Monday, August 7, 2017

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Volunteer to Advance Your Career

Posted: 07 Aug 2017 05:00 PM PDT

Everyone could use a little career boost, and volunteering can help give you just that. If you're just starting out, volunteering can help you gain experience, but even if you're established in your career, volunteering can still benefit you. You can gain new skills that will help you advance your career. Start by finding the perfect place to volunteer.

EditSteps

EditFinding the Right Match

  1. Pick a cause you care about. Even if you're volunteering to enhance your career, you should still pick a place that supports a cause you're passionate about. You're much more likely to enjoy the work if you believe in what they're doing.
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    • For example, if you love pets, volunteer at a local shelter. If you're an avid reader, volunteer at your local library. Pick something you love and care about.
  2. Find time to visit the volunteer organization. Usually, the nonprofit will want to meet with you. Be serious, and treat it like an interview. It's also a great time to see the building and meet people. Ask for a tour while you're there, so you can see what goes on behind the scenes. You may find that you love it, or you might decide that it's not the right place for you.[1]

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  3. Choose an opportunity that matches your skill set. Anyone can hand out fliers or serve food, but only you have your specific skill set and experience. Try to find a place where you can put that to good use, as that will help you gain experience and grow your skill set.[2]

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    • For instance, if you are into graphic design, volunteer to help an organization redesign its website and informational materials.
  4. Pick a position that will grow skills beneficial to your career path. Even if you can't find a volunteer position that perfectly matches your career path, you can still pick something that will grow useful skills. For instance, if you're going into or already are in business, learning how to manage people is important. Pick a position that will enable you to eventually work on management skills.[3]
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  5. Narrow down your choices. If you don't know where to begin, think about causes you've supported in the past, and see if those organizations need help. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations. Another option is using a volunteer search engine that will match you with appropriate organizations in your area.[4]

    Choose a Recruitment Agency Step 21.jpg

EditGaining Experience and Skills

  1. Ask plenty of questions along the way. Actively gain knowledge from other people you're working with by asking questions and asking for help. Also, pay attention to what they're doing and how they're doing it, so you can do it yourself in the future.[5]
    Answer Interview Questions Step 12.jpg
    • If you're fresh out of school, you likely don't have the experience you need to get a job. Volunteering can be a great way to get that experience, as long as you pick something that helps grow similar skills.
  2. Take on projects slightly out of your comfort zone. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills. If you take on new projects, you can learn new things along the way. Once you've found an organization that can use your experience, plug in. The great thing about learning new skills is it can benefit you no matter what level you're at, whether you're just starting out in your career or are well established.[6]
    Help Save the Earth Step 4.jpg
  3. Network as you volunteer. Networking is just meeting people and connecting with them. So while you're volunteering, spend some time getting to know both the people you're working with and the people you're serving. You never know when a connection could lead to a job or a career advancement.[7]
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    • Develop connections as you make them. For instance, when you're getting to know someone, ask if they want to have a drink or get dinner sometime.

EditUsing What You've Learned

  1. Talk about volunteering around your boss and colleagues. If you've gained new skills through volunteering, don't hide them under a bushel. You don't have to brag about them, but you can bring them up in casual conversation with your boss. That way, they know what skills you are developing, and they may decide to put them to use.[8]
    Have a Good Job Interview Step 8 Version 3.jpg
    • For instance, if you worked on software for a nonprofit, you could talk about that when your boss asks what you did over the weekend.
    • Talking about your volunteering can also be helpful in a company that encourages giving back. By volunteering, you're showing that you care about what the company cares about, and your boss will likely see you as more of a team player.[9]
  2. Add your volunteering to your resume. Most hiring committees like to see volunteer experience on your resume, particularly if it's career relevant. If it is career relevant, add a description of what you did so potential employers have a good idea of how your knowledge and experience can benefit their company. Volunteering looks good both when you're starting out and when you're looking for a new position in the same field.[10]
    Write a Grant Proposal Step 16 Version 3.jpg
    • Even if you don't use exactly the same skill set, you can still highlight parts of your volunteer experience that will benefit you in a new position. For instance, maybe you had to manage people, which is almost always a useful skill to have.[11]
  3. Rely on your network. When you're looking for a job, don't be afraid to talk to the people you've built a network with. They may know of the perfect job for you, or they may even be willing to offer you a position themselves.[12]
    Write a Grant Proposal Step 21 Version 3.jpg
    • When contacting the person, always remind them of who you are at the beginning of the conversation. You could say, "Hi, Jerry Roberts here. We volunteer together at Helping Hands."
    • After chatting with the person, bring up what you need: "Well, I'm calling because I'm looking for a new job. Do you happen to know of any that would fit my skill set?"

