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How often do you feed tarantulas

General guidelines for feeding frequency by life stage

look, while individual variations exist, here are some general guidelines for how often do you feed tarantulas based on their life stage:

look, slings (young tarantulas, up to 1-inch leg span) — kind of

Slings are growing rapidly and have high metabolic rates. (well, almost) They typically need to be fed more often to support their development, right?

Frequency:Every 3-5 days.
Prey Size:Small prey items, such as pinhead crickets, small roaches, or fruit flies, no larger than the tarantula's abdomen, right?

Juveniles (1-3 inches leg span)

Juvenile tarantulas are still growing but at a slightly slower rate than slings. Their feeding needs begin to stabilize.

Frequency:Every 5-7 days.
Prey Size:Appropriately sized crickets, mealworms, or roaches, roughly two-thirds the length of the tarantula's abdomen.

Adults (over 3 inches leg span) — if that makes sense

Adult tarantulas have significantly slower metabolisms and growth rates. Overfeeding can lead to health issues.

Frequency:Every 7-14 days, or even every 3-4 weeks for very large, slow-growing species. Some adults can go months without food if they are well-fed and healthy.
Prey Size:One to two large crickets, a few mealworms, or a medium roach.

Understanding the proper feeding schedule is crucial for the health and longevity of your tarantula. Unlike many pets, tarantulas do not require daily feeding, and their dietary needs vary significantly based on several factors. The question, "How often do you feed tarantulas?" delves into a nuanced aspect of arachnid husbandry that every keeper must improve.

Factors influencing tarantula feeding frequency

There isn't a single answer to "How often do you feed tarantulas" because many variables come into play. A responsible tarantula keeper must consider these factors to establish an appropriate feeding routine:

Age and Size:Younger, smaller tarantulas (slings) metabolize food much faster and grow rapidly, requiring more frequent meals. Adults, with their slower metabolism and growth, need to eat less often.
Species:Different tarantula species have varying metabolic rates. Some fast-growing, active species might need more frequent meals than slower-growing, sedentary ones. For example, a Grammostola pulchra (Rose Hair) is known for its slow metabolism compared to a Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens (Green Bottle Blue).
Last Molt:truth be told, tarantulas cease eating prior to molting and should not be fed immediately after a molt. Their fangs are soft and susceptible to damage. Waiting at least 7-10 days, or even longer for larger specimens, post-molt is key.
Body Condition:Observe your tarantula's abdomen. A plump, well-fed abdomen indicates good health, while a shrunken abdomen suggests hunger. I mean, an overly distended abdomen can indicate overfeeding. — kind of
Activity Level:More active tarantulas might burn more energy and require slightly more frequent feeding.
Environmental Temperature:by the way, warmer temperatures can slightly increase metabolism, potentially leading to a need for slightly more frequent meals, though this is a minor factor compared to others.

Recognizing hunger and refusal to eat

believe it or not, a key aspect of figuring out how often do you feed tarantulas is observing their behavior. Tarantulas are often opportunistic feeders, but also have clear signals.

Signs of Hunger:An active tarantula that quickly pounces on prey is likely hungry. Some may even position themselves at the entrance of their hide, waiting for food. I think, a noticeably shrunken or deflated abdomen is a strong indicator of hunger.
Refusal to Eat:If a tarantula ignores or runs from prey, it's generally not hungry. This can also indicate pre-molt state. Do not leave live prey in the enclosure with a tarantula that is refusing to eat, as the prey can stress or injure the tarantula, especially if it's in pre-molt.
Pre-Molt:A tarantula preparing to molt will often refuse food for weeks or even months. Their abdomen may darken, and they may... Never attempt to feed a tarantula in pre-molt.