Spiders, snails and insects: how to buy exotic pets
Pet or feed: two different purchases
People look for two types of animals in this category. The first are pets for the terrarium: tarantulas, giant African land snails, mantises, stick insects. The second are live feeder insects for reptiles, birds and fish: crickets, roaches, mealworms, superworms. For feeder insects, what matters is the amount in kilograms or numbers and regular supply; for a pet, the species, age and sex.
Before buying, find out whether this species is safe to keep at home: the venom of some spiders is dangerous to people, and giant snails need responsible handling so they do not get into the wild.
Who suits a beginner
- Ground-dwelling tarantulas from the Americas, for example the Brazilian black or Brachypelma, are usually calm and undemanding, but their hairs irritate the skin.
- The giant African land snail is hardy and grows well, but needs a roomy terrarium and calcium.
- Mantises and stick insects need almost no space, but have a short life cycle.
- Asian and tree-dwelling spiders are faster and more nervous, better for experienced keepers.
Care and housing
Before you buy, prepare the terrarium: the right temperature and humidity, substrate, hiding places and cooler and warmer zones. Snails like damp substrate and calcium (for example cuttlebone or chalk), tarantulas like stable humidity and occasional but good-quality feeder insects. Feed spiders by age: young ones eat more often, adults can go a week or more without food and come to no harm.
What to put in your request
- species — the full name, for example giant African land snail;
- purpose — as a pet, or feeder insects for a gecko, bird or fish;
- age or size — juvenile, adult, stage of moult;
- number or weight in kilograms;
- sex, if it matters;
- terrarium and care — whether you need a terrarium, substrate, food;
- your experience — beginner, child, experienced hobbyist;
- delivery city and budget.
Example: “I am looking for juvenile giant African land snails, 3 of them, with a small terrarium and substrate, for a beginner. Johannesburg, courier delivery. Budget up to R 330.”
How to compare offers
Check the exact species name, stage and sex: a young male and an adult female of the same spider cost different amounts. For insects, ask about the price per kilogram or per piece, the purity of the culture and the absence of mites. Make sure the seller knows how to pack live cargo: a heat pack is needed in cold weather, and protection from overheating in the hot months.
A good seller will tell you about temperature, humidity and feeding, and answer what to do if the animal refuses food.
How BlaBlaPrice works
You describe your request once on BlaBlaPrice, and breeders and shops reply in the chat: what they offer, the price, how they will deliver. The platform shows the best-value offer first and adds reviews of the seller. Your phone number stays hidden until you choose the person you agree with. See more: how it works.
If you are looking for animals for a terrarium, see reptiles, and for live feed you can say in your request who it is for.
