Can tarantulas drink something other than water?

aenigmatica8

Arachnopeon
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Jun 28, 2011
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44
This may sound odd, but I've ALWAYS had the urge to give my tarantulas juice, or milk or something other than just plain water. It just seems like they might want some added nutrients lol. Are there any specific vitamin/nourishment needs for tarantulas? Have you ever heard of giving them another liquid?

P.S.: No, I would never do it unless I know it's good for them!
 

Shell

ArachnoVixen AKA Dream Crusher AKA Heartbreaker
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Sep 14, 2009
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Juice and milk is not healthy for other pets, so no it's not something I would ever give my tarantulas.

I have never heard of anyone giving their spiders anything other than water, and any specific nutrient requirements would be met with the food they are eating. Calcium is typically frowned upon for tarantulas, so milk would really be out, and juice, well it's not really the healthiest thing to begin with, and those are just some of the reasons I wouldn't do it.

Definitely not needed and never something I would even consider.
 

Verneph

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Jun 16, 2011
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Of course they can! My G. rosea sips some warm milk every morning and my P. irminia drinks her coffee black! *smacked*

Okay, seriously, basically what Shell said. I can't imagine a T would even go for a drink that wasn't water, and even if they did it would probably do more harm than good.

On top of that, leaving out juice or milk leads to the issue of the liquids spoiling. Water can sit around for a while and remain safe to consume. Juice will go bad quickly, and milk will start to sour (and smell) even faster.

So yea, basically don't even try it. The best way to get additional vitamins into your T is to gutload whatever you feed them. Try giving your feeders some fruit or tropical fish food before you feed them to your T's.
 

BrettG

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Aug 19, 2009
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Nothing but Beer for our T's. They get wings on the weekend if they are good....Just noticed the ultra sweet edit when you mention a brand,LOL.....
 

ijmccollum

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Feb 7, 2011
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Do they get the bleu cheese dip too? Just please don't tell me you give them the ranch.:laugh:
 

MB623

Arachnoknight
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Jul 3, 2011
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192
Stick with water

Gatorade has essential electrolytes that tarantulas need.:laugh:
 

jam5906

Arachnopeon
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Sep 22, 2011
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20
a bit of Miller Light will slow Poecilotheria's down to a manageable speed... NO I'd stick with water
 

Shrike

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To answer your question, no, the only exception being my GBB. He likes to tip back a 40 every once in a while.
 

Hellion299

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Nov 30, 2008
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It's Friday, so my Ts are sending me to the liquor store now to get Jagermeister.
 

kylestl

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Old Timer
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Jun 23, 2010
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I love how everyone continues to add on lame jokes that all sound the same. To the OP, let them have their fun, they think they are funny ;) Stick to water. The stuff that is added to milk and juice alone is enough for me not to give it too them.
 

BillMNJ

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Aug 30, 2011
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75
So much for a sense of humor... I on the other hand think that is what makes this board special.

I'm sure I speak for all (I hope) in saying that no offense to the OP is intended.

Actually, If any of you have had kids, I was thinking of PediaLyte which is a mineral and electrolyte supplement for infants that are dehydtrated and you can get in any Shoprite. It looks/tastes just like water, more or less and I can't imagine it would be harmful.

So, a valid response to the OP. We're just kidding with ya bud.

Opinion's?
 
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jam5906

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 22, 2011
Messages
20
well if we are being serious now what about just a bit of sugar water? I have never done it but i can't imagine it to be all that bad, maybe to give a boost after a long shipping journey. As for electrolytes (salt basically), at least in humans, can cause dehydration unless you are very active, when you sweat you lose water and salt, electrolytes replace the salt and keep us at the right level, and gives a boost of carbs (sugar)... spiders don't sweat so adding any salt could be bad but the carbs may be helpful... I don't know just thinking about this it is a fun one!!!
 

BrettG

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Personally,water is just the best option. I have never seen a bottle of PediaLyte or Gatoraide in the jungle/desert.Just give them what nature provides and they will be fine :)
 

paassatt

Arachnoangel
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Nov 19, 2010
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887
Personally,water is just the best option. I have never seen a bottle of PediaLyte or Gatoraide in the jungle/desert.Just give them what nature provides and they will be fine :)
Agreed. Nature wins. Water is provided by rain, rivers, lakes, et cetera and that means water is the way to go.
 

MrJohn

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jan 19, 2011
Messages
28
I give my OBTs a mix of Kettle One and sweet vermouth. I put two crickets and a roach on a toothpick, instead of two olives and an onion. The only down side is they web the hell out of all my nice martini glasses. Cheers!
 
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