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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sabeth" data-source="post: 22212" data-attributes="member: 545">Spiderlings do require a bit more care than a juvie or adult but they are not difficult. The biggest difference is that babies require a very high humidity since their exoskeletons are not yet impervious to water loss. Until they reach about 2 inches (or about one-fourth to one-third full grown), they need damp substrate. It should not be so wet that water can be squeezed out of it, though. At this small size they will get all the moisture they need from the dampness and also from their food, so they don't need a water dish. The only issue with constantly wet sub is that you have to be on the lookout for mold growth. Avoid it by promptly removing food remains, and you might also aerate (stir up and tamp down again) the sub from time to time. You will likely need to remove the sling for this maintenance. Housing a spiderling is very simple...I use peanut butter jars for mine. Just melt or drill some holes near the top. Do make absolutely certain that the sling can't fit through them! I lost a sling this way and never found it. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite3" alt=":(" title="Frown    :(" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":(" /> The sling should have space to crawl around but don't go too big. Babies do not need hides or decorations; in such a small set up, these aren't practical. They will dig a burrow if they want to hide. If you cannot get pinheads, another option is to kill a larger cricket so the baby doesn't need to worry about overpowering it. I shake mine around in a jar to daze them and then crush the head with tweezers. Place the killed cricket close to the sling and he will eat it if he's hungry. You can also feed tiny cockroaches and flightless fruit flies, if these are available to you. Juveniles and adults both share the same housing requirements: Dry sub (unless it is a swamp-dwelling species), and the cage's width should be about twice the T's leg span and the length about twice the width. Height should not exceed twice the leg span as a fall can cause injury or worse. Supply a water dish with a rock in it (so the crickets can climb out). Most Ts will also appreciate a hiding place. I have not had any personal experience with Chacos but from what I have heard and read they are among the most docile tarantulas and do make an excellent beginner species. You might check jamiestarantulas.com...I do not know if this breeder has any Chacos currently but I have seen them there before. Good luck!</blockquote>

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