When to let spiders go??

[Tarangela]

I have 2 jumping spiders, and I have 1 wolf spider. I want to let them go for the spring/summer. I have had them inside all winter, feeding them and spoiling them

When should I let them go? It is still a little cool here at nights (40*F), but warm during the day (70*). I don't want the nights to "shock" them, and kill them! So, what I am asking is, when should I let them out? Should I wait until it is really warm, or do you think they would be fine now?

I don't like the idea of them in a cage. They were wild when I caught them, have molted and made it through the winter. I don't think it is fair for me to keep them. They are really adorable!

Thanks all!

 

[arachnojunkie]

It won't shock them letting them go anymore than it did catching them IMO. I think they would have it better in captivity if you wanted to keep them. Catching a bug and keeping it properly just isnt the same as keeping a wild caught mammal. As much as we love them, they are bugs and aren't gonna suffer emotional stress as they have no emotions in the first place. They simply do not operate as other animals do. Though we seem to treat them as we would a dog or a cat, and like to "think" they love us and would be heartbroken if kept in captivity, they just aren't. I think as long as they have food, water, and shelter they could really care less. Just IMHO.

 

[IrishLad17]

Thats what I love about invertebrates. Especially insects and spiders. If you keep them properly you dont have to feel guilty! I mean, Free Willy made me sad but I dont think it would have been quite as touching if the whole movie was about a jumping spider being kept in captivity. lol I hope that makes sense, I'm really tired right now, if you cant understand me, its just sleep deprivation. No need to worry. :}

 

[critterz]

I'll have to agree here. I too am keeping a wolf spider I caught, and strongly believe they stand a much better chance for survival in captivity. My only reservations are restricting them from breeding, which they would be able to do in the wild. But as I said, there is no guarantee they would even make it to maturity on thier own, so this doesn't bother me much. But if you feel strongly about releasing them, then now would be a fine time to do it. Spiders from temperate areas are built to withstand wide variances in temperature, so they will be fine. Actually the sooner the better, because if they are mature females they will be breeding around now, for their first clutch of eggs this year.

 

[Tarangela]

Thanks to everyone that replied! That does make me feel better. I have a bad habit for *emotionalizing* them. I let the wolf spider go this morning, and she dove straight down into the grass She looked really excited!

Now, that I have read your replies, it makes me want to keep the jumpers! THEY are cute! And I love watching them. But like I said, I just feel bad that they are in that cup, when they were out there in the world! Well, technically, I caught one off Mom's ceiling, and one off Dad's garage ceiling, LOL So, they would have never made it!

Now I am at a decision! Which I do not know how to make, lol

Thanks

 

[DeadIrishD]

I caught a spider in my house last night, and I don't feel bad about it, perhaps you'd feel better if it were to live in one of them HUGE Gatorade bottles? rather than a cup?

I know it maybe alot of space for a spider to catch the food with and such, but its not as much as the outside world so in the long run it might be better?

not sure exactly what else to tell you but I hope in some way or another I have helped.