EditTips

  • How much you volunteer is up to you. You don't have to volunteer every day or even every week.[13]

EditSources and Citations


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How to Work in the Alternative Energy Industry

Posted: 07 Aug 2017 09:00 AM PDT

For many people, changing the world is a dream. For the millions of workers in the field of alternative energy, it's a daily reality. Launching a career in clean energy is a rewarding way to build a healthier planet, and one that grows more important every year. After completing your primary education and developing a unique skillset, you can begin making inroads that will help you land a job where you can make a real difference.

EditSteps

EditGetting Your Education

  1. Identify your skills and interests. There are many different types of jobs in alternative energy, including positions in solar, wind and marine energy. To know which path would be the best fit for you, take into account what you most enjoy doing, along with your areas of expertise. You can then compare your skills to those that are in demand and think about where you might be able to fill a need.[1]
    Set Up Alternative Benefits Packages Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • A few of the various roles industry leaders are looking to fill include laboratory researchers, engineers, human resources liaisons and on-site technicians.[2]
    • You don't have to know much about alternative energy to break into the field. If you have an interest in chemistry or communications, for instance, you could use that interest to land a relevant position.
  2. Go to school for an applicable degree. Certain academic subjects can go a long way in preparing you for the demands of a job in alternative energy. Degrees in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are particularly valuable to employers, since they show that you already possess relevant skills and knowledge.[3]
    Catch up With School when You Have Took a Day Off Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • Look into schools offering programs that will translate directly into the career path you've chosen.[4]
  3. Channel your education into an industry role. Even non-science and technologies students may be able to find work in alternative energy as accountants, marketing directors or IT support staff. Though they're sometimes overlooked, these employees are indispensable when it comes to managing facilities and handling the business aspects of producing clean energy.[5]
    Become a Green Business Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • It can be a good idea to take a few science classes on the side so that you'll have the foundation you need to understand key concepts and terms.[6]
    • Almost any degree has the potential to be useful in alternative energy in some way or another.
  4. Obtain special certification. In addition to higher education, there are also training programs you can complete that will give you a leg up when first embarking on your career. The Renewable Energy Professional certification (REP) is one of many such courses that are designed to prepare you for the unique demands and challenges of the industry. With focused training and specialized certification, you'll go further, faster.[7]
    Become an Elementary School Teacher in Florida Step 2.jpg
    • To be eligible for programs like the REP, you'll typically need to have either a four-year university degree in a related field or two year technical degree, along with a predetermined amount of experience in the energy industry.
    • Other training programs and groups that may be worth looking into include the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), the Solar Professionals Certificate Program (SPCP) and any number of certifications from the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI).[8]
  5. Work on certified green projects. If you already work in a profession like construction or plumbing, you might be able to seek out projects that are carried out using specialized codes and procedures. With credentials like this under your belt, you'll stand out to employers and be much more likely to be selected to work on other green building projects in the future.[9]
    Become a Green Business Step 27.jpg
    • Public facilities, housing development projects and businesses that work closely with the federal government are often green certified.[10]

