tarantula as pets

I personally hate and am scared of spiders,and I would never have a tarantula as a pet,because I would be afraid it would get out and bite me,I would much rather have a nice dog or cat,because they are easier to take care of and safer lol.

Actually a tarantula is very low maintenance. In most cases a 10 gallon tank with a screened locking lid works fine. Make sure you research the spider and make the tank as simular to his home as possible. Make sure the spider has a place to hide.

Do not use dirt or stuff you find outside, it may have poisons that can harm the spider. Do not feed it bugs from outside for the same reason, get crickets from a local pet store.

A female can live up to 25 years.
A male can live up to 7 years (possibly longer).

As for unexpeted behaivors, nothing that wouldnt be expected from any spider. On the normal a spider will not bite unless it has been spooked first.

One thing I can think of though, if you are not aware of it, a tarantula will molt (shed its skin) and is like jello after the molting. You should remove any crickets from its cage and do not feed it for 2 weeks after the molt. Crickets can harm it after a molt.

I have had 3 and will have more in the future. I love them, I think they are great to have around and are very interesting.

Make sure you get it from someone that can give you history on it. Do not buy it from a pet store. Buy it from a breeder that handles them often. You can find great breeders by searching google.

If you have any other questions or if I missed something, just let me know. I hope this helps you make your decision.

Here's something interesting...
It is a proven fact that Spiders CAN live without humans HOWEVER Humans CANNOT live without spiders:)

Any of the Gramastola's, Brachyphelma's or Aphonophelma species whould be ideal beginner pets. They tend to be docile and yes handleable if you choose but I would not try this often, more for the spiders safety than anything else. Rosies are one of the most common beginner spiders and are extreamly rugged as far as it goes. They really only need a couple inches of peat moss in the enclosure and some sort of hide or retreat.Dont worry too much about a fancy water dish, a shallow plastic top from some food container will be excellent fot it and by all means if the chuckle-head at the pet store trys to sell you a sponge for the water dish beat him to death with it, they are a waste of time and nothing but breeding grounds for all types of nasty bacteria. In fact with proper care you will not even need a water dish for this species, they dwell in dessert scrub land. Don't be surprised if it decides to go off feed for a few weeks or months for that matter. These critters can go off feed for over a year with no adverse effects, as long as the abdomen is not shrinking or becomeing emaciated you are fine. Do not buy one that has round bulb's at the ends of the pedipalps(the two short leg looking things in the front) as this indicats a mature male and a short remaining life span. Of course the lack of these does not mean it is a female maybe just not a mature male. These spiders can live for extreamly long periods of time with proper care(20+ years) Tarantula's can become addicting with all of the color variations out there so go, buy the rosie and "WECOME TO YOUR NEWEST ADDICTION"