Exotics Enthusiast Darren Partridge on Beginner-Friendly Pet Tarantulas
November 22, 2025
Tarantulas might seem intimidating at first glance, but for many exotic pet enthusiasts in the UK, they’re gentle, fascinating creatures that make surprisingly low-maintenance pets. If you’re curious about keeping a spider but want to avoid anything venomous or high-risk, there are several tarantula species that are legal to own without a Dangerous Wild Animals licence and are ideal for beginners.
Below, our exotic pet enthusiast Darren Partridge shares some great advice on species to consider and basic care tips.
Adding a tarantula to your family home? Don’t forget to register your pet with our veterinary practice in East Molesey and book an appointment for a check-up.
Popular beginner tarantulas
Three species stand out for their calm temperaments and ease of care:
Chilean Rose Hair (Grammostola rosea)
- Hardy and slow-moving, this species is known for its docile nature and tolerance of handling.
Mexican Redknee (Brachypelma hamorii)
- Famous for its striking orange and black colouring, it’s gentle and rarely aggressive.
Honduran Curly Hair (Tliltocatl albopilosus)
- Fluffy and laid-back, this tarantula is a favourite among first-time keepers. While technically venomous, these species pose little to no threat to humans. Their bites are rare and typically no worse than a bee sting. However, our exotic pet enthusiast Darren explains that they do possess urticating hairs, which can irritate skin and eyes if flicked defensively.
Legal status in the UK
Darren confirms that under UK law, these tarantulas are not classified as dangerous and do not require a licence to keep. That said, it’s always wise to check with your local council for any specific restrictions or guidance.
Basic care tips
Enclosure
- A secure, well-ventilated tank (around 30x30x30 cm) with a deep substrate (e.g. coconut fibre) for burrowing.
Humidity & Temperature
- Chilean Rose Hair: 60–70%
- Mexican Redknee: 65–75%
- Curly Hair: 70–80% Keep temperatures between 22–26°C.
Feeding
- Offer live insects (crickets, mealworms, roaches) weekly.
- Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.
Water
- Provide a shallow dish with fresh water and keep it clean.
Handling Tips
Tarantulas should be handled minimally to avoid stress. Gently coax them onto your hand using a soft tool and always handle close to a soft surface. Our exotic pet enthusiast Darren warns to avoid sudden movements and never touch their abdomen or legs directly.
Remember to register your new pet spider with our veterinary team in East Molesey and call us on 0208 979 1384 to schedule a health check.
