after, but there are a couple of things to remember, if you want to ensure that your Chilean Rose is happy.
Have you ever considered getting a spider or are do you prefer cuddlier pets like cats and dogs?
This is a promotional post, but I hope you enjoyed reading about our 8-legged family member. Do let me know, if there’s anything you’d like to know about him and I’ll try to answer any questions.
OMG! Did not expect to see this when popping over here today! I love your blase attitude and read through my fingers! You never know what goes on behind closed doors! Lovely pet 🙂
I’m a scaredycat when it comes to some spiders but I could see me having a Chilean Rose in the future, especially with a son who called himself the king of the spiders and his sister who’s obsessed with them.
I didn’t realise they were so fragile either.
*comments from behind the sofa* sp-sp-sp-sp-spider!
Nope, no no no. No Spiders for me thank you. I couldn’t sleep at night knowing there was one in my house. I mean I like I know there are some living in my house but not because if I invited them into my home, if I see them I get them out quick so they’re careful not to show themselves.
Having said that I read your post (strangely enough) word for word interested and not at all appalled. I find it amazing they can go for long breaks with no food.
I have never had any pets and I am not sure that a spider is top of my list but I don’t mind holding them. If we ever did get a pet a spider would be practical as I am allergic to pet hair!
Erm ok well I am sure that he is really lovely but sadly I reallt cannot stand spiders so rather you than me.
He looks rather fab – never been one for the fear of spiders, but that little *ahem* fella might even turn me. On the other hand, when I looked at this post earlier and my six-year old saw the piccy…he said “cool”…shows what I know!
*horrified face* I suppose at least if he’s in a tank you know he won’t be running over your face in the dark, but I am not a fan of the eight legged scuttlers!
I forgot you had my namesake as a spider! I love them, but the rest of my family are terrified, fear seems to run in my husband’s family, and seems to have filtered to my kids, wonder if that is nature or nurture at play. Mr Rose is incredible!
Blimey o’riley! He’s a biggun! I’m not scared of spiders but not sure if I could own one!
Never! I am way to scared of them and my eldest is too! And no spiders are not cute!