The Rosehair is a great beginner tarantula and one of the most common pet tarantulas as they are easy to care for and tend to be docile. This species is nocturnal and hides away from the hot sun spending their days in the shelter of moist, cool burrows, and venturing out at night. They are a beautiful species, some specimens being more brightly colored than others. As with most desert dwelling tarantulas, these animals are nomads, living solitary lives and fending for themselves. With proper care, females can live up to 15-20 years, while males typically live 4-5 years.
In this comprehensive care guide, we've compiled everything you need to know about caring for a Rosehair Tarantula, including enclosure setup, heating, lighting, feeding, humidity, and all essential supplies. We've evaluated each product based on quality, safety, appropriateness for rosehair tarantulas, ease of use, and value. All products reviewed here include direct Amazon purchase links with our affiliate tag.
Quick Answer: Essential Rosehair Tarantula Supplies
If you're in a hurry, here are the must-have items for a Rosehair Tarantula:
- Enclosure: 2-5 Gallon Glass Terrarium - Floor space more important than height
- Substrate: Untreated Potting Soil or Peat Moss - Maintain humidity, safe materials
- Heating: Heating System - Maintain 70-85°F temperatures
- Lighting: Gentle Dim Lighting - Nocturnal, prefer low light
- Water Dish: Shallow Wide Water Dish - For tarantulas with 3" leg span or more
- Hides: Log or Cork Bark - Optional but recommended for hiding
About Rosehair Tarantulas
Scientific Name: Gramastola porteri
Native to: Bolivia, Argentina and Chile
Maximum Length: 5-6 inches
Life Span: Males: 4-5 years; Females: up to 15-20 years
Characteristics
The Rosehair is a great beginner tarantula and one of the most common pet tarantulas as they are easy to care for and tend to be docile. This species is nocturnal and hides away from the hot sun spending their days in the shelter of moist, cool burrows, and venturing out at night.
They are a beautiful species, some specimens being more brightly colored than others. As with most desert dwelling tarantulas, these animals are nomads, living solitary lives and fending for themselves. They rely primarily on the sense of touch to navigate their surroundings.
Essential Supplies for Rosehair Tarantulas
1. Enclosure
We recommend 2 to 5-gallon glass terrariums because tarantulas rely primarily on the sense of touch to navigate their surroundings and prefer smaller enclosures where they can freely explore but are not overly exposed. Floor space is more important than height.
The enclosure should be secure with a well-ventilated lid to prevent escape while allowing adequate airflow. Glass terrariums work well as they allow you to observe your tarantula while maintaining appropriate conditions.
Tarantulas do not need decoration but you can add a log, or cork bark for hiding spots. The enclosure should be simple and uncluttered to allow your tarantula to navigate easily using their sense of touch.
Key Features: 2-5 gallons, glass terrarium, floor space more important than height, secure lid, adequate ventilation
2. Substrate
Use a substrate such as untreated potting soil, or peat moss. The substrate should be deep enough to allow for natural behaviors and help maintain humidity levels. The substrate should be safe and free from chemicals or pesticides.
Untreated potting soil and peat moss both work well for maintaining the 70% humidity that Rosehair Tarantulas require. The substrate should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Regular spot cleaning is essential to remove waste and prevent bacterial growth. Replace substrate periodically to maintain hygiene. The substrate depth should be appropriate for your tarantula's size and burrowing behaviors.
Key Features: Untreated potting soil or peat moss, moisture retention, safe materials, appropriate depth, easy to maintain
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3. Heating System
Maintain temperatures of 70 to 85°F. Use heating elements like under-tank heaters or low-wattage heat bulbs to maintain these temperatures. All heating elements must be controlled by thermostats to prevent overheating and ensure safe operation.
Place heating elements to create a warm area, allowing your tarantula to thermoregulate by moving between warmer and cooler areas. Monitor temperatures regularly with digital thermometers.
Rosehair Tarantulas are adapted to moderate temperatures and do not require extreme heat. The temperature range of 70-85°F is ideal for their health and activity.
Key Features: Temperature control, thermostat regulation, 70-85°F range, safe operation, reliable performance
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4. Lighting System
Lighting should be gentle and dim. Rosehair Tarantulas are nocturnal and prefer low-light environments. Avoid bright, direct lighting that can stress your tarantula.
