Rose

Welcome to Rose's page.  You will find information about rose haired tarantulas here as well as pictures and links to further information.

April 16, 2015

Rose has been much more active since molting.  She has eaten some crickets and is moving around a lot more.  Some students were able to watch her spin some silk to make a "hammock".  We also saw her sitting in her water bowl and climbing the walls, literally.  She is turning into quite a fascinating pet.

Rose climbing the wall.

Rose in her hammock.

Hammock

Rose climbing the wall.

Rose taking a bath?

Rose in her water bowl.

                                                Rose climbing the glass walls.

March 24, 2015

Rose has molted.  Spiders have their skeleton on the outside of their bodies (exoskeletons) unlike humans.  As they grow, they need to get rid of the old layer to make room for new growth.  Rose has molted and looks bigger, softer and lighter in color.  This happened over the weekend and tends to take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.  After her exoskeleton is shed she needs time to rest. She is in the resting stage right now.  After about a week she can be held and fed.  Students are looking forward to getting a closer look at the new improved Rose

Rose's Exoskeleton

Rose hair tarantulas are very docile and make good pets.  They are easy to take care of and very low maintenance.  Contrary to popular belief, few tarantulas bite.  Rose hairs seldom bite people.  If they do, their bite is similar to a bee sting and will only cause a reaction if the person is allergic.   The other way they defend themselves is with their bristle like hairs.  She will flick her bristles if she is feeling threatened.  These can cause itching and irritation if they get in eyes.  Again, this is not something she often does if at all.

Rose's needs are quite simple.  She needs a habitat with substrate, water, places to hide like plants, a secure top and a warm and humid environment.  She only eats about once a week or less.  She will be eating crickets.

Tarantulas do not need to be held or comforted like other pets.  However, they are very agreeable pets and can be handled with simple precautions.  In the classroom I will be the one to hold her initially. If If I allow students to hold her they will use gloves.  As long as you are calm and still she will simply sit in your hand and move a little bit.  I have held her several times and she has never tried to bite or flick hairs.  She usually stays still on my hand.

Here is a link with some further information about tarantulas.


http://www.exoticpetsresources.com/invertebrates/rose-hair-tarantula/rose-hair-tarantula-care-sheet/

Rose in her habitat-a 10 gallon tank.

Rose in Mrs. Puffer's hand.