EditFinding Employment

  1. Apply to work for different companies. Research alternative energy opportunities in your area and submit your resume, along with other credentials like certifications or relevant volunteer work. Focus on companies offering positions you think you'd be a good fit for. You may have to build up your work experience in a related field before you can be considered for a position with a respected company.
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    • You'll have the most luck finding a job in places that rely heavily on renewable energy sources.
    • Be prepared to relocate to another city, state or district, if necessary. Though more and more jobs are created every day, the alternative energy is still an up-and-coming industry, which means you might not be able to find many openings on a local level.
  2. Look for opportunities with major corporations. Many established companies are going green by changing the way they operate. Corporate giants like Walmart, McDonald's and Coca-Cola are all switching to more efficient methods of production that focus on reusing materials, reducing waste and minimizing the harm being done to the environment. You may be able to get in on the ground floor of one of these companies.[11]
    Avoid Greenwashing Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • Review the career options listed on a company's website to see whether they have positions available in the energy sector.[12]
    • The competition to work for big, profitable companies like these is stiff. The more schooling, certifications and practical experience you have under your belt, the better your chances of standing out from other hopeful applicants will be.
  3. Sign on with a nonprofit organization. Smaller privately funded companies are also beginning to get in on the action. Nonprofit work is centered around benefiting the world's communities rather than competing in the marketplace. One of these startups may be a great place to apply your talents, especially if you're interested in the ecological or project management side of things.[13]
    Apply for Legal Funding Step 9.jpg
    • Along with more scientific duties, nonprofits make use of coordinators, grant writers and spokespeople to raise awareness about clean energy and make building projects safer and more sustainable.
    • Nonprofit organizations want employees who are passionate and driven. When interviewing for a position, take the time to explain how and why you want to make a difference.[14]
  4. Complete an internship. Another possible inroad to a career in green energy is through internships and apprenticeships. With an internship, you'll get the chance to learn more about one of the many types of jobs in the alternative energy sector while receiving valuable on-the-job training. You may even be offered a permanent position once your internship comes to an end.[15]
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    • If you live in the US, the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is a good place to start looking.[16]
    • National laboratories that specialize in clean energy research may also offer internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
  5. Look at postings on job sites. Browse job listings on websites like GreenBiz and Energy Jobs Portal and see if you meet the criteria outlined in each. Online job boards are a useful resource because they group together jobs from different sectors of the industry, like wind, solar and marine. This allows you to view and apply for them all from one convenient hub.[17]
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    • Openings are constantly being posted and filled, so be sure to check back frequently.

EditExcelling in Your Field

  1. Be willing to work hard. In order to succeed in the alternative energy industry, you'll need to have a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. Energy operations are often round-the-clock enterprises, which may require you to work long or irregular hours. Other aspects of the job will present challenges that will test your problem-solving abilities. Stay focused on your underlying goal of delivering safe, clean energy to the world.[18]
    Avoid Greenwashing Step 11.jpg
    • You may also be expected to learn new skills and procedures as industry standards continue to be updated.[19]
    • There is plenty of opportunity for advancement. Promotions are typically accompanied by higher salaries and more responsibilities.[20]
  2. Secure contract work. One of the best ways to gain crucial experience is by competing for high-profile government contracts. The federal government is on the frontline of renewable energy, and is always looking for capable workers who can meet their projects' rigorous standards. Doing a job will put you in the running for other important projects later on.[21]
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    • Before going out for a contract, you should have the expertise necessary to do a satisfactory job, and be able to articulate that expertise as part of your pitch.[22]
    • Because of the high-stakes nature of government contract work, it probably isn't the best way for those who are just learning to break into the field.
  3. Follow what's going on in the industry. Stay up to date on new developments, technologies and standards to make sure you're evolving with the fast-paced alternative energy sector. Reading the news and industry publications is a good way to find out more about advances in clean energy around the globe.
    Buy a Carbon Offset Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • Get involved in continuing education at the places where you received your degree or specialty certifications. Continuing education that will keep you at the forefront of the field you've chosen.
    • Attend conferences and seminars whenever possible. There, you'll have a chance to meet with key industry figures and learn more about major events and breakthroughs.[23]

