ACCLIMATING REPTILES TO A NEW ENVIRONMENT

Imagine being placed in a small, cold, and dark space with a few holes for ventilation and maybe a bit of substrate, being transported in cars or planes, only to arrive in a foreign place you aren’t used to. That is what reptiles experience, which explains why they arrive stressed and terrified.

Their acclimation – or adaptation to a new environment – can take months to years, so it’s important to be patient. Avoid forcefully grabbing them as this instills fear and make you seem like a threat more than a friend.

Expect them to run away or strike in the next few months as they adjust. This may be frustrating, but it’s normal. If necessary, pick them up from the side rather than from above so they don’t think you’re a predator. Move slowly but confidently as they can read your body language.

Always be cautious of their warning signs – for example, an open mouth, an upright position, a swaying tail, or a bobbing head – as these are all clear signs that they’re ready to attack. Stop what you are doing, slowly back off, and try again only after they’ve calmed down.

Handle them only in short periods of time, perhaps a few minutes a day, and slowly increase the interaction until they’ve completely adapted.

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When it comes to advice for arachnid care, look no further than Dondi Carillo. He has been an arachnid parent for over 30 years and is a proud advocate of their conservation. As administrator of the group Philippine Tarantula Keepers, he has come in contact with quite an array of arachnid lovers all over the nation. His passion for the creatures is something that he continues to grow and nourish.

He began caring for spiders at a young age. The common orb weavers were his introduction to the lifestyle. He has since grown his family of arachnids but has recently begun holding more importance for environmentalism rather than continuously growing his arachnid family. After all, these creatures are not simply meant to be “collected”, as more is not always better. It is crucial that they get proper care in the correct habitat.

When asked what advice he could give to aspiring arachnid parents, he was eager to share what he has spent 30 years honing.