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Theraphosa blondi (Goliath Birdeater Tarantula) care guide

  • Mar 19
  • 2 min read
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🕷️ Fast Facts

  • Common name: Goliath Birdeater

  • Scientific name: Theraphosa blondi

  • Origin: Northern South America (Amazon rainforest)

  • Leg span: Up to ~11–12 inches (28–30 cm)

  • Body length: ~4.5–5 inches (11–13 cm)

  • Lifespan:

    • Females: 15–25 years

    • Males: 3–6 years

  • Temperament: Defensive, not beginner-friendly

  • Venom: Mild to moderate (bee-sting level)

  • Type: Terrestrial burrower

🏠 Enclosure Setup

Size

  • Juvenile: small critter keeper

  • Adult: at least 18” x 18” x 12” (45 x 45 x 30 cm)

Substrate

  • Deep, moisture-retaining substrate (4–8+ inches):

    • Coco fiber

    • Topsoil mix

    • Sphagnum moss (to help humidity)

Humidity

  • Target: 75–90%

  • Keep substrate damp (not swampy)

  • Good airflow is critical to prevent mold

Temperature

  • Ideal range: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

  • Avoid drops below 70°F

Hides & Decor

  • Cork bark or a burrow starter

  • This species prefers to dig its own tunnel

💧 Water & Humidity Tips

  • Provide a large, shallow water dish

  • Overflow occasionally to maintain humidity

  • Mist lightly if needed, but don’t soak constantly

🍽️ Feeding

Diet

  • Crickets, roaches, worms

  • Occasional larger prey (like small mice) only rarely

Feeding schedule

  • Slings: 1-2 times per week

  • Juveniles: 1–2 times per week

  • Adults: once every 1–2 weeks

Note: They are voracious eaters but can fast before molts.

🧠 Behavior & Handling

  • Do NOT handle — they are:

    • Fast

    • Defensive

    • Equipped with irritating hairs that can cause severe itching or eye injury

Defense behaviors

  • Hissing (they can stridulate!)

  • Hair flicking

  • Threat posture

🧼 Maintenance

  • Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours

  • Spot clean regularly


⚠️ Special Considerations

Urticating hairs

  • Can cause:

    • Skin irritation

    • Serious eye injury (wear eye protection if needed)

Humidity sensitivity

  • Too dry → dehydration risk

  • Too wet → mold, mites

Molting

  • Do not disturb

  • Avoid feeding during pre-molt and immediately after

👍 Pros & 👎 Cons

Pros

  • Massive, impressive display species

  • Fascinating natural behaviors (burrowing, hissing)

  • Hardy if humidity is correct

Cons

  • Not handleable

  • Requires high humidity (can be tricky)

  • Defensive temperament

  • Large space needs

🧭 Beginner Verdict

  • ❌ Not recommended for beginners

  • ✅ Better for intermediate to advanced keepers


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