Cheap Shoe Box, Good Tarantula Enclosure?

I've seen people posting about some cheap shoe boxes from Walmart and I picked some up. Can I turn it into a decent tarantula enclosure?
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[@great-grandmakirk8828]

Hi, I’m not a tarantula keeper, I’m 79 years old and just really enjoy your channel,I’ve been subscribed for years now and have learned a lot about tarantulas from you. My family thinks I’m nuts but I feel really relaxed while watching you. Thank you for sharing.❤️👵🏻🇺🇸

[@TarantulaHaven]

Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoy my channel. Your family can think you’re nuts but I think you’re great! I’m glad you’re interested in tarantulas. They are fascinating creatures and don’t deserve their bad reputation. The more I learn about them the more I love them. 😊

[@hex_the_rabbit]

I've found that most of my tarantulas, especially the flighty and defensive ones, enjoy the cheap enclosures anyways. You could spend $100 on a glass terrarium or you could spend $10 on a semi opaque tub that they feel more comfortable in. I'd rather do what's best for my tarantulas overall, but it's kind of a judgement call. Thanks for the video, Alex!

[@TarantulaHaven]

Same here. Most of my fossorials are in tubs. It’s just easier. Thank you. 😊

[@gavincaldwell7420]

Even with tubs, some of them can be decorated quite well and like you mentioned can help lower the stress of walking past the enclosure since some tubs are often "fogged" looking. I use sterilite tubs and they work good

[@Sojourner777]

​@gavincaldwell7420 how do you measure the stress of a tarantula?

[@exotichideout]

I agree with you, the well being of the tarantula is more important than just concern about the type of enclosure used. Well done sir.

[@spottedbull]

OK Alex you need to make some more of those clips!! I need a couple of sets! And seriously digging the CBGB shirt!!

[@bobbiscrittercave2348]

They have the same style shoe boxes, with almost 2.5" more depth for $2 more, as well. Thanks for the great ideas!

[@TarantulaHaven]

I’ll have to look for those!

[@bobbiscrittercave2348]

@Tarantula Haven I realized I phrased that poorly, the deeper ones are sold as singles for $7. They're on the website if you can't find them at you local store.

[@blaineskate]

@@bobbiscrittercave2348what website is this

[@katelarouche2835]

Exactly the guidance I needed thank you so much! I just ordered 2 sets of your new clip design and plan to buy 2 of the taller boot boxes for rehousing my G.Pulcripes sisters. Subscribed.

[@Aquarimax]

I love how you created the clips to make this enclosure secure! Gorgeous L. parhybana as well! Thanks Alex!

[@TarantulaHaven]

Thanks Rus! It was kinda fun to be able to make something practical on my own. Loving my 3D printer but it’s a a headache as well. 🤓👍🏼

[@Edward..de..lanndo]

I had to subscribe, im a new tarantula keeper, im always looking for alternatives to the expensive enclosures. You video is down to earth and very enjoyable to watch...thanQ. Ed in Inverness 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Flat_3_6]

This is fantastic. Just bought these today, searched for ways others were securing the lids, this video popped up and you gave the file in the description!! Printing these tomorrow!! Thank you very much! I love cheap enclosures. I only spend the $$ if i feel like making a display for my t's. I use a lot of clear food storage containers from walmart and target otherwise . Im very excited to use these now for my obt, fire legs, and possibly my Brazilian black. I put my LP in a 20g tall on its side. I used a lid from iheartgeckos and its more of a display piece.

[@MWalsh-oo1ge]

Thank you so much. I just got my first tarantula and researching enclosures. I am definitely following your recommendations and I absolutely love your clips. Thank you for offering to all of us and for this video. 😊

[@candyscott489]

That was a great vid making the GBB enclosure !!

[@Fuzzypetrock]

Thanks for your informative videos. Love your style, keep them coming

[@TarantulaHaven]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@freethinkingpatriot8952]

Thank you for sharing as always! Love those clips, it was a great idea!

