How to care for Bird Eating Spiders

The Bird Eating Spider (also known as the “Barking Spider” or “Whistling Spider”) is one of the largest spiders in Australia. They belong to the family known as Tarantulas, but are more ferocious than their American cousins. Having fangs up to 8mm long, they are not an animal to be cuddled and kissed, but make excellent display in a terrarium suitable to their needs.

ORIGIN

They are found in the northern regions of Australia, where conditions are hot and humid. They are often seen at the base of large trees, foraging for insects, caterpillars or small rodents. Colours can vary from dark brown in the thick forests to light grey on the open plains, and often confuses people as to which species is which. They can reach a length of 55mm, the male being slightly smaller, 7 slimmer. These spiders are covered with velvety hairs and have small eyes located on the clump at the front of their head. They have long hairs on their legs and tufts around their claws which help them move freely over smooth surfaces.

DIET

Bird Eating Spiders do not have teeth and rely on their digestive juices to break down their food. The love to eat crickets, grasshoppers and silkworms. In captivity, they can be encouraged to eat “pinky” mice as well. Variety is the key to continued success, with seasonal changes being an essential, Care must be shown to not feed during moulting, as the spider is incapable of eating.

HEAT AND HUMIDITY

Bird Eating Spiders come from the hotter regions of Australia. They are ectotherms (cold-blooded) and so require heat constantly. This is best done using a heat mat, hot rock. The temperature should be a gentle 25°C getting no hotter than 30°C. Spiders will enjoy some humidity, however very wet conditions are not beneficial to them. A sponge with fresh water in it daily will maintain true humidity without causing too much condensation.

ENCLOSURE

A small to medium sized terrarium is excellent for housing Bird Eating Spiders. They love to burrow, and so provisions of deep peat-soil substrate (mm. 2”), pipes, hollow logs and caves are great ideas. The substrate should always be kept moist (NOT WET). Growing plants in the enclosure can assist with maintaining a stable humidity, and will provide hunting grounds for the spider.

CLEANING

As spiders are very clean animals, they are very efficient in using the food they consume, and eat little, cleaning is minimal. Wiping the glass with warm water and drying with paper towel weekly, removal of prey carcasses, and a major clean every six months is sufficient.

IMPORTANT

Do not handle Bird Eating Spiders. In the event of a bite CONTACT YOUR LOCAL

HOSPITAL

Do not disturb a spider during its moult - YOU WILL KILL IT.

Bird Eating Spiders are unusual animals, secretive, nocturnal and aggressive. They are completely different from a puppy or bird as a pet, and their care is subsequently a lot different.

Recommended for ages 18+.

Disclaimer: The information in this brochure is meant as a guide only. Fish and Feather takes no responsibility of any description, for any consequence and or result that may eventuate as a consequence of any information obtained from this brochure.