EditTips

  • Visit government job fairs in your area to see what opportunities are available near you.
  • Many green energy companies are seeing a shortage of applicants skilled in science and mathematics, so becoming educated in these and other STEM subjects will be to your advantage.
  • If you're still in high school, you may be able to enroll in a junior apprenticeship and summer program that gives students a chance to lay the foundation for a career in alternative energy.
  • Begin familiarizing yourself with the kinds of terms commonly used in the industry. Upgrading your business vocabulary can give you a decisive edge once it comes time to ace an interview.

EditSources and Citations


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How to Care for a Tarantula

Posted: 07 Aug 2017 01:00 AM PDT

Tarantulas are hairy spiders that live for the night. With more than 800 species, you'll have a wide range of options when choosing a pet tarantula, from burrowing to tree-dwelling tarantulas! Once you get your tarantula home, you'll want to create a comfortable habitat with a stable temperature, high humidity and nice hiding places. You'll need to follow a feeding schedule, but tarantulas don't need the daily feeding that more conventional pets require.

EditSteps

EditCreating a Habitat

  1. Get a 10-gallon (37 litres) locking terrarium. Tarantulas are escape artists, so make sure the top of the terrarium locks tight! Although 10 gallons (37 liters) is the ideal size for keeping a single tarantula, you can get away with a 5-gallon (18 liter) tank.[1]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • Never keep two tarantulas in the same cage, because they are territorial cannibals. One of them will eat the other.[2]
  2. Adapt a small fish tank. Since fish tanks have feeding holes, you'll have to seal the holes in the top to prevent the tarantula from escaping. You can use aquarium silicon sealer to seal the feeding holes. Make sure you leave two small holes in the top for ventilation, which should be a maximum of 5/32'' (4 millimeters).[3]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • If you are worried about the tarantula escaping through the top of the tank, you can place a rock on the lid.
    • If you are housing tree-dwelling tarantulas, you'll want to place the tank vertically.
    • Any extra vertical room poses a threat to burrowing species because they are more susceptible to injuries from falling, unlike arboreal species.
  3. Spread a thin layer of substrate on the bottom of your tank. You'll need between 1 and 3 inches (2.54 and 7.62 centimeters) of sterilized bedding on the bottom of the terrarium. Although there are many suitable substrates, you could put down a 2 centimeter layer of vermiculite, and then add a thin layer of cocoa fiber.[4]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 3 Version 4.jpg
    • There are many substrates to choose from, such as coconut fiber, reptile bark, sphagnum moss, peat moss, sterilized potting soil, and vermiculite.
    • If you choose peat moss, you need to sterilize it. Put it in the microwave for ten minutes in order to kill parasitic mites.[5]
    • Since some species will dig into the substrate, you might need up to 5" (12.7 centimeters) of substrate.
  4. Make a broken pot shelter for a daytime hiding spot. Since tarantulas are nocturnal, you'll need to make a shelter for them to hide from the daylight and get some sleep! You can make a shelter by cutting a ceramic or plastic pot in half. Bury the broken pot in the sand to create a little hiding place. The entranceway should be just large enough for your tarantula to get inside and the interior should be nice and dark.[6]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 4 Version 3.jpg
    • A great hiding place is a hollowed log. Pick a hollowed log that is already dried out, since a wet log could lead to mold issues in the terrarium.[7]
    • You should avoid inserting any sharp objects into the terrarium, since your tarantula could injure itself.
  5. Add bamboo and silk plants for tree-dwelling tarantulas. In contrast to burrowing tarantulas, which like to hide out in the substrate, tree-dwelling tarantulas live in grasses and trees. You can recreate this habitat by adding bamboo, branches, and silk plants to the tank.[8] The tarantulas will make their webs in the branches.[9]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 5 Version 3.jpg
    • Tree-dwelling tarantulas have slightly longer legs, which include more surface area for climbing.
    • Ground dwelling species should be discouraged from climbing, since they could easily fall and injure themselves.
    • Remember, the more you put in, the more you will have to clean.
    • A piece of store bought driftwood might be appreciated.
  6. Place a water dish in the tank. You can use a recycled plastic container, a plastic plant container or a water dish from a pet store. Put the container on the bottom of the terrarium, and add a rock so that live prey can escape. Otherwise, the crickets you feed your tarantula could drown and foul the water.[10]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 6 Version 3.jpg
    • If you are adding a water dish for a tree-dwelling tarantula, you should place it about two thirds of the way up the side of the tank so that it is convenient for your tarantula. Put it close to the door of the terrarium, so you can fill it up. You can glue it to the side of the tank with an aquarium silicone sealant.[11]
  7. Monitor the temperature range. You can put a thermostat on the side of the tank to check the temperature. Since tarantulas normally live in a tropical or subtropical environment, you'll need to maintain a tank temperature of between 22 and 30 Celsius (71 and 86 Fahrenheit).[12]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 7 Version 3.jpg
    • Avoid placing your tank near a sunny window, since the tank could easily overheat.
    • If the tank is located in a centrally heated room that is within the ideal temperature range, you won't need to heat it.[13]
  8. Heat one half of the tank. If the tank falls below the ideal temperature range, you can use a hot rock or an electric heat-mat to heat it. In either case, you should only heat one half of the tank, so that your spider can self regulate its temperature by moving to the warm or cool side of the tank.
    Care for a Tarantula Step 8.jpg
    • You should avoid letting the tank temperature exceed 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit).
    • If you turn the heat off in the spring or autumn, you will need to use the heat mat during those months.
    • If you maintain a cooler temperature during the winter months, you should use a heat-mat.
  9. Use a plant mister to maintain a 50% humidity level in the tank. Use a plant mister to spray the tank and keep the humidity levels up. You can put a humidity gauge on the side of the tank. Check it regularly to make sure the humidity doesn't drop too far, which can be dangerous for tarantulas when they moult.[14]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 9.jpg
    • Check the contents of the tank to make sure there is no mold.