If you need lighting for observation, use low-wattage bulbs or LED lights that produce minimal heat and light. The lighting should not interfere with your tarantula's natural nocturnal behavior.
Some keepers prefer to use no additional lighting beyond ambient room light, as tarantulas are primarily active at night and do not require special lighting for health.
Key Features: Gentle and dim lighting, low-wattage bulbs, minimal heat production, appropriate for nocturnal species
5. Humidity Control
Maintain humidity at 70% by misting the entire enclosure as needed every few days to maintain the humidity. The substrate, water dish, and regular misting all contribute to maintaining proper humidity levels.
Monitor humidity regularly with digital hygrometers. Adjust misting frequency as needed to maintain the 70% humidity level. The substrate should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Some keepers use automatic misting systems to maintain consistent humidity levels. These systems can be especially helpful in larger enclosures or dry environments.
Key Features: Humidity control, maintain 70%, consistent levels, easy to maintain, appropriate coverage
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6. Water Dish
All tarantulas that have at least a 3" leg span may drink from a shallow, wide water dish. The dish should be shallow enough that your tarantula can easily access the water without risk of drowning.
The water dish should be stable and won't tip over easily. It should be easy to clean and maintain, as it will need regular cleaning to prevent bacterial growth. Provide fresh, clean water regularly.
Some keepers prefer to use bottle caps or small shallow dishes for smaller tarantulas. Ensure the water dish is appropriately sized for your tarantula.
Key Features: Shallow and wide, stable placement, easy to clean, safe materials, appropriate sizing
7. Hides and Décor
Tarantulas do not need decoration but you can add a log, or cork bark for hiding spots. These items provide security and allow your tarantula to hide during the day, as they are nocturnal.
All décor should be safe, securely placed, and appropriately sized for your tarantula. Ensure items won't collapse or shift, which could injure your tarantula.
Keep the enclosure simple and uncluttered to allow your tarantula to navigate easily using their sense of touch. Too much decoration can make it difficult for them to move around.
Key Features: Log or cork bark, secure placement, safe materials, simple design, appropriate sizing
8. Monitoring Equipment
Accurate monitoring of temperature and humidity is essential for Rosehair Tarantula care. Place digital thermometers to monitor temperatures (70-85°F) and a digital hygrometer to monitor humidity levels (70%).
Probe thermometers provide more accurate readings than stick-on thermometers. Regular monitoring helps you catch problems early and maintain optimal conditions.
Key Features: Accurate readings, temperature and humidity monitoring, easy to read displays, reliable operation
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Product Comparison Table
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass Terrarium | 2-5 gallons, floor space more important than height | Housing rosehair tarantulas, proper space | $$ |
| Heating System | 70-85°F temperatures, thermostat controlled | Maintaining temperatures, thermoregulation | $$ |
| Substrate | Untreated potting soil or peat moss, moisture retention | Maintaining humidity, natural environment | $ |
| Humidity System | Maintain 70% humidity, misting system | Humidity control, health maintenance | $$ |
Setting Up Your Rosehair Tarantula Enclosure
Step-by-Step Setup
1. Choose the Right Location: Place your terrarium in a location with stable room temperature, away from direct sunlight, drafts, and high-traffic areas. Ensure the location is quiet and won't disturb your nocturnal tarantula during the day.
2. Install Substrate: Add untreated potting soil or peat moss to the bottom of the enclosure. The substrate should be deep enough to allow for natural behaviors and help maintain humidity. Keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged.
3. Set Up Heating: Install heating elements to maintain temperatures of 70-85°F. Connect all heating elements to thermostats for safety. Monitor temperatures regularly with digital thermometers.
4. Set Up Lighting (Optional): If needed, set up gentle, dim lighting for observation. Use low-wattage bulbs that produce minimal heat and light. Avoid bright, direct lighting.
5. Add Hides and Décor: Add a log or cork bark for hiding spots if desired. Keep the enclosure simple and uncluttered. Ensure all items are securely placed.
6. Add Water Dish: Place a shallow, wide water dish for tarantulas with at least a 3" leg span. Ensure it's stable and easy to clean. Provide fresh, clean water regularly.
7. Add Monitoring Equipment: Place thermometers to monitor temperatures and a hygrometer to monitor humidity. Use probe thermometers for more accurate readings.
