Do you recognise this too? You are totally enthusiastic about your hobby, tell someone full of enthusiasm about how exciting it is to keep exotic animals such as isopods, millipedes or tarantulas – and then you get this typical reaction: “Who buys something like that?” or “Why do you keep animals like that?”. Sometimes accompanied by a sceptical look, as if you had just suggested keeping a Tyrannosaurus Rex as a pet. These questions are as common as woodlice in a well-furnished terrarium. It sometimes feels like no one really understands why we are so passionate about these fascinating creatures.

But don’t worry, you’re not alone – the numbers speak for themselves: there are many of us, and we’re getting more and more! Because our hobby is not only unusual, it is also attracting more and more people who appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of these animals.

A growing market

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re the only crazy person with a scorpion in your living room, let me tell you: There are around 1.2 million households in Germany that have terrariums. Yes, that’s right – we’re a whole lot of people who love woodlice, millipedes, scorpions and tarantulas (GlobalPETS) (GlobalPETS). And our market is booming: in 2023, we generated a whopping 7 billion euros in sales in the pet market in Germany. This shows that our hobby is not only cool, but also has a promising future (GlobalPETS).

Why exotics?

So why do we keep these extraordinary animals?
Quite simply, because they are absolutely fascinating!

There are few things more exciting than watching a jumping spider hunt or marvelling at the elegant movements of a tarantula. And let’s be honest, who needs a goldfish when you can have such interesting eight-legged creatures in your living room?
For us, keeping terrariums is more than just a hobby – it’s a passion that requires knowledge, patience and dedication.

These animals offer us a unique insight into nature that most people never experience. Observing the complex behaviours of these pets, from their feeding habits to the intricate shedding processes, is like a permanent invitation to an exciting nature documentary. Each species has its own peculiarities and idiosyncrasies, so every day offers a new opportunity to learn something amazing.

Then there’s the undeniable coolness factor. Not everyone can claim to have a pet that dates back to the time of the dinosaurs! These animals are living fossils and connect us to a time when giant reptiles (Reptiliomorpha) ruled the earth. Having a tarantula or scorpion in your home is not just interesting – it’s a way to feel connected to the ancient history of our planet.

And let’s not forget the joy of creating a mini ecosystem. Setting up a terrarium is like designing a tiny world in which you control the environment so that it corresponds to the animals’ natural habitat. It’s a mixture of art, science and a deep dive into ecology. Seeing the animals thrive in an environment that you have carefully designed yourself is incredibly satisfying.

Keeping terrariums also teaches us valuable life skills. It develops our powers of observation, encourages us to research and understand the needs of our animals, and requires us to be patient while we wait for them to grow, moult or reproduce. It is a slow, thoughtful process that provides a balance to the fast-paced, instant gratification of our modern culture.

Community and exchange

One of the highlights of our hobby is the strong community behind it. In forums, on social media or at events such as Terraristika Hamm – we exchange ideas everywhere, share our experiences and learn from each other.

This community is what makes our hobby so special. We are not alone – we are one big family sharing our passion and knowledge.

And yes, we like to talk about our spiders and co. – even if it makes other people’s eyes wide.

A look into the future

And the best thing? Our community continues to grow. With the increasing interest in biological and ecological topics and the technical advances in terrarium keeping, our hobby is becoming more and more attractive. The opportunity to bring a little piece of nature into your own home is inspiring more and more people. Imagine how many new friendships and discoveries await us as our community continues to grow. And maybe soon there will be more people who don’t ask “Why keep this?” but say “Cool, where can I do that too?”

Conclusion

So, the next time someone asks you: “Who buys this?”, you can proudly answer: “Many, and more and more!”. We are a passionate, dedicated and inquisitive community who want to experience the beauty and wonder of nature right in our own four walls. You are part of a big family of terrarium enthusiasts that grows and flourishes every day. Welcome to the club – and make sure your isopods don’t run away!

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