[@TarantulaHaven]

Thank you! 😊

[@dldarby82]

I've been in the hobby for years, and half my collection are still in Critter Keepers of various sizes. As long as the spider is comfortable, I don't care if people have hang ups. In fact, I recently bought a bunch of acrylics 6×8×6 I think, from Repti-Zoo, for some of my dwarf tarantulas (or my Aphonopelma that will be juvenile sized for the next decade); I've had them like 6 months, and the lids are already starting to bow and warp.

[@Kaiyo_no_Ookami]

“What on earth would I use a 3D printer for!?” Well, now I know what I would use it for. 😄 So many ideas. … All my spiders are in “Hodge-podge” enclosures. I didn't mean to have any spiders until maybe February, at the earliest. But an injured L. cornutus showed up; missing some limbs. Then two more, strictly outdoor species showed up. (Anything that can’t/won't eat Asian Lady Beetles won't survive long in this house during the winter. Especially if they run into our resident Pholcidae/Cellar spiders.) Figured housing them was safer than leaving it to chance inside or dropping them in the snow. 🤷🏻 The 1-2mm Tetragnatha spp. is in an upside-down peanut butter jar with an old prescription bottle top and cap attached for easy feeding, and gnat-proof screen vents. Sterilized maple bark “backing,” tiny fake vines, and some sphagnum moss. It's Ugly. But the spider seems fairly happy so far. Webbed up right below the feeding port. As long as they’re happy, right?

[@kissphantom05]

That is one gorgeous LP!

[@CricketsMa]

You’re exactly right! My only requirement, is being able to see them, and those boxes are perfect. Love those clips! Good job!

[@The-Spider-King]

Great video, Alex. I really like the enclosure and great work with the lid clips 👌🏼

[@TarantulaHaven]

Thank you! 😊

[@gavsTarantulas]

I actually love those shoe boxes they are so clear great video

[@mitchelldavis4667]

I like your tarantula room it is nice

[@brazenhussy3016]

Thank you for doing a video on these my blondi escaped from hers recently and now I keep a heavy med school book ontop of it 😂 absolutely thrilled y’all are selling the locking clips on y’all’s Etsy and going to buy some now

[@miketheknife2]

Nice job on the clips !

[@nixiemoonflower]

Great idea Alex, I use to use Ferreo Rocher boxes for my slings. Unfortunately I don’t have my T’s anymore but looking into get one some soon.

[@kimberleykitty]

Oh! This is awesome! Definitely interested in buying clips from your etsy store. Great video.

[@TarantulaHaven]

Thank you! My business savvy wife set the price so it’s not $1. She reminded me of packaging and everything else that goes along with sending out products. 😅

[@deanarhyndress9135]

I use these for my tarantulas! They are great enclosures!

[@ChantalsCritters]

Great video

[@therioncave7631]

I know I am a little late with this, but I use those but have to weights on the lid. Getting ready to put hinged locks on then

[@DustyT-es3px]

Thanks for the heads up. My local Walmart was selling these as discontinued for $5 for a set of two. I picked up about 4 can always use for storage. They were clean, although when I went back there were some with scuff marks. I ordered three taller ones online for about $7 each although they sent two with a third smaller one. I have used the more expensive ones, so I’ll see how these hold up. I did buy some clips on Etsy.

[@pepperlee2313]

You have the best educational videos.

[@TarantulaHaven]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@dankauffman8568]

Thank you Alex . I'll have to look into these . I've used Critter Keepers almost exclusively for years . The quality of these enclosures has deteriorated recently and I am phasing them out slowly . Thanks again for the info .

[@MOONOVERMIAMI]

Hello great video information and rehouseing Alex

[@TarantulaHaven]

Thank you! 😊

[@joegrossman5073]

Man my broke as s be buying dollar store containers and finding large glass jars, I work at a bottle drop. And I love it saves me money and my T's don't mind lol

[@jacquelynbritz5062]

I love your videos Alex I see these containers all the time at Walmart i wasn't sure if they could know the lids off is that possible.

[@TrantulaMoms]

I have learned alot watching you. I have 2 trantulas Queen and Quito.

[@TarantulaHaven]

Awesome! Thank you. What kind of tarantulas are they?

[@TrantulaMoms]

Brachypelma Boehmei and a Apnonopelma Seemanni. The Costa Rica stripe knee was my first. It is a sling so don't know the gender yet.

