My First Jumper

[RReynolds]

I have built his/her little home, stabilized humidity/temp (65%/77f), got some fruit fly culture so now looking forward to my first bold jumper.

I do have a question, I’m using a small sponge under the feeding tray to regulate the humidity but I know that over time mold could build up in the sponge and was wondering if mixing a mold inhibitor (e.g. vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, tea tree oil) in distilled water could be toxic?
Any thoughts??

Also what size should my first spood be, I was thinking maybe 3-4i or is that too small.

thanks for advice,
Rick

 

[Veno Manus]

Stick to a cotton ball or paper towel in a dish. Use distilled or purified water. Don't over humidify the enclosure. Make sure there is enough ventilation and they love light. Keep fed on a weekly basis. And you should be fine. I raised over 200+ Regals and they all went fine other then a handful of course. But, that experience worked very well for what I was doing to keep the levels working. Make sure to check on your water dish regularly to ensure mold dosent build up. It's just the name of the game with smaller enclosures.

 

[Veno Manus]

Having more established jumper as a first time would make things easier on you since they will know how to hunt and thrive a bit easier. Get one from a reputable breeder that isn't wild caught cause a earlier heartbreak is never good for a first time keeper. Not to say the end will come soon but wild caught tend to have complications and could carry things you arnt aware of. Ending in sad days when you would like to enjoy them. My thoughts, others have different experiences so don't take all my info for thought. Let others reply and take your notes through out the forum. Good luck!!

 

[goofyGoober99]

3rd instar is pretty tiny. I would go for 5th and up for a first jumper. For humidity with jumpers I just dampen the substrate For drinking water I mist the side of the enclosure Having good ventilation will slow mold growth but when it shows up (it's kind of unavoidable lol) you can just remove it with some tongs. A little bit of mold won't hurt your spider.
Fruit flies alone aren't awesome nutritionally so you can also chop up mealworms (slings will scavenge). Best of luck with your new jumper!!

(Bonus pic of my Phiddipus otiosis sling eating a mealworm chunk)

 

[TheraMygale]

Get the biggest you can. Less worrying about feeding. Youll be able to provide more then fruitflies, like small crickets and mealworms. Pinhead crickets can be good for smaller instars too.

Ventilation is a must and yes, sunlight is good for them.

Use one or two bowls for water/humidity. No sponge needed and definitely no additives to the water.

You can mist softly a side of enclosure to provide water droplets as well. NOTE: misting is not making it rain. Its just to provide a natural way to get moisture. Or a pipette if you have one, to put drops on fake plant leaves and such.

The enclosure needs to be taller then wide. Providing hiding places, branches and webbing anchors.

 

[Brewser]

Be advised Jumping Spiders have relatively short life spans.
So caution on bigger is better.
Suggest Pinhead Crickets