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The Tarantula Keeper's Guide
Here is the definitive word on tarantulas for collectors of exotic pets, and for life science students specializing in arachnids (spiders and their relatives). The book opens with a detailed description of the tarantula's origins, anatomy, and physiology. Comprehensive information on care, housing, and feeding is provided for all who want to keep one or more tarantulas as pets or for scientific research. And for those who prefer to do it themselves, there is even advice on where and how to capture a tarantula in the wild! Extensive tables classify tarantulas according to classes, orders, families, and subfamilies. Still another table outlines measures one should take in the event of a tarantula bite--though in many cases a bite is little more than a passing annoyance. Dozens of color photos and scientifically accurate drawings illustrate virtually everything the reader needs to know about these exotic creatures.
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 1985
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 21, 2009
The revised TKG is the new standard reference for tarantula care (though in reality the only thing even close is the first edition of the same). It's highly informative and as balanced as a reference text for such a young hobby can be. Readers are given a nice overview of the pertinent facts, references to potential diversions in opinion, and are then encouraged continually to seek further info and make their own informed decisions.
The reason this book didn't get five stars is that it's advertised as a hobbyist reference but written like a college textbook. It's unnecessarily verbose and while the "begin at the beginning" approach is great for a survey of everything tarantula, it is likely to lose a LOT of less tenacious readers before they ever get to the parts that can potentially improve the lives of their pets. For all that I find the subject fascinating this book was nearly as good a sleeping-aid as some masters level psych texts I've read.
Finally, this may be a really bizarre complaint but the high gloss pages made the already difficult to follow text actually *physically* difficult to read as well. While the material quality is appreciated (especially at the comparatively low price) it was deeply annoying to have to change the angle of the book to read through one page.
As much as I may want every new (and experienced!) tarantula keeper to read this book, it's pretty hard to justify recommending something this dense to a sixteen year old just getting into the hobby or a stubborn person who is only half taking care of their pets in the first place.
The reason this book didn't get five stars is that it's advertised as a hobbyist reference but written like a college textbook. It's unnecessarily verbose and while the "begin at the beginning" approach is great for a survey of everything tarantula, it is likely to lose a LOT of less tenacious readers before they ever get to the parts that can potentially improve the lives of their pets. For all that I find the subject fascinating this book was nearly as good a sleeping-aid as some masters level psych texts I've read.
Finally, this may be a really bizarre complaint but the high gloss pages made the already difficult to follow text actually *physically* difficult to read as well. While the material quality is appreciated (especially at the comparatively low price) it was deeply annoying to have to change the angle of the book to read through one page.
As much as I may want every new (and experienced!) tarantula keeper to read this book, it's pretty hard to justify recommending something this dense to a sixteen year old just getting into the hobby or a stubborn person who is only half taking care of their pets in the first place.
March 26, 2015
This is a very well written book. Both authors know what they are talking about. Stan is continuing his work with tarantula's. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to collect and learn about tarantula's.
This is an ongoing read, as such I will never really be done with it.
This is an ongoing read, as such I will never really be done with it.
July 11, 2018
This book is a godsend for anyone keeping Ts. It's wildly informative- and it recieves something few other texts do. It's got aftermarket errata and corrections up on the author's website for information the hobby has learned since the edition was published. This is vital to a hobby as young and fast paced as tarantula keeping.
The text was incredibly engaging for an informative resource. I've seen some review cite that the text is dry and academic, but as someone who had to read some incredibly dry historical accounts in order to graduate with my bachelors, this could not be further from the truth. If you think presenting a largely impartial, factual-yet-funny guideline is too academic to slog through, this may not be the book for you.
However, I think if you don't read it, you will regret it and certainty jeopardize the life of your tarantula.
The text was incredibly engaging for an informative resource. I've seen some review cite that the text is dry and academic, but as someone who had to read some incredibly dry historical accounts in order to graduate with my bachelors, this could not be further from the truth. If you think presenting a largely impartial, factual-yet-funny guideline is too academic to slog through, this may not be the book for you.
However, I think if you don't read it, you will regret it and certainty jeopardize the life of your tarantula.
September 20, 2018
this book helps me immensely in caring for my tarantulas. whenever I am uncertain about something I consult this book. A absolute must have for new tarantula keepers. It is filled to the brim with information on tarantulas natural behavior care tips basic care and more!
July 21, 2020
The best authority on the topic I have found. With all the misinformation on the keeping of tarantulas being disseminated, it is essential to have an expert to consult. I highly recommend!
May 17, 2024
I would recommend this book to anyone.
March 2, 2026
My library only had the 2nd edition, but it was still extremely helpful and educational!
May 6, 2010
An essential reference guide for the tarantula hobbyist. I've researched a lot of information about tarantula pet care online, but this book has so much more to offer. It contains a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know to care for your tarantula and even offers a crash course on the zoology of these amazing spiders. It can be a little overwhelming for those not scientifically inclined, but this is what makes this book so fascinating as well as informative. I highly recommend this guide to anyone wanting to learn more about these beautiful creatures and for those interested in having these lovable furry spiders as pets.
January 8, 2008
This is the best book I've encountered on the subject of tarantula husbandry. Anyone interested in the subject of keeping tarantulas as pets should own a copy of this book.
June 7, 2009
Love this book!
May 4, 2012
Excellent guide & fascinating information. I can't imagine jumping into the hobby of tarantula keeping without this book. I must buy a copy.
February 25, 2013
The book you need if you are going to keep tarantulas as a hobby.
June 29, 2014
Informative and thorough without being unwieldy. A great guide.
August 21, 2015
A book overflowing with scientific knowledge and first hand experience. This book satisfied the knowledge I craved as I started my tarantula keeping journey. A MUST READ for any new tarantula keeper!
July 5, 2017
I've seen some people call this the "Bible of Tarantula care", and they're not wrong. This covers everything you need to know & more. It has some great photos and the somewhat humorous writing style makes it an oddly enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews