Most people buy their first tarantula from a pet shop. If you don't happen to know any experienced tarantula keepers, you may be on your own as to judging the animals. Here are some tips. A tarantula huddled up in the corner with its legs tucked under it, that doesn't react, or reacts slowly to touch, is likely to be dying.
Excessive dryness can kill tarantulas, especially when they molt.
Some species need moisture all the time. For any tarantula, a water dish is a good safeguard. There are at least 800 species of tarantulas. Pet shops may use common names unique to the pet shop. Scientific names are important for finding out what kind of care the spider needs.