Many insect and arachnid lovers adore tarantulas because of their large size and distinctive appearance. These giant hairy spiders cut an eye-catching aesthetic. Yes, they can bite, but they’re rarely aggressive and usually do so in self-defense. There are about 1,100 species worldwide!
In this guide, we’ll look at the Socotra Island Blue Baboon, a tarantula that hails from the coast of Yemen. Commonly known as the Blue Baboon Tarantula, they make fascinating pets. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about caring for these arachnids.
1. Keep Individuals Separate From Each Other
Many tarantula care resources say that Blue Baboon Tarantulas are social spiders. This is only half true because they don’t consider that most people don’t have a big enough enclosure for multiple spiders. Blue Baboon Tarantulas do live in colonies in the wild. However, most hobbyists can’t provide enough space for them in captivity, drastically increasing the risk of cannibalism.
If you insist on keeping a pair, we recommend an enclosure of 18″ x 12″ x 12″ at a minimum. Bigger is better, and longer tanks are preferable. Owners should constantly monitor them in case of tensions and feed them enough so there’s less risk of competition. You may have a better chance of keeping multiple spiders if you raise them together from a young age. However, success will still depend on their personalities. These large spiders can be territorial and aggressive, so it’s better not to risk any fights. There are countless stories of people making this mistake, so don’t fall into the trap!
2. Offer Space for Your Tarantula to Burrow
You can keep one Blue Baboon Tarantula in a five or ten-gallon tank. Yet, the contents of the terrarium are almost more important than its size. Why? A good substrate is very important because Blue Baboon Tarantulas love burrowing.
We recommend between four to six inches of substrate. Peat moss and coconut fiber are popular options. You could also use topsoil as it’s easily available. Note that Blue Baboon Tarantulas grow up to six inches in length and should be able to fully immerse themselves in their substrate.
Don’t forget to provide hiding spots for your pet spider, too. You may use coconut shells or half logs because these provide plenty of shelter. Tree bark is another common choice but remember: it will eventually rot. Keepers can also turn clay pots into hides with a little bit of DIY. If you want to go all out, you can buy a fancy artificial hide from a vendor in a pet store or online, but it’s not essential. Don’t forget to keep a firm lid on your pet’s enclosure; that way, your tarantula won’t escape and get lost!
3. Plan to Keep Females for 10+ Years
Most hobbyists want to know how long their pet will live. Blue Baboon Tarantulas share a common trait with other spider species. Females live much longer lives than male tarantulas. The main reason for this is that females may have several reproductive cycles and are more responsible for the continuation of the species. They may also eat the males after mating, but this doesn’t always happen.
Nonetheless, it’s common for females to live up to 14 years. Males only survive for between three and four years. This is worth considering because females are a longer-term responsibility and may not be suitable for everybody.
4. Don’t Overfeed Your Spiders
The good news about keeping Socotra Island Blue Baboons is that they don’t require much food. There are slight differences between juvenile and adult spiders. Feed juveniles up to twice per week or every five to seven days. You’ll know by the amount of food your spider consumes.
Give adults food once per week. Gut-loaded insects like crickets, flies, and roaches are great options. These provide a nutrient boost for your pet tarantula. You can also give them mealworms or bloodworms. Consider dusting them with powders to increase their nutritional value. Live food is good because it will stimulate your spider’s predatory instincts. Only buy live prey from licensed dealers because you don’t want to bring nasty parasites or bacteria into the terrarium.
Don’t forget to remove uneaten food, including surviving live creatures, after 24 hours. This will help you maintain a healthy tank environment.
5. Avoid Handling Blue Baboon Tarantulas
There’s a myth that tarantulas don’t mind handling. This is untrue because most spiders find it uncomfortable, even if they tolerate it. We recommend against picking up your Socotra Island Blue Baboon tarantula unless it’s absolutely necessary. These spiders aren’t particularly aggressive, but they do possess a nasty bite. This is rarely very harmful to humans unless they have another underlying condition.
Usually, the pain will feel similar to a severe bee sting. It will trigger inflammation and potential numbness or cramping. One advantage of keeping Blue Baboons is that they don’t have urticating hairs. Many tarantula species release these defensive bristles that embed in wounds. This may offer a small comfort if you’re ever bitten by one!
6. Know That Blue Baboons Are Prolific Webbers
One of the most interesting aspects of keeping Blue Baboon Tarantulas is that they produce massive webs. They’re fascinating creatures, and they make great display pets. They use their webs to line their burrows, so it’s essential to provide them with a good substrate. Also, these tarantulas weave webs at the burrow’s openings and as shelters. In the wild, they dig up to 12 inches deep and use their webs as an integral structural device. They also use their webs to trap prey.
7. Ensure Ideal Temperature and Humidity Levels
The right temperature and humidity levels are crucial to keep your spider healthy. A constant temperature of 75-85°F is perfect. Remember, they hail from the Yemeni island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean, so they require warm conditions. Meanwhile, the humidity levels should be 60 to 70%.
Keep a water tray in the terrarium because this will assist with maintaining the correct humidity levels. You should also mist the tank every few days, but don’t overdo it. You don’t want to cause the substrate or any wooden features to produce mold. This is one of the trickiest parts of caring for these spiders, and why they may be better for experienced insect keepers! You should reconsider getting a tarantula if you’re looking for a suitable pet for a young child.
