Top Secrets to Successfully Keeping a Mexican Redknee Tarantula as Your Exotic Pet

The Mexican Redknee Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) is one of the most popular tarantulas among exotic pet enthusiasts. Known for their striking appearance, gentle demeanor, and relatively low maintenance, these spiders make excellent pets for both beginners and seasoned arachnophiles. However, successfully keeping a Mexican Redknee Tarantula requires careful attention to its specific needs. This guide will provide you with all the essential information to ensure your tarantula thrives in captivity.

Understanding the Mexican Redknee Tarantula

The Mexican Redknee Tarantula is native to the Pacific coast of Mexico, particularly the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca. They inhabit tropical dry forests and thorn scrublands, where they spend most of their time underground in burrows or under rocks. In the wild, these spiders are solitary creatures, living alone except during mating season.

Mexican Redknee Tarantulas are large, robust spiders with a leg span that can reach up to 8 inches. Their bodies are covered in short, dense hairs, and they have distinctive red markings on their knees, from which they derive their name. Females can live up to 30 years, while males typically live between 5 and 10 years.

Habitat Setup

Creating an appropriate habitat is crucial for the well-being of your Mexican Redknee Tarantula. Here are some guidelines:

Enclosure Size: A 10-gallon tank is suitable for juveniles, but adults require at least a 20-gallon tank to allow ample space for burrowing and movement.
Substrate: Use a deep layer of coconut fiber, bark chips, or soil mixed with vermiculite to facilitate burrowing. The substrate should be at least 4-6 inches deep.
Hiding Spots: Provide several hiding spots such as cork bark, half logs, or flower pots. Tarantulas need dark, secure areas to feel safe.
Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a temperature range of 75-85°F (24-29°C) and humidity levels between 60% and 80%. Use a hygrometer and thermometer to monitor these conditions.
Lighting: Avoid direct sunlight and bright artificial lights. Provide a natural day-night cycle by using a timer-controlled light if necessary.
Air Circulation: Ensure proper ventilation by drilling small holes in the tank lid or using a screen top.

Dietary Needs

Mexican Redknee Tarantulas are carnivorous and feed primarily on insects. Here’s what you need to know about feeding them:

Feeding Frequency: Feed adult tarantulas once every week to ten days. Juveniles may require more frequent meals, about twice a week.
Food Options: Offer crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, or other appropriately sized insects. Ensure the prey items are gut-loaded (fed nutritious food before being offered to the tarantula).
Prey Size: The prey should be no larger than half the size of the tarantula’s body to prevent injury.
Handling Prey: Always use forceps or tongs to place the prey in the enclosure. Do not hand-feed your tarantula.

Handling Advice

While Mexican Redknee Tarantulas are generally docile, handling them requires caution:

Frequency: Handle your tarantula only when necessary, such as during cage cleaning or moving it to another enclosure. Over-handling can cause stress.
Technique: Gently scoop the tarantula into a container or cup. Avoid grabbing or pinching its legs or abdomen. Never lift the tarantula by its legs or fangs.
Environment: If you must handle your tarantula outside its enclosure, do so in a calm, quiet environment free of sudden movements.
Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your tarantula to avoid transferring oils or bacteria.

Common Health Issues

Despite their hardiness, Mexican Redknee Tarantulas can face certain health issues:

Spider Mites: These tiny pests can infest the enclosure, causing stress and potential harm to the tarantula. Regularly clean the enclosure and check for signs of mites.
Leg Loss: Tarantulas may shed a leg if threatened or injured. While they can regrow lost limbs, this process takes time and energy.
Dehydration: Ensure the enclosure has the correct humidity level to prevent dehydration. A humid hide or damp substrate can help maintain moisture.
Stress: Stress can lead to various health problems, including refusal to eat or molt. Minimize disturbances and provide a stable, comfortable environment.

Myths Debunked

There are many misconceptions about tarantulas. Let’s address some common ones:

Myth: Tarantulas are aggressive and dangerous. Fact: Mexican Redknee Tarantulas are generally calm and non-aggressive. They prefer to retreat rather than attack.
Myth: Tarantulas bite frequently. Fact: Tarantulas reserve their venom for hunting and defense. Bites are rare and usually only occur when the spider feels threatened.
Myth: Tarantulas don’t require much care. Fact: While tarantulas are relatively low-maintenance compared to other pets, they still need proper housing, diet, and attention to thrive.
Myth: Tarantulas live in groups. Fact: Tarantulas are solitary creatures in the wild and should be housed individually to prevent stress and aggression.

Care Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to tarantula ownership, here are some additional tips to help you succeed:

Research: Before acquiring a tarantula, thoroughly research its care requirements. Understanding its needs will help you provide the best possible care.
Patience: Tarantulas grow slowly and have unique behaviors. Be patient and observant to learn about your pet’s preferences.
Consistency: Maintain a consistent routine for feeding, cleaning, and checking on your tarantula. Predictability helps reduce stress.
Consult Experts: Don’t hesitate to seek advice from experienced tarantula keepers or veterinarians specializing in exotic pets.

Conclusion

Keeping a Mexican Redknee Tarantula as a pet is a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time and effort into understanding their unique needs. By providing a suitable habitat, offering a balanced diet, handling with care, and addressing any health concerns promptly, you can ensure your tarantula leads a healthy and happy life. Remember, tarantulas are fascinating creatures with intriguing behaviors and appearances, making them a delightful addition to any exotic pet collection.