8. Test and Adjust: Before introducing your tarantula, test all equipment and monitor temperatures and humidity for at least 24 hours. Make adjustments as needed to achieve optimal conditions: 70-85°F temperatures and 70% humidity.
Feeding Your Rosehair Tarantula
Diet Requirements
Young tarantulas eat crickets, mealworms and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, mealworms, other large insects, and an occasional pinkie mouse. Food should be dusted with a supplement to ensure proper nutrition.
Recommended Diet
Provide a varied diet that includes:
- For Young Tarantulas: Crickets, mealworms, and other small insects
- For Adults: Crickets, mealworms, other large insects, and occasional pinkie mice
Feeding Schedule
Feed young tarantulas more frequently, while adults can be fed less frequently. Adjust feeding frequency based on your tarantula's age, size, and activity level. Do not be alarmed if your Rosehair goes on a fast, this is common among them. A well-fed Rosehair can go a few months without eating.
Supplementation
Food should be dusted with a supplement to ensure proper nutrition. Use a high-quality insect supplement according to manufacturer recommendations. Proper supplementation helps prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Feeding Tips
Feed your tarantula at night when they are most active. Use feeding tongs to offer food safely. Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours to prevent them from bothering your tarantula. Do not be concerned if your tarantula refuses food for extended periods, as fasting is common and normal behavior.
Important Care Considerations
Enclosure Size
We recommend 2 to 5-gallon glass terrariums because tarantulas rely primarily on the sense of touch to navigate their surroundings and prefer smaller enclosures where they can freely explore but are not overly exposed. Floor space is more important than height.
Temperature Management
Maintain temperatures of 70 to 85°F. Use thermostats to control all heating elements and monitor temperatures regularly. Rosehair Tarantulas are adapted to moderate temperatures and do not require extreme heat.
Humidity Management
Maintain humidity at 70% by misting the entire enclosure as needed every few days. Monitor humidity regularly with hygrometers and adjust misting frequency as needed. The substrate should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Handling
Rosehair Tarantulas are generally docile but should be handled minimally and with care. Always wash your hands before and after handling. Be gentle and avoid sudden movements that could startle your tarantula.
Fasting Behavior
Do not be alarmed if your Rosehair goes on a fast, this is common among them. A well-fed Rosehair can go a few months without eating. This is normal behavior and not necessarily a sign of illness.
Maintenance
The enclosure should be spot-cleaned regularly to remove waste and uneaten prey items. A thorough cleaning should be performed periodically. Replace substrate as needed to maintain hygiene and prevent bacterial growth. Maintain proper humidity through regular misting.
Common Health Issues
With proper care, female Rosehair Tarantulas can live up to 15-20 years, while males typically live 4-5 years. Common health issues include:
- Dehydration: Caused by insufficient humidity or lack of water. Prevent by maintaining 70% humidity and providing a water dish for tarantulas with at least a 3" leg span.
- Molting Problems: Caused by improper humidity or stress. Prevent by maintaining proper humidity (70%) and minimizing stress.
- Injuries: Caused by falls or enclosure hazards. Prevent by ensuring the enclosure is secure and free from hazards that could cause injury.
- Stress: Caused by excessive handling, improper conditions, or disturbances. Prevent by minimizing handling and maintaining proper environmental conditions.
Final Verdict
Rosehair Tarantulas are excellent beginner tarantulas due to their docile nature and ease of care. With a 2-5 gallon glass terrarium (floor space more important than height), proper heating (70-85°F), gentle dim lighting, appropriate substrate (untreated potting soil or peat moss), 70% humidity, and a varied diet of insects, your Rosehair Tarantula can thrive and live a long, healthy life of up to 15-20 years for females (4-5 years for males).
Remember that Rosehair Tarantulas are nocturnal and prefer smaller enclosures where they can freely explore but are not overly exposed. They rely primarily on the sense of touch to navigate their surroundings. Do not be alarmed if your Rosehair goes on a fast, as this is common and a well-fed Rosehair can go a few months without eating.
Quality equipment is an investment in your tarantula's long-term health and happiness. Choose products that are safe, appropriate for rosehair tarantulas, and designed to last. With proper setup and care, your Rosehair Tarantula will be a rewarding and fascinating pet for many years to come.
Use this care guide as a reference when setting up and maintaining your Rosehair Tarantula's enclosure, and don't hesitate to consult with experienced tarantula keepers or veterinarians if you have questions about your tarantula's specific needs.