Arachnid · Burrowing tarantula
Chinese bird spider care guide
Cyriopagopus schmidti
The chinese bird spider is a advanced-level burrowing tarantula from S China, N Vietnam. Adults reach Leg span 15–18 cm and live Females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years in captivity. Large, very defensive burrower; keep the soil deep and damp and use long tools.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 24–28°C
- Humidity 70–80%
How much does a chinese bird spider cost in Canada?
Chinese bird spider quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- Leg span 15–18 cm
- Lifespan
- Females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- S China, N Vietnam
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 7 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 24–28°C
- Humidity
- 70–80%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
- Bioactive style
- Burrowing tarantula
Chinese bird spider enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a burrowing tarantula bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre8 cm
Deep, slightly packed soil lets burrows hold their shape. Moisten the lower layers; the top can be drier. This species digs, so give it 20 cm (8 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 8 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 70–80%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a chinese bird spider eat?
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–4 large roaches or crickets every 7–10 days; slings eat heavily and grow fast.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast, defensive Old World species with potent venom and no urticating hairs; never handle.
Health watch: Watch for dehydration and molt problems; keep the lower substrate slightly moist and leave the burrow undisturbed.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Visual check only.
Weekly
- Offer food at the burrow entrance; remove leftovers.
- Refill water; moisten one corner so the deep soil stays damp.
Monthly
- Check moisture deep down by pouring a little water at the edge.
Yearly
- Rehouse as the spider grows.
Recommended for a chinese bird spider bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 30 cm).
Chinese bird spider FAQ
Is the chinese bird spider good for beginners?
The chinese bird spider is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Fast, defensive Old World species with potent venom and no urticating hairs; never handle.
What size enclosure does a chinese bird spider need?
At least 30 × 30 × 30 cm (about 12 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 7 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a chinese bird spider cost in Canada?
Typically $40–120 CAD to buy, about $130–220 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $40–90 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a chinese bird spider need?
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 70–80%.
What does a chinese bird spider eat?
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–4 large roaches or crickets every 7–10 days; slings eat heavily and grow fast.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.