Delivery and FAQ's
Shipping & Processing
We take great care to ensure your tarantulas and invertebrates arrive safely and securely.
• Processing Time: Orders are processed within 1-2 business days. If you place an order before 12 PM, we’ll do our best to dispatch it the same day.
• Shipping Methods: We use Royal Mail first class signed for to deliver your order quickly and safely.
Estimated Delivery Times:
• Live Animal Shipping: To ensure the safety of our invertebrates, live animal orders are shipped Monday to Thursday to avoid weekend delays and should be with you the following day.
• Tracking: A tracking number will be emailed to you once your order has shipped.
• Packaging: All live animals are securely packed with heat packs (if needed) and insulated materials to ensure their well-being during transit.
Delivery Areas
We currently ship within the UK only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship internationally at this time.
Live Arrival Guarantee
We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee on all tarantulas and invertebrates, provided:
✔ Someone is available to accept the delivery on the first attempt.
✔ The package is opened immediately upon arrival.
✔ Any issues are reported within 5 hours of delivery with clear photos.
If your order arrives in poor condition, please contact us immediately, and we will do our best to resolve the issue.
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FAQs
Ordering & Shipping
Q: Can I request a specific tarantula gender?
A: Unless listed as sexed, all tarantulas are sold as unsexed. We cannot guarantee gender, but we do our best to provide any available information.
Q: How do you package live tarantulas?
A: Our tarantulas are carefully packed in ventilated containers with soft tissue for support. Packages are insulated and include heat packs when necessary to ensure a safe journey.
Q: What happens if my tarantula doesn’t arrive alive?
A: We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee under specific conditions (see our Delivery section). If there’s an issue, please contact us within 5 hours with photos.
Q: What if my order is delayed?
A: Delays are rare, but if your package is held up, we recommend tracking your order and contacting us if needed. For live animals, we take extra precautions to ensure their safety during transit.
Q: Can I specify what day I want my order to arrive?
A: Of course! We offer delivery on days Tuesday through Friday with packages all shipped via Royal Mail Special Delivery Before 1pm, please email us shortly after ordering to specify your preferred date that suits you best, otherwise, we will email you to find out your preferred date.
Q: Why is my tarantula not eating and not coming out of its hide?
This is usually normal and not a cause for concern. Common reasons include:
• Pre-molt: Tarantulas often fast and hide before shedding.
• Stress or new environment: They may hide while adjusting.
• Incorrect conditions: Make sure humidity, temperature, and hide options are suitable.
• Species behavior: Some tarantulas are naturally shy and eat less often.
As long as your tarantula isn’t showing signs of distress (like a shriveled abdomen), it’s best to leave it alone and try offering food once a week.
Q: How often should I feed my tarantula?
A: Most spiderling and juveniles can be fed 1-2 times a week, while adults only need feeding once a week or less. If they don’t eat, remove uneaten prey after 24 hours and try again in a few days.
Q: Do tarantulas need water?
A: Yes! Always provide a shallow water dish with fresh water. Even desert species benefit from this, and it helps maintain proper humidity. For smaller slings, a small mist on the side of the enclosure will be more suitable but make sure not to mist too much as this can cause a spike in humidity!
Q: Can I handle my tarantula?
A: It’s best to admire them without handling. Tarantulas can be fragile and stressed by handling, and they can flick hairs or bolt if startled.
Q: Why is my tarantula flicking hairs at me?
A: It’s a defense behavior. They flick urticating hairs when they feel threatened. Try to limit disturbances and give them space to feel safe.
Q: Is it normal for my tarantula to lie on its back?
A: Yes! That’s a classic molting position. Don’t touch or move them—just wait patiently and keep the environment calm.
Q: Why is my tarantula just sitting in one spot all day?
A: That’s completely normal. Tarantulas are ambush predators and can stay still for hours or even days. As long as they look healthy, there’s no need to worry.
Q: My tarantula is super active at night—is that normal?
A: Absolutely. Tarantulas are mostly nocturnal and do their exploring and webbing after dark. It’s a great time to observe their natural behavior.
Q: How do I know if my tarantula is in pre-molt?
A: Look for signs like darkening of the abdomen, reduced activity, refusing food, or becoming reclusive. These are all normal pre-molt behaviors.
Q: What should I do if my tarantula is stuck in a molt?
