Consider these 9 factors before getting an Arizona Blonde Tarantula as a pet

Thinking about getting an Arizona Blonde Tarantula? Good choice — these mellow, desert-dwelling spiders are one of the best options for first-time tarantula keepers. We’ve worked with enough critters over the years to know that this species is about as beginner-friendly as it gets. But like any pet, they still require some care, attention, and know-how.

Here’s a practical, no-nonsense guide to what you really need to know before bringing one home.

What Makes Arizona Blondes Great Pets?

First things first: Arizona Blondes (also called Desert Blondes) are calm, slow-moving, and not aggressive. When scared, they’d much rather hide than bite — which is part of what makes them ideal for beginners. But just because they’re laid-back doesn’t mean you should handle them often. Tarantulas are more of a “look but don’t touch” kind of pet. Handling can stress them out and even cause injury if they fall.

And yes, they’re venomous — all tarantulas are — but unless you’re allergic, a bite is usually no worse than a bee sting. Still, it’s smart to keep your distance and avoid getting urticating hairs (those itchy defense hairs they can flick at threats) on your skin or in your eyes. Always wash your hands after working in their enclosure, and don’t touch your face.

Lifespan: Know What You’re Signing Up For

This surprised us the first time too: female Arizona Blondes can live up to 30 years! Males, on the other hand, usually only make it to 5–10 years. So if you’re in it for the long haul, try to get a female — but keep in mind that sexing tarantula slings (babies) isn’t always easy, and females tend to cost a bit more when identified.

Housing Tips from Experience

You don’t need a big fancy setup. A simple 5–10 gallon glass or acrylic tank works great. These tarantulas are terrestrial, not climbers, so floor space matters more than height. Just make sure the lid is secure — they’re not escape artists, but better safe than sorry.

Substrate: Go for 3–5 inches of a mix like coconut fiber, topsoil, or peat moss. Something soft and diggable. Add a hide like a half flower pot or cork bark, and maybe a few rocks or branches for enrichment.

Temperature: Keep the enclosure between 75–80°F (24–27°C). We’ve had good luck using a ceramic heat emitter on one side of the tank — that way she can choose her comfort zone. Definitely get a thermometer to keep track.

Humidity: Aim for 65–70%. A shallow water dish and an occasional misting usually do the trick. If it’s getting too damp, crack the lid for ventilation. A hygrometer helps a lot here.

Feeding Time

We feed ours once or twice a week — usually crickets or dubia roaches. Just make sure whatever you give her is no bigger than half her abdomen. And avoid wild-caught bugs; they can carry pesticides or parasites.

One critical thing: never feed during or right after a molt. Tarantulas are super vulnerable during this time, and even a tiny cricket could injure them. Wait several days after molting to resume feeding.

Molting 101 (Don’t Panic!)

Molting is a normal (and pretty fascinating) part of tarantula life. Young ones molt more often — maybe monthly — while adults usually molt once a year. During this time, your spider will flip on her back and look dead. Don’t worry — she’s not! Just leave her alone, don’t offer food, and give her time. The whole process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

After molting, her new exoskeleton will be soft for a bit, so continue to hold off on feeding for a few days.

Can You Keep More Than One?

Short answer: no. Tarantulas are solitary and can be cannibalistic — especially during molting, when one is vulnerable. Even if they seem fine together for a while, it’s only a matter of time before one becomes a snack. If you’re interested in breeding, that’s a whole different ballgame (and even then, females often eat the males).

Final Tips

• Don’t handle often — it’s not good for them, and it’s not worth the risk.
• Find an exotic vet near you just in case. Most regular vets don’t deal with tarantulas.
• Watch their behavior — they’ll tell you how they’re feeling. Hiding, refusing food, or acting sluggish can be signs of molting or stress.

Arizona Blondes are low-maintenance, fascinating creatures that can live for decades if cared for properly. They’re not cuddly, but they are rewarding in their own way — calm, beautiful, and full of personality once you get to know them.

If you’ve got the curiosity and the patience, they make a surprisingly great addition to your critter family.