DIY Tarantula hides?

SilverSpinn

Arachnopeon
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Jun 5, 2024
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I'm getting my first T in a day or 2 (a T.albo, to be exact), and am struggling to find a good hide for it. Any pet stores nearby have absolutely nothing and so I'm considering DIYing a hide. Any ideas on how someone might go about doing this?
 

TheraMygale

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So no cork bark? No dry sphagnum moss?
How big will your tarantula be? If you do a bit of research on wood and plants, you will find a few varieties that are non toxic. Avoid conifers to be safe. Online stores also sell dried leaves (overpriced).
i am a horticulturiste so i know what plants I can harvest. So far, dried leaves and cork bark have done the job. Dries vines, paper bark peices I have previously dried.

even used plastic containers, like yogurt pots, can make a good hide when angled well with the substrate. Stores like Michaels sell fake plastic plants. They always have 30-60% coupon/sales.

i dont know where you live, but some online stores do provide nice things if you dont mind paying for it. You cant go wrong with cork bark.

the tarantula will do the decorating in the end, dont even bother making it look “perfect”. Do not overthink it. The tarantula wants a dark quiet safe place. It will not see the beauty you seek in the overall decor.

If you can have more then one hide, that is even better.
 
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kingshockey

Arachnoangel
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depending on size of the t you have lots of options a tiny sling just buy a plastic plant with large leaves trim it down to size and your good inch or more just buy a clay pot from a garden store bust it up into the size you need smooth out the sharp edges. its a t albo(they like to dig) so to steal cold bloods words that hide is gonna be more iike just a door way of its burrow its not gonna hunker down. under its hide its going to use that as a starting point to dig down to make some tunnels
 

TheraMygale

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depending on size of the t you have lots of options a tiny sling just buy a plastic plant with large leaves trim it down to size and your good inch or more just buy a clay pot from a garden store bust it up into the size you need smooth out the sharp edges. its a t albo(they like to dig) so to steal cold bloods words that hide is gonna be more iike just a door way of its burrow its not gonna hunker down. under its hide its going to use that as a starting point to dig down to make some tunnels
that is excellent advice. I should have added that! You are providing a “door way”. Whatever hide you offer, some sort of burrow or tunnel will follow. They might not even use it. I put grooves/starter burrows in more then one corner for all my slings. Look at natural habitat photos of where you tarantula lives to get inspiration.
 

fcat

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With Tliltocatl I recommend something lightweight, and sanded smooth. It's going to end up in the bottom of the enclosure

Save room for some water dishes, one is going to get buried and it's usually easier to add/fight with another until it's time for a rehouse

Oh and save room for dirt it moves around
 

kingshockey

Arachnoangel
Active Member
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Sep 4, 2017
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952
that is excellent advice. I should have added that! You are providing a “door way”. Whatever hide you offer, some sort of burrow or tunnel will follow. They might not even use it. I put grooves/starter burrows in more then one corner for all my slings. Look at natural habitat photos of where you tarantula lives to get inspiration.
cant claim credit for the words door way those are cold bloods words
 

TheraMygale

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With Tliltocatl I recommend something lightweight, and sanded smooth. It's going to end up in the bottom of the enclosure

Save room for some water dishes, one is going to get buried and it's usually easier to add/fight with another until it's time for a rehouse

Oh and save room for dirt it moves around
indeed, the water dish saga. I observe where my tarantula dumps it dirts, and if possible, put the water dish someplace else.

to the original poster, the size of your tarantula will dictate what possibilities you have. If you can avoid putting the water dish infront of the “hide”, the better.
 

Hardus nameous

Yes, but only on Tuesdays!
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I've cut hides from plastic cups and pipes and they worked just fine.
 

TalyonUngol

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Feb 21, 2024
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I work construction so I asked a plumber for some of their pvc. I got a 3 foot long stick of five inch PVC that I'll cut in half length wise to use as a starter. The Ts can reshape it underneath ad they desire. I'll just predict a certain size hole to get them started.

Just got the pvc tonight and I'll be setting up the new enclosures this weekend since my 7 new tarantulas arrive Wednesday((the 19th)).

Just recommend you clean it and sand down the edges so it's safe.
 

SilverSpinn

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jun 5, 2024
Messages
3
So no cork bark? No dry sphagnum moss?
How big will your tarantula be? If you do a bit of research on wood and plants, you will find a few varieties that are non toxic. Avoid conifers to be safe. Online stores also sell dried leaves (overpriced).
i am a horticulturiste so i know what plants I can harvest. So far, dried leaves and cork bark have done the job. Dries vines, paper bark peices I have previously dried.

even used plastic containers, like yogurt pots, can make a good hide when angled well with the substrate. Stores like Michaels sell fake plastic plants. They always have 30-60% coupon/sales.

i dont know where you live, but some online stores do provide nice things if you dont mind paying for it. You cant go wrong with cork bark.

the tarantula will do the decorating in the end, dont even bother making it look “perfect”. Do not overthink it. The tarantula wants a dark quiet safe place. It will not see the beauty you seek in the overall decor.

If you can have more then one hide, that is even better.
No cork, but we do have dry sphagnum moss. I'll try using plastic containers and/or plastic plants. Thanks!
 
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