How to Care for a Pet Pink Toe Tarantula

A spider's quiet demeanor, minimal space requirements, and relative ease of care can make it a great option for an exotic pet. Pink toe tarantulas, sometimes referred to as Antilles tree spiders, get their name from their pinkish-orange toes that sprout off of furry black legs. Native to South America, these fast-moving, agile creatures live in trees where they spin elaborate webs. As pets, they require housing that mimics their natural habitat, along with live prey. And though some people do handle their spiders, these animals are more for your enjoyment as you watch their interesting behaviors.

Pink Toe Tarantula Behavior and Temperament

As pets, pink toe tarantulas are quiet animals and will spend much of their time sitting in a restful state in their enclosure. In general, the most activity you'll see from them is when they're hunting their live prey, such as crickets, at feeding time. Expect to spend a few hours each week on feedings and keeping the enclosure clean.

These tarantulas can share an enclosure with others of the same species, though they don't necessarily need the company. Solitary housing removes the threat of cannibalism, a situation that can occur when the spiders are living in tight quarters or are otherwise stressed. Likewise, it's best to keep your tarantula away from any other pets in the household, as they could injure one another.

While some owners prefer not to handle their spiders, others enjoy it. And if you do it calmly and gently, the spider typically won't mind sitting on your hand or arm. However, pink toe tarantulas do tend to be skittish and might try to jump out of your hands if they're startled. This is why it's important to handle your spider while sitting on the ground. If it does accidentally fall, it will be less likely to get hurt. A fall from just a few feet can cause serious injury or even be fatal to a spider. Moreover, a pink toe tarantula might bite if it feels threatened.

Size Information

The pink toe tarantula stretches around 3.5 to 5 inches across. The females are slightly larger than males. 

Housing

An enclosure with some height is necessary for these tree-dwelling spiders. A 10-gallon tank with a secure side opening can work well. Because pink toe tarantulas spin their webs up high, the side opening prevents damage to the web any time you need to open the enclosure for feedings or cleaning.

Pink toes can tolerate a wide temperature range from around 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, ideally the enclosure temperature should be between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Under-tank heaters and reptile heat lights can provide the correct amount of ambient heat. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer in the tank.

In the wild, pink toes live in humid climates, so it's important to maintain a humidity level between 65 percent and 75 percent in your spider's enclosure. In fact, keeping the humidity level high can be one of the most difficult parts of having a pink toe tarantula. To raise humidity, you can add a sponge soaked in water to the bottom of the enclosure, as well as mist the enclosure every two to three days with clean water in a spray bottle. Not only will this provide humidity for your pet, but it also will benefit any live plants in the enclosure. Monitor the humidity level with a hygrometer.

To keep the enclosure clean, remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. Also, monitor for mold growth, which can occur in a humid environment. Immediately remove any portions of the peat moss or soil bedding that start to grow mold. And expect to do a full change of the bedding roughly every four to six months.

Specific Substrate Needs

The tank should contain 2 to 3 inches of peat moss or soil (free of fertilizers and pesticides) at the bottom, as well as small logs, branches, and live plants for climbing. Peruse pet stores for reptile and bird accessories—especially the natural branches—as these often work well for pet tarantulas to climb on.

What Do Pink Toe Tarantulas Eat & Drink?

Spiders love crickets and other insects, making pet ownership a two-part project because you'll need to keep and feed live crickets alongside your arachnid (unless you purchase them regularly). The crickets should be gut-loaded (fed nutritious foods) prior to giving them to your spider.

Dropping live prey into the bottom of the enclosure should whet your spider's appetite, whereas the spider might ignore dead insects. Adult pink toes generally eat a few crickets every three to 10 days, and young spiders need similar nourishment every two to five days. You also can give an adult tarantula the occasional pinky mouse or small lizard as a treat. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for the appropriate amount and variety to feed your particular animal.

It's recommended to feed a tarantula in the evening when it's more active and ready to eat. Leave the prey in the enclosure overnight, but be sure to remove anything that is uneaten within 24 hours. Prey left in the enclosure that your tarantula doesn't want can actually stress the spider.

Finally, your tarantula's habitat must always have a clean water source. Place a few small, shallow water bowls throughout the enclosure, and wash and refill them daily.

Common Health Problems

Tarantulas are generally hardy animals that don't face many health problems in captivity. But you still should monitor for any changes in behavior, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or pacing in the enclosure. These can indicate a potential health issue, and you should consult a veterinarian who specializes in tarantulas as soon as possible.

Some owners mistake the spider's molting cycle for sickness. Molting takes place when a spider sheds its exoskeleton to form a new one. Before a molt, a spider might lose its appetite and seem a little sluggish and dull. Many spiders molt while lying on their backs with their legs curled up, which can alarm owners who aren't familiar with the process. The actual molt only takes a few hours, but then the new exoskeleton needs time to harden and become protective. The whole process is typically over in a few weeks, and your spider should resume its normal behavior. If it hasn't, or if the molt seems to be more difficult or taking longer than normal, consult your veterinarian.

Exercise

Just like with any animal, physical activity is essential for a tarantula to help prevent obesity and other diseases. However, tarantulas don’t need an excessive amount of exercise. As long as you provide them with a large enough enclosure, they should get the activity they require.

Grooming

Pink toe tarantulas don’t require any special grooming. Molting is the main way they "groom" themselves. Ensuring that the tank is at the proper temperature and humidity can help the spider go through a successful molt. Also, make sure there is no live prey in the tank during a molt, as it can damage the soft, vulnerable new exoskeleton. 

Upkeep Costs

The primary monthly cost for your tarantula will be its diet, which ranges between $5 and $10 on average—or potentially cheaper if you raise your own crickets instead of purchasing them at a pet store. Other than that, you might need to spend roughly $10 to $20 to refresh the substrate periodically. And you should budget for an annual veterinary checkup, as well as emergency medical care. 

Pros & Cons of Keeping a Pink Toe Tarantula as a Pet

Pink toe tarantulas are low-maintenance and interesting pets to keep. They also require minimal space, and they are quiet. However, they’re not a cuddly pet. And they’re not incredibly active for those who want a lot of excitement from a pet.

Similar Spiders to the Pink Toe Tarantula

If you’re interested in pet tarantulas, check out:

• Costa Rican zebra tarantula
• Mexican red knee tarantula
• Desert blond tarantula

Otherwise, check out other tarantulas that can be your new pet.

Purchasing or Adopting Your Pink Toe Tarantula

You might not find a pink toe at a typical pet store. So instead look for a reputable breeder or exotic pet rescue organization. Expect to pay between $20 and $40 on average, though this can vary based on factors such as the animal’s age.

Reproduction/Breeding

A local exotic veterinarian might be able to direct you to a good seller. The main pro to going to a breeder is you’ll likely have a wider selection of young animals. But rescues often don’t charge as high of prices. Both reputable breeders and rescues should be able to give you information on the animal’s history, health, and temperament. To avoid accidentally becoming a breeder yourself, keep your spider housed individually.