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Curly Hair Tarantulas (Brachypelma albopilosum) as Pets

From Lianne McLeod, DVM, for About.com

Curly Hair Tarantula

Curly Hair Tarantula - photo courtesy of e-spiderworld.com

John Hoke
Scientific Name: Brachypelma albopilosum
Also Known As: Curly Hair Tarantulas are sometimes called wooly Tarantulas.
Size: Curly Hair Tarantulas cna reach a leg span of 5-5.5 inches.
Life Span (females): 3-10 years (males much shorter)
Housing: A small (5-10 gallon) tank is suitable for Curly Hair Tarantulas. The width of the tank should be two to three times wider than the leg span of the spider wide, and only as tall as the spider's leg span. 2-3 inches of peat moss, soil, or vermiculite can be used as a substrate. Wood, cork bark, or half of a small clay flower pot can be used for a shelter/retreat.
Temperature: 75-85 F (24-30 C)
Humidity: 75-85%
Feeding: Crickets and other large insects (must be pesticide free), occasional pinky mouse for larger spiders.
Temperament: Curly Hair Tarantulas are generally docile and calm.

Tarantula photo reprinted with permission of John Hoke, e-spiderworld.com

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