A: First, don’t panic. Increase humidity slightly and avoid handling. If it’s been hours and they’re clearly struggling, message us or an experienced keeper for help.
Q: Why does my tarantula look bald?
A: Tarantulas can kick off their hairs when stressed, especially New World species. These hairs grow back after a molt.
Q: My tarantula hasn’t eaten in weeks—is it sick?
A: Probably not. Long fasts are normal, especially before molting. If the abdomen looks plump and there are no signs of injury or dehydration, it’s nothing to worry about.
Q: Are dwarf species harder to care for?
A: Not necessarily, but they can be more delicate and fast-moving. They’re great for experienced keepers but may be harder to observe due to their size and speed.
Q: What’s a good beginner tarantula?
A: Some of the best starter species include Brachypelma hamorii, Grammostola pulchra, and Tliltocatl albopilosus. They’re hardy, slow-moving, and usually have a calm temperament.
Q: Is this species aggressive or just defensive?
A: Most tarantulas aren’t aggressive, just defensive when they feel threatened. They’d rather hide than fight. Understanding their species’ typical behavior helps you avoid stressing them out.
Q: How do I know if my tarantula is male or female?
A: The most reliable way to sex a tarantula is by examining the exuviae—its old exoskeleton after a molt. Here’s how:
1. Wait for a fresh molt and gently remove the shed skin once it’s dry and not too fragile.
2. Carefully open the abdomen flap (the area between the top pair of book lungs).
3. Look for a small flap or fold called the spermathecae (or sometimes the uterus externus) inside the molt:
• Females will have a visible flap or paired structures—it looks like a small pouch or “lip” just inside the slit.
• Males will have a smooth area with no distinct structures.
For some keepers, especially with tiny slings, it’s easier to use a magnifying glass or a macro lens and light from behind to see the details clearly.
Alternatively, mature males usually develop:
• Tibial hooks (in many species) on their front legs
• Bulbous pedipalps (like boxing gloves) used for mating
These features only appear once a male is sexually mature and are absent in females.
If you’re unsure, you can always take a clear photo of the molt and ask experienced hobbyists or sellers for help—we’re happy to assist!
Q: What kind of substrate should I use?
A: The best substrate is plain, organic topsoil, coco fibre, or a mix of both—free from fertilizers or pesticides. Avoid wood chips, sand, or anything that holds too much moisture or mold.
Q: How deep should the substrate be?
A:
• Terrestrial species: 3–5 inches minimum, or deeper if they like to burrow.
• Fossorial species: At least 6–8 inches, ideally more.
• Arboreal species: 2–3 inches is usually enough since they live above ground.
Q: How do I keep humidity and temperature correct?
A: Match care to your species:
• Use a water dish and mist lightly only if needed.
• Good ventilation is key to avoid mold.
• For warmth, heat the room rather than using spot heaters or mats.
A simple thermometer and hygrometer can help track conditions.
Q: Can I keep multiple tarantulas together?
A: No—tarantulas are solitary and will fight, injure, or eat each other. Always house them separately, even if they’re the same species. There are some known communal species but it is best to stay away from communal keeping until you are more experienced!
Q: What can I feed my tarantula?
A: Tarantulas eat live insects like crickets, locusts, mealworms, dubia roaches, and occasionally waxworms as treats. Avoid anything too fatty or hard to digest as a staple.
Q: How big should prey be?
A: Prey should be about the same size as your tarantula’s abdomen or smaller. Slings do best with pre-killed or pinhead insects, while adults can tackle larger live food.
Q: Can I feed wild-caught insects?
A: It’s not recommended. Wild insects may carry pesticides, parasites, or bacteria that can harm your tarantula. Always use captive-bred feeder insects.
Q: How long can a tarantula go without food?
A: Surprisingly long! Adults can fast for weeks or even months, especially before or after molting. As long as their abdomen is plump and they’re behaving normally, there’s no need to worry.
Q: How often do tarantulas molt?
A: It depends on their age and species.
• Slings can molt every few weeks to months.
• Juveniles molt every few months.
• Adults molt once a year or less.
Faster-growing species may molt more frequently.
Q: What should I do during a molt?
A: Leave your tarantula completely alone. Don’t feed, handle, or disturb them. Keep the humidity slightly higher, ensure a calm, quiet environment, and remove uneaten food beforehand.
Q: Is it safe to feed my tarantula after molting?