[@amysweb4815]

Love this video

[@TarantulaHaven]

Thank you! Glad you like it! 😊

[@AmyBuccilla]

Hey! Crocs rock! LOL! Great video!

[@mltron]

After seeing your video I picked up a mainstay shoebox for when I move my juvenile lasiodora parahybara! Lots of floor space and crystal clear so I can have a good view of its entire enclosure at all times. Thanks for the video! Also what’s the song used in the last half of the video? Its great

[@johnlash6511]

I have all kinds of enclosures my fav are 10 gal upright and a acrylic front for big pokes

[@susanadkins1465]

I just posted recently about these and how to secure them. I would love to buy some of those clips!

[@chriselliott601]

Please do a video on breeding discoid roaches for T food if you have the time. Just a thought for a post idea.

[@Teacherspetexotics]

I literally had the same reaction when I saw that endcap at my local Walmart.

[@emmaleehyatt2373]

intro was so good i had to subscribe before the video even started

[@Leepbby]

Great Video as ALWAYS!!!! 🕷🕷❤❤🕷🕷😁😁😁😁 Would these boxes be good for a GBB or is there not enough space vertically for her??

[@floranfauna3090]

I use the “tall” ones

[@TarantulaHaven]

I just learned there are tall ones! I’m gonna have to find those!

[@dprimer422]

Alex, Even though I have only a small collection of 13 T.s and 1 "taylorswift" scorpion I can't afford to house them in the T cribs (even with 10% off) although I appreciate the help there. This video is so timely. Ive been looking at boxes of this type but didn't have a good way to secure them . I tried the ones with the hinge on one side.(same security issue) I tried cutting the lip on the lid with a dremel tool, sanding then gluing an acrylic hasp onto the box. This worked but I wasn't happy with the look. Your 3d printed clips look very clean. I just ordered half a dozen sets from your etsy store. My local Walmart doesn't have the boxes in stock (I just called) and I was told I'd have to order from their online store. So that's what Ive done. These should make fine enclosures. I've always thought finding and making enclosures to be half the fun of keeping tarantulas! BTW can they be stacked with the clips in place? thanks in advance! thanks to Debra too! cheers, Dave

[@JustinASU1201]

What was the tool used to drill the holes? I just use a cordless power drill, but that tool looks a lot more appropriate for the task.

[@januszpawelna100]

Im wondering this too!

[@SeverusSnape12345]

I have a couple of these. I have my Xenesthis immanis in one. I plan on putting my L klugi in the other when it gets big enough. I used command hooks to secure the lids. :) I have a 3d printer and for some reason, didn't think about using it to make clasps lol. the command hooks work well though and I can easily open them without scaring the tarantula. :D I also have STL files for enclosure parts I bought off etsy and have started working on building my own enclosures. My first one is airing out to get rid of the silicone's vinegar smell and it will be ready for my P rufilata. :D

[@michaelvargo4725]

You should sell those clips, so we could go out and get those containers.

[@nbahotshot]

My L.Para is so food responsive, I wouldn't dream of attempting to handle them. You got some serious clankers trying with her lol. As long as the enclosure provides what they need, you can go budget. You don't need the fancy enclosures, and honestly Tarantula Cribs never has the size of enclosure I'm looking for in stock. Generally they are way more expensive than what I'd prefer to use. I love how they look, but with how they economy is right now, it's kinda difficult to pull the trigger on them.

[@mitchelldavis4667]

I have a Brazilian black tarantula and her name is Peggy

[@richardahlgren6086]

Hey, wondering if there’s a chance you can make these with a little longer too piece. They have a deeper shoebox I’m using, but I like to stack them and your clips work great for locking and stacking with ventilation. However, the deeper box is slightly smaller towards the bottom so it won’t sit.

[@faithfulrose6322]

Can you please do an update on your smaller T's you got from Spider Shoppe

[@mitchelldavis4667]

I am getting a Arizona blonde tarantula

[@cubbi2789]

I have file plastics that I have turned into tarantula enclosures until the next upgrade depending on size. I even have smaller ones that I keep for spiderlings and reuse too. I’m keeping the collection to eight, but they still make me happy

[@TarantulaHaven]

Smart to keep your collection down. It’s easy to get carried away. 😅

[@jordybernal4394]

I just had to get rid of a few it was to many i ended with 10 no more i got carried away lol

[@A.TAYLOR]

I literally just grabbed these shoe boxes! Cheap and inexpensive! 🕷️🕸️🖤

[@richardfloridaman]

You such a cool dude, man! I'm into Spiders, too. I just subscribed to you, Spiderman!

