New jumping spider owner

[Konstabel]

I like to point out that I am totally new to spiders.

I just Brought a small jumping spider baby 2 days ago and it keeps itself in its web, so i suspect it to molt or premolt, but if so how long should i wait before doing anything
i cant really feed it without destoying its web cave, because it's on the lid of the small container it came in.

Please advise,
i just want the best for it

 

[gorybmovie]

Your jumper might hang out in their nest for up to two weeks before molting. You said it's a little one, so it probably won't take that long. Your jumper will not allow itself to starve. If it's hungry, it will come out. Just leave it be. I've been where you are and I know it is stressful, but trust me, your spider is fine. It will come out when it is ready.

How thick is the nest? That will help you determine if your spider is preparing to molt. Post a photo if you can.

 

[Konstabel]

the nest is so thick you can only see the shadow of it, and sometimes the front legs just sticking out

 

[gorybmovie]

the nest is so thick you can only see the shadow of it, and sometimes the front legs just sticking out

Sounds like your spider is preparing to molt. I'm guessing it is a small clear container. You can hold it up to the light to see if your spider has molted. Was the spider shipped to you? How long has it been in the container?

 

[Konstabel]

i brought it at a insect fair 2 day ago, so how long its been there idk. but i will post a pic tomorrow
im more relaxed now

 

[gorybmovie]

I'm glad you're feeling better. There is no reason to worry. Jumpers can go a long time without eating. They do need to stay hydrated especially before a molt. If you can sneak a drop of water in there, that would be good. You can use a dropper to squeeze a drop through the ventilation holes or gently lift the lid just enough to get a drop in. Just make sure that you don't get any water on the spider.

 

[Miagic Mike]

yeah from my experience they will come out when there Hungary.

 

[Konstabel]

 

[gorybmovie]

Has it come out of its nest or moved from that position at all?

 

[Konstabel]

it moves around a bit, but stays in it's nest

 

[SalticusScenicusStar]

Probably premolt.

 

[gorybmovie]

That's a lot of webbing and there are a couple of dead feeders on the lid so it's probably been in there awhile. Hopefully that means it will molt soon. Do you have an enclosure ready to move it into?

 

[Konstabel]

I do have have an enclosure ready for it, 20x20x30 but i dont know if it's too big for its size, would it be a good idea of putting it in a small/medium size first ?

 

[gorybmovie]

That's centimeters right? Should be fine. It's hard to tell from the photo, but your spider looks to be a good size. Do you have a photo? You're gonna want an arboreal enclosure with cross ventilation.

 

[Konstabel]

Holes in the front and top

 

[gorybmovie]

That's a nice enclosure and a good size. The only thing I would recommend is taking out that water dish. Spiders have book lungs underneath their abdomen so they can drown in a dish like that easily. To provide water all you need to do is mist the side of the enclosure every other day or so preferably with treated or distilled water.

 

[Konstabel]

Yeah i thought so about the dish
about the molting and premolt, how long should it take ? as i've had it for a week now
could it be that it just like to stay home ?

 

[gorybmovie]

Yeah i thought so about the dish
about the molting and premolt, how long should it take ? as i've had it for a week now
could it be that it just like to stay home ?

It is most likely preparing to molt based on all that webbing. That said, it looks as though it has already been in there a while, and were I in your position, I would want to be able to offer food and water. Jumpers are most vulnerable during and after a molt but since your spider has not molted yet, I think you can safely move it to its new enclosure. Gently remove the lid and place the lid in the new enclosure. Your spider will make a new nest and will be fine. If it is preparing to molt it will probably not be interested in food, but I still like to offer food just in case. Just make sure you do not leave any feeders in the enclosure unattended. I hope this helps. Please let me know how it goes.

 

[CRX]

That enclosure isn't bad, but man I just feel like you're gonna have a hard time finding it in there.

 

[Nicole C G]

It is most likely preparing to molt based on all that webbing. That said, it looks as though it has already been in there a while, and were I in your position, I would want to be able to offer food and water. Jumpers are most vulnerable during and after a molt but since your spider has not molted yet, I think you can safely move it to its new enclosure. Gently remove the lid and place the lid in the new enclosure. Your spider will make a new nest and will be fine. If it is preparing to molt it will probably not be interested in food, but I still like to offer food just in case. Just make sure you do not leave any feeders in the enclosure unattended. I hope this helps. Please let me know how it goes.

I wouldn’t move it unless you see it come out of its nest. If you move it, and it’s deep into pre-molt, it may molt outside of the nest. Which is dangerous. Don’t move it yet. It’s only been in there for a week right? It should be fine. Don’t disturb it’s nest or move it unless you see it come out.