Help my jumper keeps falling

[OneLove79]

Help my regal, jumping spiders is falling. I put him in a different enclosure yesterday that I just bought for him and he was doing fine making new drag lines and then all of a sudden he was just falling off of the top and it’s a lot shorter of a habitat and the other one and he keeps falling like four times now and I’m starting to get worried. I don’t know if I should take them out of it and put it in the old one or if he’s just like trying to make the New drag lines so he could get used to it, he’s older. I bought him as an adult but I mean he’s been super Duper active since I’ve gotten him and he keeps falling today and I don’t understand what I should do because he fell on his water dish. Any advice would be thanks

 

[Katya]

It could be the enclosure, but it's more likely his age. When jumpers get older they can't grip as well. What you can do is put mesh/netting around the cage to make it easier for him to hold on

 

[dev0n]

it’s a lot shorter of a habitat and the other one and he keeps falling like four times now and I’m starting to get worried. I don’t know if I should take them out of it and put it in the old one...

While jumping spiders are adept at handling falls, a significantly taller enclosure can increase the risk of injury.

or if he’s just like trying to make the New drag lines so he could get used to it

Yes, it's quite possible that your regal jumping spider is creating new drag lines as part of getting accustomed to its new enclosure. Moving to a new enclosure can be a stressful experience for a spider, and it may take some time for it to adjust. Limit any additional stressors like loud noises, vibrations, or frequent movements near the enclosure.

I mean he’s been super Duper active since I’ve gotten him and he keeps falling today and I don’t understand what I should do because he fell on his water dish.

Jumping spiders rely on their ability to cling to surfaces. If the new enclosure has smoother surfaces compared to the old one, this might be causing the falling. Try adding some textured surfaces or objects for the spider to grip onto.

It could be the enclosure, but it's more likely his age. When jumpers get older they can't grip as well.

Yes, age can indeed play a factor in a spider's ability to grip and climb. As spiders age, they can experience a decline in their physical abilities, including their gripping strength.

What you can do is put mesh/netting around the cage to make it easier for him to hold on

1. Mesh Size: The size of the mesh is important. It needs to be fine enough so that the spider can’t get its legs or body parts stuck in it. Larger mesh openings can pose a risk of injury.
2. Material: The material of the mesh should be something that the spider can grip onto easily. Materials like plastic or metal can be suitable, but avoid anything that might be harmful or toxic to the spider.
3. Climbing Aid: Mesh can serve as an additional surface for the spider to climb and explore, which can be particularly helpful if the spider is having difficulty with the existing surfaces in the enclosure.
4. Ventilation: If you're adding mesh to parts of the enclosure that were previously solid, make sure it doesn't negatively impact the humidity and temperature control within the habitat. Proper ventilation is crucial, but so is maintaining the right environmental conditions.
5. Security: Ensure that the mesh is securely attached to the enclosure. You don’t want any gaps or loose areas where the spider could escape or get trapped.
6. Maintenance: Consider the ease of cleaning and maintaining the enclosure with the added mesh. You want to ensure that you can still easily care for and interact with your spider as needed.
7. Spider's Behavior: Observe how your spider interacts with the mesh. Some spiders may take to it well, while others might avoid it or even become stressed by the change.
8. Alternative Solutions: Before adding mesh, you might also consider other modifications to the enclosure, such as adding more branches, leaves, or bark for the spider to climb on. These natural elements can provide both grip and enrichment.

Sometimes, spiders just need time to adjust to a new environment. As long as the enclosure is safe and meets its needs, your spider might just be getting used to its new home. If the spider continues to struggle, it might be worth considering moving it back to its old enclosure, especially if it was thriving in that environment. However, there's no strict timeline for when to decide whether to move it back to the old enclosure.

Typically, give your spider a few days to a week to adjust to the new enclosure. This time allows the spider to explore, create drag lines, and start feeling comfortable in its new environment. Before deciding to move back to the old enclosure, consider making small adjustments to the new one, such as adding more climbing structures or changing the layout to see if it helps your spider adjust. As a pet owner, you know your spider better than anyone else. If you feel that the new enclosure is not working out despite giving it time and making adjustments, trusting your instincts is important.

Remember, each spider is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Monitoring your spider’s behavior and overall health is the best way to determine whether the new enclosure is a good fit or if returning to the old one is the better choice.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Maybe try a deli cup or small enclosure so it doesn’t get injured. Falling is due to old age.

 

[darkness975]

Old age.