[@RescueDogTreats]

can you do a video or a short on those lights you use? like are they connected with one switch? battery or USB? Are they on a timer? just trying to set up a few enclosures and am new to the hobby...thanks! love your channel, fellow teacher here. ;)

[@pennyrockysmomma4445]

She’s a beautiful spider! But there are less stressful ways to get them to go where you want them to, without poking at them like that. I recommend watching Dave’s Little Beasties videos. He doesn’t have issues like that when moving his spiders. I’m not being snarky, I just didn’t see the need to constantly poke her when you can do it gently.

[@seansspoods9521]

Nice one Alex, it's true though, they don't care, as long as they're fed, watered and happy, that's all they care about, I'm getting better enclosures to look good on camera but, I try to keep everything in similar enclosures so it doesn't look quite as bad lol. We need a Walmart here lol.

[@TarantulaHaven]

Thank you. I try to do away with the hodge-podge enclosures but sometimes I gotta do what I gotta do. I do like for things to look uniform though. 🤓👍🏼

[@seansspoods9521]

@@TarantulaHaven Yeah very true, we all get there eventually, with the growth rate of some of the T's, its not always that much of a rush though lol.

[@dprimer422]

BTW Great T shirt!

[@miketheknife2]

Everyone has a different budget, as long as the Ts are taken care of and healthy don't worry about a fancy enclosure ! its more important to have a healthy T then having one not healthy in a fancy enclosure !

[@Courtneyeverage]

I JUST ordered 2 sets of the purple clips for these from your Etsy!! Can’t await till they get here!!!! Hubby wants to see how they do before I buy craps tons of em😂

[@TarantulaHaven]

Awesome! I actually packed them to ship this morning. Heading to the post office after work! Thank you! 🤓👍🏼🕷️

[@Courtneyeverage]

@@TarantulaHaven thank you as well!! These shoe boxes means I can have more tarantulas an have them in something I can actually see and NOW I don’t have to worry about when they get bigger an try to escape!!

[@Courtneyeverage]

@@TarantulaHaven I looove them! Hope you don’t mind, I did a video an “review of them” and I 10/10 recommend!!!

[@TarantulaHaven]

@@Courtneyeverage I don’t mind at all. Thank you for the plug! I subbed to your channel. I’ll watch the video when I get home. 🤓👍🏼🕷️

[@Courtneyeverage]

@@TarantulaHaven aww thanks!

[@tarantularamblings3149]

Nice video alex you certainly did poke her no wander she didn't want you to hold her 😅 in fact she seemed very calm considering .

[@TarantulaHaven]

She is pretty chill. I was trying to get her to walk over but she’s so reactive she always turns toward the stick to fight. There are times when she walks calmly out of her enclosure but if anything touches her she immediately attacks so I never have the courage to put my hand out because I’m afraid she’d mistake me for lunch. One day though. 😅

[@tarantularamblings3149]

Such a beautiful T though and another great video .

[@thecoltonpruitt]

What bit did you use in the dremel to drill vent holes?

[@miriamvelasco256]

I love that I came across this video because I seen these today and thought they’ll make a good enclosure for my baby . Would you be able to sell the clips ?

[@TarantulaHaven]

Thank you! And yes, there’s a link below in the description. 🤓👍🏼

[@carmenm3974]

I just tried the Etsy link but it didn’t work. Any chance you would sell these again in the future?

[@tarantuhalla]

Those shoeboxes are superb, but sadly not available here in Poland. There are alternatives, but not that crystal clear in translucency.

[@aarongrimoire8941]

I would just buy the clips from u I have probably 10 of these boxes

[@luffebassen]

Hey....what is the deal with the tape before you drill the holes??

