- The Pet Cabin - Chilean Rose Housing Tarantula These spiders do not require large enclosures. A suitable guide to the minimum size required is at least 3 times the length of the spiders leg span. Perfecto Grammostola rosea produce a Spider starter kit that contains all the necessary items to get started. Alternatively Geo’s (plastic containers available in various sizes) can also be used. As the Chile Rose is a terrestrial species height is not an important factor, just 1½ the leg span is sufficient. Suitable substrates include soil, vermiculite and wood/bark chippings. See our ‘décor’ section for appropriate items to place in the enclosure. Lighting/Heating These spiders do not require UVB, thus UV tubes are not necessary. It is best to avoid using any bright lights, the natural lighting conditions in a room indicating to the spider the transitions from day to night is all that’s required. Heating is best supplied by a heat mat which is recommended to be used with a Mat Stat in order to regulate the temperature output. The ideal heat range is 20–30 degrees. Therefore its recommended that the room temperature in which the spider is kept is regularly checked. If the room temperature never The Chile Rose is native to, as the name exceeds 75 F then a heat source will be required. If a heat source is used it can suggests, Northern Chile. It is also found be turned off at night, thus imitating a temperature drop as would be in desert/scrubland regions of Bolivia & experienced in its natural conditions. Argentina. Décor It’s predominantly a terrestrial species, spending most of its time roaming on the A simple setup is suitable for these spiders, nothing from which they can fall floor. and damaged themselves. A simple hide to provide a safe retreat is essential. Suitable hides include a basic flower pot, logs, or the exo terra hide (variety of Adults typically have a leg span of between sizes available). 4.5 to 5.5 inches; taking a long time to reach this size, especially for th e females. A shallow water dish should also be provided. However to reduce any risk of The life span is difficult to give accurately drowning, the water bowl is best filled with either vermiculite or a basic sponge as these spiders have not been in captivity, before placing water in the bowl. Alternatively a bug gel can be used, which is particularly the pet trade for long. Females solidified water. are estimated at 15 years plus though its likely they will live longer, with a males Feeding life span being significantly shorter. These spiders should predominantly be fed on insects, including crickets and There are 2 colour morphs; the first locusts, the size fed should be relative to the spider’s size. In addition only 1 consists of a brown/tan body with a pink insect should be fed at a time. To improve the nutritional value of the insect to carapace (dorsal section) and pink hairs. the spider they can be gut loaded before feeding. This simply means to feed the The second morph in comparison has red insects with vegetables and bran first. They should also be dusted with a hairs covering the entire body. mineral supplement (e.g. nutrobal) once a week. A pinkie (very small frozen mice – defrost before feeding) can also be fed as a treat to adult spiders. These spiders are great for the novice as they are hardy and their docile calm Please note that it is important not to feed insects during a spiders moult – see nature makes it easy to handle (though additional notes section on reverse for more information. caution must be taken). They must never be bought as a means to ‘show off’; with the right care and keen interest they can make great pets. Page 1 of 2 - The Pet Cabin - Additional Notes Recommended Shopping List for the purchas e of a Chile Rose A Low humidity is required for these spiders; 1. Enclosure e.g. geo, perfecto tank simply spray once or twice a week with a 2. Substrate general plant sprayer, it is advised to spray the 3. Shelter/hide sides of the enclosure not directly onto the 4. Shallow water Dish spider. This will also mean that water droplets 5. Bug Gel will form on the sides from which the spider 6. Insects can drink. 7. Heat Mat 8. Mat Stat Spiders may fast (not eat) for months at a 9. Temperature Gauges time, this is often an indication of moulting. A 10. Nutrobal spider does not have a skeletal structure like reptiles, mammals and birds, instead that have a tough exoskeleton. Therefore in order for them to grow they must shed this exoskeleton. It is this process that is known as moulting. The spider will break out of its exoskeleton from its abdomen, after this has occurred it often appears that you have 2 spiders in the enclosure. The spider will initially be pale and relatively soft. It is because of this that insects must not be fed as the spider is vulnerable to attack. Over time their external cuticle grows and then hardens during what is known as a tanning process. By the time this process has completed the spider will be much darker and the exoskeleton hard. It will then be time to start feeding again. As previously mentioned Chile Rose tarantulas make great pets due to their docile and calm nature enabling handling relatively easily. The best way to get the spider to move onto your hands is to slowly place you hand by the spider and allow it to walk on itself, or you can carefully tap its back to encourage it to move. Care must be taken as these spiders do have venom, though it’s NOT toxic it can in the unlikely event that you are bitten cause a reaction comparable to a bee sting. Thus caution must be taken as some people can have allergic reactions to bee stings and therefore may react in a similar way to a spider bite. Page 2 of 2 .