EditFeeding a Tarantula

  1. Serve live prey less than half the size of the tarantula. The mainstay of the tarantula diet is crickets, which you can purchase from a good pet store or online. You can also feed them mealworms, beetles, locusts, cockroaches, and earthworms. Whatever live prey you choose, it should be less than half the size of the tarantula you are feeding. Although live food is preferable, you can also serve dead food such as thawed baby mice or 1 centimeter (1/2'') pieces of raw beef.[15]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 10.jpg
    • Don't serve them prey items that are larger than the size of their abdomens.[16]
    • Tarantulas are opportunists, so they may be able to subdue small lizards, snakes, and mice.
    • Roaches have to be ordered online and a colony started to ensure a constant supply.
  2. Serve an appropriate number of prey per meal. The number of live prey you serve your tarantula will depend on the size of the prey. For instance, you could offer your tarantula a meal of two small insects or one larger insect, depending on your preference and the availability of feed. For younger tarantulas, you should just give them one prey at a time.[17] However, adult tarantulas can handle multiple prey at once, which they will attack one at a time and then ball up into a meal of food and silk called a bolus.[18]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 11.jpg
    • Since they are nocturnal animals, you'll want to feed them at night.[19]
  3. Feed young tarantulas more frequently. You should feed your tarantula a diet that is suited to their age. Very young tarantulas or "slings" require food every two or three days. Once the tarantula becomes a juvenile or reaches between 1.5 and 2 inches (25.4 and 76.2 millimeters), you can feed them one live insect, once or twice per week.
    Care for a Tarantula Step 12.jpg
  4. Feed adult tarantulas a diet that is suited to their species. Once they reach adulthood, tarantulas don't need the same number of meals as juveniles. However, since the size and number of meals varies a lot depending on the species, you should ask the pet store for species-specific feeding information.[20]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 13.jpg
    • Feed an adult Grammostola porterie or rosea tarantula four to five crickets per month.
    • Feed an adult Therophosa or Pamphobeteus tarantula four or five crickets twice per week.
    • Feed tropical tarantulas larger and more frequent meals, including Therophosa, Phormictopus, Pamphobeteus, Acanthoscurria, and Nhandu tarantulas.
    • Feed an adult Phamphobeteus five crickets and one cockroach per week.
  5. Don't feed a tarantula when it is molting. If your tarantula is lying on its back and looks comatose, it is probably molting. During the molting process, your tarantula regenerates internal organs and sheds its skin. At this time, you shouldn't give it any live prey, which could easily injure your tarantula.[21] Five days after molting, it is safe to feed them again.[22]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 14.jpg
    • Don't confuse molting with death. A dead tarantula will not lie on its back.
    • If your tarantula is very sick or dying, it will do a death curl. It will curl its legs underneath itself in an awkward position.[23]
  6. Remove food waste after your tarantula has eaten. Take out any remaining live prey after your tarantula has finished eating, since these prey could bother your tarantula when it is resting. You'll also want to remove any food waste, such as discarded bits of crickets in their water bowl.[24]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 15.jpg
  7. Offer fresh, chlorine-free water. Keep fresh water in the water bowl, which should be dechlorinated. You can give them bottled water or water that has been filtered to remove chlorine.[25]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 16.jpg