A: Wait at least 5–7 days after a molt, or longer for larger tarantulas. Their new exoskeleton and fangs need time to harden before they can safely eat.
Q: Why does my tarantula look darker/lighter after molting?
A: The new exoskeleton is often brighter or more vibrant, especially in juveniles. Before a molt, they may appear darker, shinier, or dull, especially on the abdomen.
Q: Are tarantulas venomous or dangerous to humans?
A: Tarantulas are venomous, but their venom is not dangerous to humans (unless you have a rare allergy). Their bites are usually no worse than a bee sting, but they rarely bite unless provoked.
Fun Fact: Nobody has ever died from a tarantula bite!
Q: What happens if a tarantula bites me?
A: Most bites are dry (no venom), but if venom is injected, symptoms might include swelling, redness, or mild pain. Clean the bite, monitor for reactions, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
Q: What are urticating hairs and how do I avoid them?
A: Many New World species (like Brachypelma or Tliltocatl) can kick off irritating hairs from their abdomen when threatened. These can cause itching or rashes, especially on the skin or eyes. To avoid irritation:
• Don’t handle unnecessarily
• Avoid putting your face close
• Wash hands after working near them
Q: Can tarantulas jump or run fast?
A: Yes! Many species can bolt suddenly or jump short distances if startled. Always work slowly around them and keep their enclosure close to the ground during maintenance, just in case.
Q: Is it legal to own a tarantula in the UK?
A: Yes, most tarantulas are legal to own in the UK. However, a few rare species are CITES-listed and may need paperwork if imported or bred. Always buy from reputable UK-based sellers who follow legal and ethical standards.
Q: Can children keep tarantulas as pets?
A: Tarantulas aren’t cuddly pets, but they’re great for responsible older children with adult supervision. They’re low-maintenance, but setting up the enclosure, feeding, and avoiding handling are key points for younger keepers to understand.
Q: How long do tarantulas live?
A: It depends on the species and sex:
• Females can live 10–30+ years depending on the species.
• Males usually live 2–6 years, often dying shortly after maturity.
Females are the better long-term pet if you’re looking for longevity.
Q: What’s the difference between slings, juveniles, and adults?
A:
• Slings (spiderlings): Tiny, newly hatched tarantulas—often under 2cm and quite delicate.
• Juveniles: Growing but not yet mature—more robust and easier to care for.
• Adults: Sexually mature tarantulas, often with full coloration and slower growth.
Q: Do tarantulas have personalities?
A: While not like mammals, many keepers notice consistent behaviors! Some are bold and curious, while others are shy or defensive. Each tarantula has its own quirks, even within the same species.
Q: Do tarantulas make webs like spiders?
A: Not in the same way as web-spinning spiders. Tarantulas use silk to line their burrows, create molting mats, and anchor themselves while hunting or exploring. Arboreal and fossorial species often web heavily, especially as slings.
Q: What’s the difference between Old World and New World tarantulas?
A:
• New World (Americas): Tend to have urticating hairs for defense, and many are more docile.
• Old World (Africa, Asia, Europe): Usually faster, more defensive, and have no urticating hairs—relying more on speed and strong venom. They’re best suited to experienced keepers.
Q: Why did my tarantula web up its hide or food dish?
A: This is totally normal! Webbing helps them feel vibrations, secure their space, and create safe zones. Some species also seal themselves in when preparing to molt.
Q: How can I tell if my tarantula is healthy?
A: A healthy tarantula has a plump, rounded abdomen, clear eyes, and normal movement. It responds to touch (like a light puff of air) and doesn’t constantly climb walls or sit with legs curled underneath (a sign of distress).
Q: How can I tell if my tarantula is dead?
A: It can be hard to tell, especially if they’re molting or hiding, but here are some signs to look for:
• Death curl: The tarantula’s legs are tightly curled underneath its body, and it may be lying motionless on its front (not its back). This is the classic death posture.
• No movement: Gently touch a back leg with a soft brush or pipette. A living tarantula will usually flinch or react slightly.
• Dried out: A dead tarantula may appear stiff, shriveled, or dry—especially in the abdomen and legs.
• Unresponsive to humidity: If you increase humidity slightly and there’s no change or movement over 24+ hours, it’s more likely they’ve passed.
Important: Don’t panic if your tarantula is lying on its back—this is normal for molting. Never try to “flip it over” or disturb it unless you’re sure it’s not molting.