[@Nicky-gv9mm]

She is so beautiful ❤️

[@michaelmccorkle8906]

I just bought my first tarantula yesterday. 1-19-24. It's a Guyana pink toe. I'm trying to learn all i can but not much information is available for that particular tarantula. I would appreciate any advice i can get

[@johnlash6511]

I find it hard to get tall enclosures for aboreal Ts .. Any good 1s for aboreal

[@lsmith-xu5zk]

How do you recommend drilling the holes? Is there a specific speed for the dremel tool? I tried using one in the past on a plastic cube, but it melted, rather than drilled, the plastic.

[@booneygurl21]

I use a soldering iron to poke holes in the plastic. So much easier. Just get a cheap wood burning/soldering gun. They're only like $10

[@mitchelldavis4667]

Hi Alex

[@juliomartinez1331]

Hi Alex what is the file for making the clips

[@umarpin8809]

Hi what do you use to make youur wholes

[@doinyourmom66]

Hi what tape do you use before drilling holes? Mine Crack everytime I drill into em even with spraying it with water first?

[@TarantulaHaven]

Use painters tape. Any brand will do. It will keep it from scratching and cracking. Don’t push too hard with the drill. Let the weight of the drill make the hole. 🤓👍🏼

[@Neurosurgeonmarcus]

How much do you spend for good set up

[@treywilson2412]

Do you have the clip file anywhere for download? Would love to print them for my gf.

[@jess9086]

the clips are fantastic but will they get in the way of stacking them?

[@TarantulaHaven]

I think it would but I may have a solution for that.

[@monkeytrident]

@Tarantula Haven what is that blue tape you placed around the top of the box to drill the holes is it masking tape ?

[@TarantulaHaven]

It’s called painter’s tape. Similar to masking tape but it sticks well and comes off easily.

[@monkeytrident]

@@TarantulaHaven Thank you very much, I may have to use masking tape, got plenty of it laying around, keep up the good work and content.

[@maxhamilton8204]

It would be smarter move to turn the box into right direction instead of messing with the tarantula and make her turn towards the the bigger enclosure

[@spydermama9513]

What department do you find them in at Walmart? Whenever I look I cannot seem to find them

[@SpooderSociety]

I hope you see this. Which brand of drill did you use for this?

[@TarantulaHaven]

I used a Dremel 4000 rotary tool.

[@finnn6927]

Tank size

[@rainbowmushr00m]

The Etsy link doesn’t seem to go anywhere 😢

[@carmenm3974]

I just tried the link and it didn’t work for me either. Any chance you would sell these in the future? I just got the taller mainstays shoe box for our 6in curly hair and I’m afraid she may be able to push the lid open.

[@yazoomud88]

Do you still sell these lid locks?

[@TarantulaHaven]

Yes. The lids have changed so check out this video to help you decide what kind you need. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXbXc4ynhKmNorcsi=gzjj_eKn1ssknRS6

[@TuberoseKisser]

Tarantulas literally don't care or notice what they're in, a tank isn't mandatory. It makes zero sense to buy a $30 enclosure when you can buy a $9 bin, the tarantula enclosure market pretty much exists for no real reason other than aesthetics. My solution for the lid would probably be to buy those acrylic hinges and lock.

[@TarantulaHaven]

It has a pretty significant lip on the lid and the edge of the box that would make the hinges difficult to use.

[@BenPray]

Good idea, but not functional because not everyone has a 1500$+ 3D printer. I've used these as enclosures and use Velcro or child safe cabinet locks. It's kinda pointless to say "Tired of spending thousands on enclosures? Then just buy a really expensive 3D printer and use these cheap enclosures instead!"

[@LuckyStone888]

I love the idea, but maybe charge a little more than a buck. You deserve to make some profit for helping people get fantastic ~$5 encloures. I love this enclosure idea, but you're your clips make it perfect. Without your clips I can't see it being useful to me. Tape is not good for me and the top needs to be secure

[@TarantulaHaven]

Ha! Funny you should mention that. My wife is more business minded than I am and she mentioned shipping supplies and the time and effort it takes to make them. She adjusted the price for me and put them in her shop. 😂 Thanks for the advice man. 🤓👍🏼

[@gracestgeorge7986]

I have had those hairs on me. Oh boy. Not pleasant

[@bradleyanderson9436]

I sent u a message on your fb