EditPlaying with Your Tarantula

  1. Watch your tarantula. Since you aren't advised to touch your tarantula, the best way to play with it is to watch it hang out in the terrarium. You'll get to see it dig into the substrate and, if it is a tree-dwelling species, climb up into the folliage. In addition, it is a lot of fun to see it kill and eat live prey![26]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 17.jpg
  2. Avoid handling your tarantula. Since a short fall can easily burst the tarantula's abdomen and lead to death, you should avoid taking them out of their terrariums. In addition, a tarantula bite can cause swelling and allergic reactions, which should be additional incentive not to handle them.[27]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 18.jpg
    • If you decide to handle your tarantula, you need to exercise extreme caution. Hold it on the palm of your hand and keep your hand at a very low height.[28]
  3. Recognize raised front legs and fangs as signs of aggression. Since a tarantula bite can cause swelling and allergic reactions, you should learn to recognize when they are about to bite. If you see them raise their front legs and show their fangs, you know they are getting ready to bite!
    Care for a Tarantula Step 19.jpg
    • A tarantula bite will cause swelling, redness, and mild pain.
    • If bitten by a tarantula, you may experience nausea and fever.
    • If you are bitten by your tarantula, you may want to seek medical attention.
  4. Don't disturb your tarantula during the molting period. In order to grow, tarantulas shed their exoskeleton in a process called molting. Younger tarantulas will molt about once per month, whereas adult tarantulas will molt every year or two. During this time, your tarantula is very vulnerable and should not be disturbed in any way.[29]
    Care for a Tarantula Step 20.jpg
    • For instance, don't alter the tank or feed it any live prey.
    • During molting, you will see your tarantula lying on its back.

