Enclosure

The enclosure requires items in it that the tarantula can utilize. Make sure that all objects that are placed within the enclosure are insecticide free and clean. Nothing that can be easily moved should be placed within the enclosure because it could fall and crush the tarantula.

Live plants can be used but require their own special maintenance. Make sure the plant you use can live within the temperature range of the enclosure and also a UV light will be required for the plant's growth. Long exposure to UV lighting can be dangerous to your tarantula. They thrive more off of a nocturnal existence. I find live plants very pleasing to the eye but hard to maintain in these conditions so I have always settled for plastic plants. Never use Cacti because they can kill tarantulas. They lack coagulant, tarantulas’ have no ability to scab.

Rocks and tree limbs can add an aesthetic look. They also supply hiding areas for the tarantula, this is important because it will reduce stress and creates security. Exorbitant amounts of caging material such as foliage can make it impossible to locate the tarantula increasing the chance of a bite or escape during routine care. Housing tarantulas in excessively large enclosures can cause them difficulty in finding prey items for feeding.

Age/Size Considerations

Many breeders keep spiderlings in small containers filled with moistened soil. Most species are content living as a borrower for multiple molts. Once feeding becomes effortful I move the tarantula to a larger container.

Arboreal species are placed in jar shaped containers. Ground dwelling species are kept in rectangular containers that allow more floor space. Closer to maturity they begin displaying disposition of the species.

Once fully developed I transfer them to a permanent residence. This enclosure is more aesthetically appealing and larger.

Collection Considerations

If you choose to be a keeper some questions you have to answer are: How much space, time, and money can you commit? How creative do you want to be with the enclosure(s)? Do you want one or a horde of them?

Dependent upon species most can thrive in a 5.5 gallon to 10 gallon glass/plastic container with essentials. Caging and placement can be very decorative or a minimalism approach.

Species Considerations

ARBOREAL (tree - dwelling / aerial web liver): These tarantulas can be found in holes in trees and tropical plants (banana, pineapple, plantain, bamboo, etc.) and some species have adapted and can be found on buildings. They require a tall enclosure with climbable objects such as tree limbs, plants, and drift wood. Make sure a retreat is available. Beware many arboreal species are skittish and fast.

GROUND DWELLING - Obligated Burrower: Tarantulas that live the majority of their lives in self made burrows. The substrate should be deep (at least 3 to 4 inches) and holds in moisture, also the enclosure should have width. These tarantulas are rarely seen and become the "Pet Hole".

GROUND DWELLING - Opportunistic: Due to lack of ability, desire or natural environment some tarantulas choose to inhabit abandoned dwellings of snake or rodent holes and natural crevices. Often these tarantulas will adjust its surroundings by digging and webbing. Sometimes they will leave there retreat to hunt for prey.

Sources:

New World Arboreal Tarantulas 101, The British tarantula Society, Lucian K. Ross: http://www.thebts.co.uk/New%20World%20Arboreal%20Tarantulas.htm

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