Pink Toe Tarantula

Description: While not everyone's favorite, arachnids like scorpions and tarantulas can make excellent pets. They're not loud, don't need to go on walks, and won't chew up any of your possessions! Tarantulas can live a good long life, and with some patience they can become accustomed to being held and interacted with. Scorpions are less likely to want to be handled but are just as fascinating to observe and care for. While vastly different from more "traditional" pets, arachnids like scorpions and tarantulas can have quirks and personalities just like our furry and feathery friends, and they are just as deserving of love as any other animal. Learn how to care for your pet arachnid in our Scorpion and Tarantula Care Guide!

Species: Pink Toe Tarantula, Avicularia avicularia

How Large Does This Pet Grow? 4 to6 inches

Average Lifespan: 4-20 years

Basic Diet: Tarantulas are insectivores. Feeder insects provided must be gut-loaded-that is, fed a nutrient-rich diet before being offered to your arachnid. This improves their nutritional value and supports the long-term health of your animal. Want to learn more about providing live feeder insects to your pet? Check out our Reptile Feeding Guide! NEVER feed your arachnid wild-caught insects. They may carry parasites or pesticide residue that could be harmful or fatal. Never leave uneaten prey in the enclosure if your animal does not eat. Some prey insects can bite and may irritate or injure your pet and can contribute to habitat hygiene issues. For complete feeding information including how to serve, check out the Feeding section of our Scorpion & Tarantula Care Guide.

Minimum Enclosure Size: 5 gallons minimum, although your Tarantula will enjoy a 10+ gallon if you have enough room! Pink Toe Tarantulas are arboreal spiders, meaning they are natural tree dwellers and require a vertical terrarium with lots of springy substrate to cushion any potential falls. Always use a tight-fitting screen lid to allow for airflow while preventing escape. Tarantulas may attempt to climb or push through even narrow gaps. Learn how to cultivate the ideal habitat for your Pink Toe in the Habitat section of our Scorpion & Tarantula Care Guide!

Habitat Necessities: Learn how to cultivate the ideal habitat for your arachnid in the Habitat section of our Scorpion & Tarantula Care Guide!

• 5-10+ gallon vertical terrarium
  
• A tight fitting screened lid
  
• Sphagnum moss, coconut fiber/bark and sand
  
• Daytime heat lamp and bulb
  
• Habitat thermometer(s) and hygrometer
  
• Artificial/natural rock or wood hiding spots
  
• Branches/plants for climbing and hiding
  
• Shallow water dish
  
• Crickets, dubia roaches, hornworms and mealworms

Does this Pet Need a Roommate? No roomies for this pet. Tarantulas prefer the bachelor/bachelorette life

Safety Tips for You and Your Pet: It is recommended to closely monitor any new pet for 30 days in their own enclosure to observe signs of illness, prevent the spread of potential diseases, and to limit stress while your pet acclimates to their new home. All new pets should be seen by a veterinarian within 14 days of purchase to establish care and discuss a health and wellness plan. All animals can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat. Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet or its enclosure. Use caution when handling pets, and remember they may bite or scratch, especially when stressed.

Vet Assured: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets. Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses, including Zoonotic diseases. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.

When to Contact a Veterinarian: Contact your exotics veterinarian if you notice the following signs:

• hiding more than usual
  
• eating or drinking less
  
• abdominal wounds
  
• difficulty molting
  
• reluctance to move
  
• lost or broken limb

The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.