OK, I know many people out there wouldn’t consider a spider as a pet.
Surprisingly, there are more pet spider owners than you would think.
Here is a short blog on general information on pet Arachnids!
Some spiders(Arachnids), are dangerous to humans, and for this reason, extreme caution must be exercised when handling or caring for these animals. Many spiders are venomous and through their bites can inflict varying degrees of harm on humans and animals. For this reason, owners and potential owners must be aware of the danger posed by having spiders as pet animals and make efforts to reduce these risks.
A few spiders have been listed as threatened . For this reason, owners are strongly recommended to keep only those arachnids that have been purchased from a pet shop.
Requirements:
Many spider pet animals have specific requirements for temperature, humidity, light, habitat and nutrition. Become well informed about the needs of your pet before you buy it. As a general rule, you want to mimic the animal’s natural environment and habitat as much as possible. It is important to not rely solely on the information that you obtain from the pet shop. Gain as much information as possible from various sources
Housing:
Most spiders are capable of climbing and escaping through small gaps, so it is important to ensure that the enclosure is well sealed but provides enough airflow for the pet animal. All aquariums or similar containers should be sealed with a lid or cover, preferably one with small holes in the top. Soil or other substrate should be placed on the bottom of the enclosure, along with sticks rocks and other debris.
Doing so will provide the spider with things to crawl over or hide underneath. This will also give them a place to weave a web if they are the type species that spin webs. Do not leave the container in direct sun. Place it in a well lit, warm, shaded area with good ventilation.
Feeding:
Spiders are predators so they usually prey on insects. Common food items include crickets, bees, moths, grasshoppers, butterflies, and flies. Most pet shops selling spiders will often sell insects for spiders. Caution should be used if you choose to collect food items yourself, it is important to be sure that these insects were not sprayed with insecticides; otherwise you may kill your pet spider! Usually spiders require feeding once or twice each week; however this will depend on the species and size of the spider. Make certain that you have information specific to your pet arachnid.
Water
Water needs also vary according to the size of the your spider. A plastic bottle caps or shallow bowl will serve as water dish. Alternatively, a soggy piece of cotton wool will also provide a spider with sufficient moisture. Never spray the cage or enclosure of your arachnid.
Handling:
Observe the behavior of your pet spider. You may avoid an incident by recognizing that your pet is stressed, anxious or poised to strike and bite.
Do not handle these animals any more than is absolutely necessary. Many animals do not like to be handled, and too much handling will lead them to become aggressive.
When required, handle dangerous wildlife gently and with respect. This will reduce the likelihood of the animal becoming aggressive.
If you are bitten or stung by a venomous pet spider, you should seek medical attention immediately. The damage caused by the venom will increase over time, so waiting to see if you show symptoms is not a good idea. Remain calm, sit quietly and await the arrival of an ambulance. The point here is to get attention as soon as possible without panicking.
Health:
For the most part, spiders have a relatively short life span.
It is very important to wash your hands well before handling them.
Spiders are relatively susceptible to fungal, viral and bacterial infections.
I wish you good luck and many hours of enjoyment with the ownership of your arachnid pet.
Enjoy your pet animal.
