why is my jumping spider always on the bottom of his cup

[FlameGecko90]

He currently lives in a 32oz deli cup until he's a bit bigger. But I've noticed he rarely spends anytime near the top of the cup or hidden away. He always seems to be on the bottom. I've only had him 4 days so I'm not sure if he is still settling in.

He also doesn't move around much. I think someone told me he was probably around and L5. He's my first jumping spider so I'm not sure what's normal and what's not

 

[miranda0331]

pics of the enclosure might help someone answer your question

 

[FlameGecko90]

9

 

[egyptiancrow]

if he is an adult male, he is probably not long. most of the time a spider is on the bottom its
- elderly, but not dying, it just cant climb anymore.
- elderly, and dying. it will not eat and will pass away.

with younger spiders,
- young and sick, and will pass away.

he looks quite large so the first two are more likely. he needs mesh fabric to climb but if he doesnt even try to climb he is probably not going to even if you put in mesh. when you get a jumping spider its important to know their age/instar and not get an adult or almost adult spider if you want a long time with them

please show me a photo of his face so that i can ID his age.

 

[FlameGecko90]

if he is an adult male, he is probably not long. most of the time a spider is on the bottom its
- elderly, but not dying, it just cant climb anymore.
- elderly, and dying. it will not eat and will pass away.

with younger spiders,
- young and sick, and will pass away.

he looks quite large so the first two are more likely. he needs mesh fabric to climb but if he doesnt even try to climb he is probably not going to even if you put in mesh. when you get a jumping spider its important to know their age/instar and not get an adult or almost adult spider if you want a long time with them

please show me a photo of his face so that i can ID his age.

Someone told me he wasn't mature yet and was around an L5. I dont know what instar they get to before they're an adult. And he can climb the cup he just seems to prefer being on the bottom

 

[CRX]

From my experience its very hard for them to climb wet surfaces. I would make sure most of the wall is dry, they only really need a few sprays of water to drink.

 

[FlameGecko90]

From my experience its very hard for them to climb wet surfaces. I would make sure most of the wall is dry, they only really need a few sprays of water to drink.

I usually just try to spray one side of his cup

 

[Nicole C G]

Do you ever see him climbing the walls? It’s possible that it and your decorations are too slippery.

 

[its just josh]

Tom Moran does something pretty cool using two of the same cup to arboreal enclosures for his slings, but I've used the design with a 32 oz deli cup for my juvenile jumper as well. I would recommend doing that so you don't risk destroying his hammock every time you open his cup. I would recommend poking a lot of vent holes in as well as ventilation is very important. Stagnant air can be lethal. Sluggishness and sticking to the bottom of an enclosure is a sign of an unwell spider rather than stress. This won't always work, but you can try offering him dilute honey on a q-tip to boost his overall health/energy, being careful not to get it on his book lungs.

Tom Moran's Arboreal Design: