How Often Should You Feed a Tarantula?
Feeding frequency depends on the tarantula’s size, age, and metabolism. There is no single universal schedule—but there are reliable guidelines.
Feeding Frequency by Life Stage
Slings (Baby Tarantulas)
- Feed every 2–4 days
- Small prey items (pinhead crickets, fruit flies)
✔ Rapid growth stage
Juveniles
- Feed every 5–7 days
- Slightly larger prey
✔ Balanced growth phase
Adults
- Feed every 7–14 days
- Larger prey items
✔ Maintenance feeding
How Much Should You Feed?
General rule:
👉 Prey size should be equal to or smaller than the tarantula’s body
Avoid:
- Overly large prey
- Leaving live prey in enclosure during premolt
Signs Your Tarantula Is Hungry
- Active hunting behavior
- Quick feeding response
- Leaving burrow to explore
Signs of Overfeeding
- Large, swollen abdomen
- Reduced activity
- Increased risk of rupture if falling
What Happens If You Don’t Feed Them?
Tarantulas can go:
👉 Weeks to months without food
Especially:
- During premolt
- After molting
- In cooler conditions
Feeding and Molting
Never feed a tarantula that is:
- In premolt
- Recently molted
Wait until fangs harden before offering food.
Best Feeder Insects
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Mealworms (occasionally)
Final Thoughts
Consistency matters more than frequency.
👉 A properly fed tarantula will:
✔ Grow steadily
✔ Maintain healthy body condition
✔ Live longer
