Unlike other spiders, tarantulas do not use webs to catch their prey. They prefer to live in burrows and lie in wait for their prey. To allow them to express this natural behavior, you need to provide them with the best substrate for burrowing tarantula.
There are several substrates that have been used by tarantula keepers. Here we have reviewed the top 3 substrates that can be used for burrowing tarantulas. Read on to find out more.
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Summary table of best substrate for burrowing tarantula
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*The ratings are based on amazon a the time of publication and are subject to change
Best substrate for burrowing tarantula
Zoo med ECO earth Loose coconut fiber substrate
The Zoo Med Eco Earth loose coconut fiber is one of the many coco coir substrates available in the market.
This substrate is ideal for all types of pets including amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and insects including tarantulas. It is designed for pets that require specific humidity levels in their environments.
I recommend this substrate for burrowing tarantulas for a number of reasons.
1. ECO friendly material
The Zoo Med coco coir is made from Eco-friendly renewable resources. As such, it is safe for your tarantula.
This substrate is made from the husks of coconut. These are compounded then packaged either as blocks or loose coco coir.
2. Highly absorbent
This coco coir is soft and absorbs moisture easily. It is therefore suitable for burrowing pets who require high moisture substrates. As such, this substrate is favorable for burrowing tarantulas.
Additionally, this substrate naturally absorbs and breaks down odor leaving behind an earthy smell.
3. Ideal texture for burrowing
This substrate is very light and soft. It is therefore gentle on your burrowing tarantula’s delicate body.
Additionally, burrowing tarantulas can easily dig on this substrate to make their burrows.
Lastly, the burrows do not easily collapse.
4. Easy to use and maintain
The Eco earth coconut fiber substrate is easy to maintain and replace. You can spot clean as needed. It is recommended to replace this substrate entirely at-least once every 6 months.
Additionally, you can use it solely or mix it with other substrates. Mix with substrates such as sand, topsoil or vermiculite to achieve your desired consistency.
Key features
- Made from Eco-friendly renewable resources hence safe for tarantulas
- Naturally absorbs and breaks down odor and waste products
- Soft and water absorbent
- Expandable
- Recyclable and compostable
Pros
- Excellent for pets requiring high humidity
- Excellent for burrowing species
- Readily absorbs water
- Seems resistant to mold
- Absorbs and breaks down odor
- Easy to maintain and replace
Cons
- Can be messy
- Bricks take long to absorb water during re-hydration
- Re-hydrated substrate requires drying before being used which can take a while.
- Becomes fluffy when dry and difficult for burrowing species to make their homes
- Dries out quickly
Dig-It by Joshs Frog
This premium reptile substrate is specifically designed for burrowing animals. It has several characteristics that make it suitable for burrowing tarantulas.
1. Safe material
Dig-It by Joshs Frog is made from a mixture of peat moss and vermiculite. Both have been used as tarantula substrate for a long time. As such, this substrate is safe for use on burrowing tarantulas.
2. Extra soft consistency
Dig-It substrate comes with an extra soft consistency that makes it suitable for use on animals with a delicate body.
Furthermore, this substrate is softer than coco coir. As such, it reduces the chances of getting splinters stuck on your tarantula’s delicate body.
3. Highly absorbent
Dig-It substrate easily absorbs and retains moisture.
You can use this substrate for different climates. First, it absorbs and retains moisture for tropical climates.
Secondly. this substrate can be used on the dry side for arid species.
Lastly, it is easy to moisten this substrate. Moisten by misting with a spray water bottle.
4. Ideal for burrowing
This substrate is perfect for burrowing. It comes in a soft consistency that makes it easy for your burrowing tarantula to dig in and form burrows.
Furthermore, the burrows do not easily collapse. As such, Dig-It substrate is ideal for burrowing species of tarantulas.
5. Easy to use and clean
Dig-It by Joshs Frog is a substrate that is easy to use and maintain. To clean, scoop out the spots that are dirty.
Key features
- Made from a mixture of peat moss and vermiculite
- Has a extra soft consistency
- Easily absorbs and retains moisture
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Ideal for burrowing
- Readily absorbs moisture
Cons
- Costly
- Requires regular misting
- Has a swampy smell
Insect and Arachnid Habitat Substrate by Critters comfort
Critters comfort substrate is an all natural coconut fiber substrate. It is a top pick when it comes to providing your tarantula with a substrate that allows them to exhibit their natural behavior. I recommend this substrate for a number of reasons.
1. Made from all natural materials
This Insect and arachnid substrate is made from all natural coconut fiber that is grounded and packaged as a substrate. In addition, this all natural substrate resists fungal and mold growth.
Lastly, this substrate contains no odors, chemicals or fertilizers. It is therefore safe for use on burrowing tarantulas or any captive invertebrate.
2. Soft consistency
This product comes in a very soft and light consistency. As such, this substrate is gentle on the delicate bodies of burrowing tarantulas.
3. Holds moisture
This Critter Comfort substrate easily absorbs and holds moisture. Unlike other coconut substrates, it has a fine texture that allows water to gradient easily throughout the substrate. It therefore absorbs moisture through the depth of the substrate.
Additionally, it is easy to re-hydrate this substrate. You can easily do this by misting with a spray water bottle.
4. Great for burrowing
The Insect and Arachnid habitat substrate by Critters Comfort has a natural ability to hold structure. Additionally, it has a fine consistency such that burrowing tarantulas can easily dig on it and form burrows.
The burrows do not collapse easily. As such, burrowing species can easily tunnel and move through this substrate. It is therefore a great substrate for burrowing species of tarantulas.
Key features
- Made from all natural coconut fiber
- Has a fine texture
- Absorbs and holds moisture
- Resistant to mold and fungal growth
Pros
- Great for burrowing
- Holds moisture
- Easy to use and clean
- Soft and light
Cons
- Needs daily spraying to maintain moisture
Conclusion
Tarantulas have soft delicate bodies. They therefore need to be handled gently. Tarantulas can generally be classified into burrowing tarantulas and arboreal tarantulas. They have different needs when it comes to tarantula substrate. Burrowing tarantulas need a substrate that easily absorbs and maintains moisture. A substrate that is easy to dig in and make burrows.
Substrates such as the Eco Earth loose coconut fiber, Dig-It by Joshs Frog and Insect and Archnid Habitat by Critters Comfort are great for burrowing tarantulas. These substrates come in a fine soft texture. As such, burrowing tarantulas can easily dig in them and make their burrows. Additionally, the fine texture ensures that they are gentle on the tarantula’s delicate body.
Tell us in the comment section below what you are using for your tarantula.
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