EditTips

  • Tarantulas live up to twenty years, so you should only get a tarantula if you are ready for a long term commitment!
  • Clean the tank every four to six months.
  • Observe your tarantulas to see whether they prefer to eat one or multiple insects at once. If your tarantula looks overwhelmed by multiple insects, just give it one at a time.
  • If you prefer a more natural look, put lots of silk plants and bamboo in the tank.
  • You don't need auxiliary lighting. All arachnids shy away from light. They are nocturnal hunters and prefer to hunt after dark. Lights only produce stress for your pet and can make them skittish. A happy spider is an unseen spider.
  • Remember that common sense is all that is needed to provide a safe, interesting, and educational experience with tarantulas.
  • Start with one of the generally accepted starter species:
    • Grammostola rosea
    • Grammostola aureostriata
    • Eupalaestrus campestratus
    • Brachypelma smithi
    • Brachypelma emilia
    • Aphonopelma chalcodes
    • Avicularia avicularia
    • Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens
    • Brachypelma albopilosum
    • Grammostola pulchra
  • Try to find a dealer that is familiar with tarantulas or, better still, a specialist reptile and arachnid store. They can give you a lot of information about care and what to expect with your new pet.
  • Make sure you know the scientific name for the species of tarantula you buy. It's much easier to find information by the scientific name than it is by the common name.
  • It is not necessary to purchase a large quantity of crickets from your favorite pet store.
  • Six crickets a month is generally fine for an average size tarantula.
  • Overfeeding can lead to problems and is not necessary for a healthy pet.
  • Gain basic husbandry experience before moving up to more demanding species, including those that are fast or more defensive.
  • This article should only be used provide direction and give understanding about the needs of a Tarantula. Every species has its own needs and will require additional research. Use the internet, local library, or a reputable pet shop that sells tarantulas to find out what is best for your particular species.
  • Some tarantula species are known for their aggression.
  • Join a tarantula forum. There are many family friendly arachnid forums which you can join.

EditWarnings

  • Most people have an instinctive fear of tarantulas and you should never use a tarantula to intimidate or scare anyone. This can be extremely stressful to a person and could result in the tarantula being injured.
  • Tarantulas will bite if provoked. They are wild animals that need special care and attention. They're not recommended for children under 16.
  • All spiders and tarantulas are venomous and all will bite if provoked. Remember, a tarantula is a wild creature and relies on millions of years of evolutionary instinct. They cannot be 'tamed' like a dog or cat.
  • No species of tarantulas can be handled 100% safely and holding a tarantula is certainly not recommended by any expert. Tarantulas are extremely delicate and can be very unpredictable, as they rely on a base instinct developed over millions of years. A drop can rupture the abdomen and your tarantula will suffer a slow, painful death.
  • Don't overfeed your tarantula. Most tarantulas can live on 5-6 crickets a month. Some tarantulas can go a few months without feeding. If you are concerned, a good dealer or knowledgeable keeper will advise you but remember, they will always need water. Overfeeding will cause the tarantula's abdomen to blow up like a balloon, and this could cause it to rupture.
  • Most tarantulas' venom is comparable to the sting of a common honey bee. Some tarantulas venom could cause a very, very severe reaction. You should research your individual species and avoid contact with your tarantula accordingly. The safest thing is to never handle your tarantula.
  • Never touch your eyes after interacting or feeding a tarantula. There is a possibility you will get urticating hairs in your eyes. If this happens, you should go to the hospital right away.
  • Some tarantulas flick their hairs (they are called "urticating" hairs), which are extremely painful and dangerous if they get into your eyes or nasal passage and could require hospital treatment. These hairs will also cause irritation to the skin. Not all species have these hairs. Make sure you research your tarantula and know if this should be a concern. After putting your hands inside the tank, for any reason, you should immediately wash your hands before doing anything else.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Terrarium
  • Ceramic or plastic plant pot
  • Water bowl
  • Crickets
  • Live feed
  • Vermiculite
  • Coconut fibre
  • Bamboo
  • Silk plants
  • Branches
  • Thawed dead mice
  • Tarantula or Spiderling (Baby Tarantula)
  • Critter keeper or aquarium that has a tight fitting lid. (the lid should be sufficiently heavy enough to stop a tarantula lifting it, as they are stronger than they look)
  • Substrate (dirt) that is pesticide and fertilizer free (ground coconut fiber works well)
  • Heat Source (i.e., reptile heat pad), Heat lights are NOT recommended as these do not provide the correct "type" of heat and can cause dangerous burning for the tarantula)
  • Temperature and humidity gauge
  • Small water dish about 2" works well filled with gravel or a couple of small, cleaned stones to prevent crickets from drowning.

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