Can I leave a spiderling in its shipping container?

[H.C.]

I received a spiderling today (A.versicolor) in the post, well packed by a professional dealer. It's a small (about one inch) tall, narrow deli-cup with paper towel inside and just enough room to crawl around through the folds.

It is going to be a present for someone who--it now turns out--I won't see until Thursday evening.

Can I leave it in the shipping container until then? Do I need to get into more proper housing ASAP? Should I leave it where it is but add air holes or a drop of water to the paper towel?

Thanks in advance!

 

[xhexdx]

I'd rehouse it in something more suitable. Versicolor are a little more demanding of ventilation and humidity, so there's a higher possibility it could die if kept like that for too long.

 

[Travis K]

I think it would be fine, but I would also feed it and wouldn't you feel good about giving your friend an A. Versi that is all set up in a pretty plastic cube?

 

[Sr. Chencho]

Greetings;

HC,
Visit your local pet store and buy a small cricket and feed that versi., it might be hungry after its trip.
Like Travis wrote, buy a six in. tall plastic container (Hobby Lobby-Container Store, small amount of substrate at the bottom, a stem of plastic leaves and cross ventilation holes (dremel tool) will make a wonderful home for your gift.
Your friend will be delighted.

Best of luck.
Fredster

 

[smallara98]

I think it would be fine, but I would also feed it and wouldn't you feel good about giving your friend an A. Versi that is all set up in a pretty plastic cube?

I use those will all my avics They work great!

 

[H.C.]

Thanks everyone. It has moved into a clear cannister, about 2.5 inches high and 1.6 inches in diameter, with some COIR, 2 sticks and a leaf and about 35 ventilation holes. Some weevils arrived with it, so it can be fed tonight. It's only 1cm long, I assume it would appreciate this small home at least until next molt. Or at least until my more experienced friend receives it tomorrow and declares the cannister too small.