Curly Hair Tarantula Care

Species Info: Curly hair tarantulas are a terrestrial, burrowing species native to Costa Rica. Their name comes from the characteristic curl of the many hairs covering their body. The hairs themselves are actually chitin-based instead of keratin like the hair of mammals, and primarily serve as sensory tools rather than insulation. 

Level of Care/Handling: Easy-medium. Curly hairs are commonly recommended as a great starter T due to their small size/space requirements, hardy nature (for a tarantula), and docile temperament (again, for a tarantula). Handling should still not be done more than once or twice a week or for long periods of time. Curly hairs are much more likely to kick off their urticating hairs (which can irritate one’s eyes and skin) than bite, but neither are very potent. 

Length/Lifespan: Females can reach 5.5 in. from leg to leg, with males being an inch shorter or more. Females generally live 10-20 years while males usually don’t live past 6. 

Temperature/Humidity/Lighting/Space: Curly hairs should be kept at temperatures between 75-85 degrees and 65-70% humidity. If a shallow water dish (cleaned regularly) and the right substrate is used, enclosures usually only need to be misted once or twice a week. No supplemental lighting is required. Babies/small juveniles should be kept in an appropriately sized sling or 1 gallon enclosure or less. A 5 gallon enclosure is adequate for most adult curly hairs, and 10 gallons is fine as well. 

Flooring: Suitable substrates include Eco Earth, peat moss, and vermiculite, all of which hold humidity well. Substrate should be at least 3 in. thick to allow for burrowing. 

Decoration: Any animal-safe items are okay, but the enclosure should not be cluttered and should have ample floor space. 

Diet: Gut-loaded crickets and roaches make great staples for tarantulas. Adults can also have pinkie mice as a very occasional treat. Babies/juveniles should not be given anything more than 3/4 their size, but adults can eat anything their size and even a little larger.

Feeding Frequency: Babies should ideally eat one feeder a week, but they are also hard to overfeed. Adults are usually the same but can also go long periods of time (weeks-months) without eating.

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