Bringing Home Your New Jumping Spider
Bringing home a new jumping spider is exciting, especially if this is your first one. The most important thing to remember is that your new spood may need a little time to settle in. Here’s what to do when they arrive.
Have Their Enclosure Ready
Before your spider comes home, make sure their enclosure is completely set up.
Your spider should have:
- Good ventilation
- Places to climb
- Elevated ledges or resting areas
- A hide or sheltered space near the top
- Open space for jumping and exploring
- A fine misting bottle
- Appropriate feeders
Keep the enclosure out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperatures.
When Your Spider Arrives
Open the package as soon as you reasonably can and check on your spider.
They may be active, hiding, sitting still, or tucked inside a hammock. All of these can be normal after traveling.
If your spider is inside a thick silk hammock, do not force them out. They may be preparing to molt.
Moving Them Into Their Enclosure
Move your spider in a quiet room with doors and windows closed.
Have a clear cup nearby in case they decide to explore somewhere unexpected.
Whenever possible, let your spider walk into the enclosure on their own. You can gently guide them with a clean, soft paintbrush if needed.
Never grab or shake your spider out of their travel container.
Their First Day
Once they are inside, give them time to explore and settle in.
Lightly mist part of the enclosure wall so they have small water droplets to drink from. Avoid spraying your spider directly or soaking the enclosure.
Try not to handle them or open the enclosure repeatedly during their first day.
What If They Don't Eat?
Don’t panic if your spider does not eat right away. Travel can be stressful, and they may simply need time to adjust.
Offer an appropriately sized feeder once they seem active and settled. If they are not interested, remove it and try again later.
A spider may also stop eating when they are preparing to molt.
Watch for Molting
If your spider is still growing, they will molt several times.
Signs of premolt may include:
- Hiding more than usual
- Refusing food
- Spending lots of time in their hammock
- Building a thicker hammock
- Becoming less active
If you think your spider is molting, leave them alone and do not disturb their hammock.
When Can You Handle Them?
There is no need to rush.
Give your spider time to settle in first. Once they are active, eating normally, and not in premolt, you can begin offering your hand and allowing them to climb onto you.
Let your spider choose whether they want to interact.
Some jumping spiders are very curious and bold. Others are more cautious. Both are completely normal.
The First Week
During the first week, focus on keeping things simple.
Provide water, offer food when they are ready, keep their enclosure comfortable, and let them get used to their new home.
Soon, you’ll start learning their favorite hiding spots, their little routines, and their unique personality.
This guide is general care information for commonly kept pet jumping spiders, including Regal Jumping Spiders. Care may vary depending on species, age, and individual needs.