AboutJenna Expertise I am a pet store employee that cares for a variety of tarantulas. These include Zebras, Rose-Hair, Pink Toe and Cobalt. I am also knowledgeable in other types and can advise on care, housing, feeding, and behavior.
Experience 2 years of reptile care with research and hands on experience feeding, handling and housing 20 tarantulas.
Expert: Jenna Date: 5/6/2008 Subject: Chilean Rose Tarantula
Question QUESTION: I have a question about Chilean rose tarantulas
How many crickets do they eat a week? one a day? one every other day 3 a day what? my scorpion eats one or two every 2 -3 days and once a month a pinkie mouse, and my geckos eat 5 crickets each so its verys so how many will it eat and how often?
ANSWER: Hey Sam
It really depends on the tarantula to how often they want to eat. The rose's I've had in the past usually ate 1-4 every 6-7 days. Though there was one larger that would eat 3 at a time every 4 days or so. She was very active compared to most tarantulas I know though so that might be why.
I would start with 2 crickets every 3-4 days, and see how fast they get eaten. A lot of the time I will put 6 or so in the cage and let them eat when they want for the next week. Just make sure they aren't hiding so she can't get to them. :) Oh, and if you are dusting prior, keep in mind that a cricket can clean off that dust within 2 hours. So feed accordingly.
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QUESTION: yeah i buy a 100 crickets at a time and gut load them with fluckers high protien feed or w/e and fluckers cali water, then i dust them with calium powder every day sept every third day which is when i use a multi vitimen powder, and i use that for my Emperor Scorpion, and my Black Florida Bark scorpion, and my Two leopard Geckos, Doont worry i only feed the Scorpions every 2-4 days depending on how big the last meal was :D, well thank you for the info, and i hope my upcoming tarantula is a nice one :D, anything i should be wary of or watch for?
ANSWER: Yea I use the Fluker's feed and water as well. Nice and easy. :D
Rose tarantulas are definitely one of the easiest to get along with. I've only had one that threw a few hairs when I disturbed her too early in the morning. If you intend on handling her (Not everyone does) then always make sure she is compliant about it. ANY signs of them not wanting to should be a signal to wait until another day. :)
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QUESTION: i want the Chilean rose, BUT my girlfriend (ashley) and i were looking and we found a Mexican redknee, now i want the chilean but she thinks the redknee is pretty, how much do both of them cost generaly and how do you feel about the mexican red knee? and yeah if they dont wanna be held of any animal then just leave them the hell alone, learned that from my emperor, and yes i do plan on holding the tarantula, i cant hold my emperor often and i never hold my florida bark scorpion so yes i do plan on holding the tarantula, any special ways of picking them up?i have to erg my emperor onto a plate first cant just reach down there and pick him up xD
Answer The Red knee's are pretty to be sure. Rose's normally cost from 20-30 depending on where you go, and I'm not sure about the Red Knees. I know I don't keep them on hand due to pricer reptiles usually being bought from breeders.
If I remember correctly, the Red Knee was pretty good about handling. I think it gets a little bigger than a rose. I would suggest seeking out a breeder near you or a reptile show and talk to them about what they have available.
I usually use both hands to pick up, one hand slowly moving him onto my other hand. Using a plate like with your emperor might be a good idea until you get the hang of it. I like emperors, but the last one I tried to hold ended up in my armpit in front of 20 3rd graders who thought it was hilarious that I couldn't get him off. The parents were worried, but I carried on. He was quite comfy and didn't try to hurt me. I walked around for 20 minutes before my other specialist came back from lunch to help detach him. :)
