Keeper guide

Burgundy Goliath Birdeater Temperature Guide — Theraphosa stirmi

A practical temperature range for Theraphosa stirmi, commonly known as the Burgundy Goliath Birdeater, is 22–26°C. Stable room conditions matter more than chasing tiny changes on the thermometer.

At a glance

Quick facts

World
New World
Origin
Guyana and northern South America
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
UK hobby rarity
Uncommon
Maximum size
About 25–28 cm (10–11 in)
Growth rate
Fast
Male lifespan
Roughly 3–5 years
Female lifespan
Often 12–18 years
Temperament
Large and defensive when disturbed; urticating hairs can be severe irritants
Venom
Venomous, but urticating hairs and the mechanical effect of large fangs are major keeper concerns
Temperature
22–26°C
Moisture / humidity
Moisture-retentive substrate with strong ventilation; damp rather than waterlogged
CITES
Check current CITES rules before cross-border trade

Working temperature range

Keep Theraphosa stirmi around 22–26°C. Use that as a practical captive range and avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures well outside it.

Burgundy Goliath Birdeaters do not need the enclosure to hit one exact number all day. Normal small room fluctuations are easier to manage than repeated heating and cooling adjustments.

Measure the shelf, not just the room

Check the temperature where the Theraphosa stirmi enclosure actually sits. Shelves near windows, radiators, computers or external walls can differ from the centre of the room.

A thermometer placed near the enclosure gives more useful information for a Burgundy Goliath Birdeater than a reading taken across the room.

Avoid direct heat on the enclosure

Do not attach a heat mat directly to a Theraphosa stirmi enclosure. Small containers can develop concentrated hot areas that are much warmer than the surrounding room.

If the room is genuinely too cold for Burgundy Goliath Birdeaters, warm the room instead and check the temperature at enclosure level. That gives a more even and controllable result.

Summer heat

During hot weather, keep Theraphosa stirmi out of direct sunlight and watch rooms that heat up during the afternoon. A closed window area can become much warmer than expected.

Do not respond to a warm day by soaking the Burgundy Goliath Birdeater enclosure. Temperature and substrate moisture are separate husbandry issues.

Winter conditions

In winter, check the coldest part of the day where Theraphosa stirmi is kept. Rooms can cool overnight even when daytime readings look comfortable.

If room heating is used, remember that it may also dry Burgundy Goliath Birdeaters enclosures faster. Adjust watering to the actual drying rate rather than assuming winter always means wetter substrate.

Use behaviour as context

Temperature readings for Theraphosa stirmi should be considered alongside normal feeding, retreat use and moulting. One slightly different reading is less useful than a consistent pattern over time.

If a Burgundy Goliath Birdeater suddenly changes behaviour, check temperature along with water, moisture and recent disturbance instead of assuming temperature is the only cause.