Keeper guide

Nhandu cerradensis Enclosure Security — Escape-Proofing a Nhandu cerradensis Setup

A secure enclosure for Brazilian Red Tarantulas needs more than a lid that appears closed. With Nhandu cerradensis, check door gaps, ventilation holes, loose panels and decor against the current size and behaviour of the spider.

Lids, doors and gaps

Make sure Nhandu cerradensis cannot lift a lid, push through a loose door or use a gap that was designed for a larger animal. Recheck security after every rehouse.

Small Brazilian Red Tarantulas can exploit openings an adult could never use. If the carapace could fit through a gap, treat it as a possible escape route.

Ventilation openings

Ventilation for Nhandu cerradensis should provide airflow without creating escape-sized holes or sharp edges. Mesh, drilled plastic and vents all need to remain firmly fixed.

Security and ventilation should work together in a Brazilian Red Tarantula enclosure; neither should be sacrificed to make the other easier.

Door position and routine access

Place the water dish and normal feeding area where the Nhandu cerradensis enclosure does not need to be opened farther than necessary.

Before opening a Brazilian Red Tarantula enclosure, locate the spider first. A spider behind cork, webbing or a burrow entrance can be much closer to the opening than it appears.

Stable decor

Keep heavy cork, rocks and other decor secure in the Nhandu cerradensis enclosure so digging cannot undermine them.

With Brazilian Red Tarantulas, normal burrowing or webbing should not be able to turn a secure enclosure into an unstable one.

Final check after maintenance

After feeding, watering or cleaning Nhandu cerradensis, confirm that every latch, lid and ventilation panel is fully closed before leaving the enclosure.

Make one final check around the Brazilian Red Tarantula enclosure for trapped substrate, tools or cables that could stop a door or lid sealing properly.