Best Tarantula Feeding Tongs (2026)
Feeding tongs are one of the most useful tools in the tarantula hobby. They let you place prey precisely, remove uneaten feeders safely, and keep your hands at a safe distance from defensive species. The right pair of tongs makes feeding faster, safer, and less stressful for both you and your tarantula.
What to Look for in Tarantula Feeding Tongs
- Length: Longer tongs (12–16") give you more distance from the tarantula, which matters for faster or more defensive species. Shorter tongs (8–10") are fine for calm, slow-moving species.
- Material: Stainless steel is the standard — durable, easy to clean, and won't flex unexpectedly. Bamboo tongs are a budget option but can splinter over time.
- Tip design: Rounded or slightly curved tips are safer than sharp points. You want to grip prey securely without accidentally injuring the tarantula if it strikes.
- Grip: A comfortable, non-slip grip matters when you're holding tongs steady near a fast-moving tarantula.
Tong Length Guide
| Situation | Recommended Length |
|---|---|
| Calm, slow species (Chilean Rose, Brazilian Black) | 8–10" |
| Most adult tarantulas | 10–12" |
| Defensive or fast species (OBT, Cobalt Blue) | 12–16" |
| Removing uneaten prey from deep enclosures | 12–16" |
Top Tarantula Feeding Tong Picks
Best Overall: Stainless Steel Feeding Tongs (12")
A 12" stainless steel feeding tong is the most versatile option for the majority of tarantula keepers. Long enough for most species, easy to clean, and durable. Available from multiple brands on Amazon at low cost.
Browse 12" feeding tongs on Amazon
Best for Defensive Species: Long Feeding Tongs (16")
For fast or defensive species like the Orange Baboon Tarantula (Pterinochilus murinus, OBT) or Cobalt Blue (Cyriopagopus lividus), extra length gives you more reaction time and keeps your hands further from the enclosure opening.
Browse 16" feeding tongs on Amazon
Best Budget Option: Bamboo Feeding Tongs
Bamboo tongs are inexpensive and work fine for calm species and occasional use. Not as durable as stainless steel and can splinter over time, but a reasonable starting option if you're just getting into the hobby.
Using Tongs Safely
- Move slowly and deliberately when placing prey — sudden movements can trigger a defensive response
- Don't wave the prey around or tap the tarantula with the tongs
- Remove uneaten prey promptly, especially if the tarantula is preparing to molt or has recently molted — crickets and other feeders can injure vulnerable tarantulas
- Many keepers dedicate one pair of tongs to feeding and another to enclosure maintenance to reduce cross-contamination
Do You Need Tongs?
Tongs aren't strictly required for all species — many keepers drop prey directly into the enclosure for calm, slow-moving tarantulas. But for any species with a defensive temperament, fast movement speed, or a deep enclosure where prey is hard to retrieve, tongs are worth having. They're inexpensive and make the hobby safer and easier.