Spiders, often misunderstood and sometimes feared, can actually make fascinating and low-maintenance pets. Observing their intricate web-building, hunting techniques, and unique behaviors can provide a captivating window into the natural world right in your home. If you’re seeking an unusual and intriguing pet, learning How To Keep A Spider As A Pet might be the perfect adventure for you. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your eight-legged companion thrives in a safe and enriching environment.
Step 1: Safely Catching Your Spider
The initial step in keeping a spider as a pet is to find one! Spiders are widespread, inhabiting both indoor and outdoor spaces, making them relatively easy to locate. However, it’s crucial to be aware that while most spiders are harmless, some species can bite defensively, and a few possess venom that is medically significant to humans or pets. Before attempting to catch a spider, it’s essential to research and identify any potentially dangerous spiders that are native to your specific geographic area. Your safety and well-being should always be the top priority.
A simple and safe method for catching a spider is to use a clean, small jar or container with a secure lid. Gently guide the spider into the jar using the lid or a piece of stiff paper to coax it without causing harm. Avoid touching the spider directly. It’s important to remember that spiders are solitary creatures by nature and can exhibit cannibalistic behavior, particularly in captivity. Therefore, it is crucial to house only one spider per jar or enclosure to prevent them from harming each other. Also, be mindful of local wildlife regulations; in some areas, collecting certain spider species from the wild may be restricted or require permits.
A close-up view of a brown spider perched on a green leaf, illustrating the natural habitat of spiders and emphasizing the initial step of finding a spider to keep as a pet.
Step 2: Preparing the Ideal Habitat for Your Pet Spider
Once you’ve caught your spider, the next crucial step is to prepare a suitable and safe habitat. The type of enclosure will depend largely on the size and species of spider you intend to keep. For larger spider species, such as tarantulas or some types of wolf spiders, inexpensive plastic terrariums specifically designed for reptiles or invertebrates, which are readily available at most pet stores, are excellent choices. These terrariums offer ample space and often come with secure lids.
For smaller spider species, or for housing juvenile spiders, clean jars or plastic containers can be perfectly adequate. If using jars or plastic containers, it’s absolutely essential to ensure proper ventilation by drilling small air holes into the lid or sides of the container. The size of these air holes is important; they should be small enough to prevent the spider from escaping, especially for smaller, more agile species, but large enough to allow for sufficient air circulation to prevent stagnant air and mold growth within the enclosure.
The substrate, or the material you use to line the bottom of the enclosure, plays a vital role in creating a comfortable environment. Potting soil that is free from pesticides and fertilizers makes a good, natural substrate. Alternatively, coconut fiber (coir) is another excellent option, as it retains humidity well and is safe for spiders. Avoid using vermiculite or perlite as substrate, as these can be harmful if ingested by the spider.
To further enrich the spider’s habitat and provide a more naturalistic setting, add structures within the enclosure. Sticks, small pieces of bark, cork bark, dead leaves (ensure they are pesticide-free), or artificial plants can be strategically placed to provide the spider with places to hide, climb, and potentially build its web, depending on the species. These elements of structure are not only aesthetically pleasing but also contribute to the spider’s sense of security and well-being within its captive environment.
Step 3: Providing Water and Humidity
Hydration is crucial for the health and survival of your pet spider. The method of providing water will depend on the size and species of your spider. For smaller spiders, a plastic bottle cap filled with water can serve as an easily accessible and appropriately sized water dish. For larger spiders, a shallow dish or small bowl can be used. Ensure the water dish is shallow to prevent accidental drowning, particularly for smaller spiders.
Spiders can also obtain moisture by drinking water droplets sprayed onto their webbing or the sides of their enclosure. Regularly misting one side of the enclosure with water using a spray bottle can help maintain humidity levels and provide an additional source of drinking water. However, it is critically important to never allow the cage substrate to become damp or waterlogged. Excessive moisture can lead to mold and fungal growth, which can be detrimental to the spider’s health. The key is to maintain appropriate humidity for the specific species while ensuring good ventilation to prevent overly damp conditions. Research the specific humidity requirements for your spider species to ensure you are providing the optimal environment.
Step 4: Feeding Your Pet Spider
Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy pet spider. In the wild, spiders are predators that primarily feed on insects. In captivity, you should offer insect prey to your spider once or twice a week. The frequency of feeding will depend on the spider’s size, age, and species, as well as the size of the prey.
Crickets are a readily available and nutritionally suitable food source for most pet spiders. They can be purchased live from most pet shops that sell reptiles or amphibians. Alternatively, you can collect insects outdoors, such as grasshoppers, moths, or flies, if you live in an area where insecticides have not been sprayed. It is vital to ensure that any insects collected from the wild have not been exposed to pesticides or herbicides, as these can be toxic to spiders.
When feeding your spider, offer prey that is appropriately sized for the spider. A good rule of thumb is to offer prey that is no larger than the spider’s body length. Live prey is generally preferred, as it stimulates the spider’s natural hunting instincts. After introducing the prey into the enclosure, observe the spider to ensure it successfully captures and consumes the insect. If the spider does not eat the prey within 24 hours, remove the uneaten insect from the enclosure to prevent it from stressing the spider or fouling the habitat.
Step 5: Observing and Learning from Your Spider
One of the most rewarding aspects of keeping a spider as a pet is the opportunity to observe its fascinating behaviors up close. Spend time watching your spider and take notes on its activities. You will be amazed by the intricate processes that occur within a spider’s web, from web construction and prey capture to molting and mating behaviors (if you have a mature spider).
Observing your spider’s behavior can provide valuable insights into its health and well-being. Changes in appetite, activity levels, or web-building patterns can sometimes indicate stress or illness. Regular observation allows you to become familiar with your spider’s normal behavior and identify any potential problems early on. While direct interaction with spiders is generally limited to feeding and enclosure maintenance, the act of observing and learning about these often-misunderstood creatures can be an incredibly enriching and educational experience.
Preferred Pet Spiders: Species to Consider
Not all spider species are equally well-suited to captivity. Some species adapt more readily to captive environments and are easier to care for than others. Generally, active hunter spiders tend to be more straightforward to keep than species that rely heavily on elaborate webs, although both types can thrive in captivity with appropriate care. Here are a few spider types that are often recommended as good pets:
Tarantulas: Tarantulas are by far the most popular group of spiders kept as pets, and for good reason. Many species are relatively docile, long-lived, and impressively large, with some species reaching leg spans exceeding 10 inches. They are readily available in pet stores specializing in exotic pets and come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Beginner-friendly tarantula species include those from the Grammostola and Brachypelma genera. Tarantulas are generally terrestrial and require a terrestrial setup with a hide and substrate for burrowing.
Wolf Spiders: Wolf spiders are another group that can make interesting pets. Some species can grow quite large, with leg spans exceeding three inches. They are active hunters that do not build webs to catch prey, instead relying on speed and agility. Large wolf spider specimens are best housed in terrariums that offer plenty of floor space to roam and hunt. They appreciate a substrate that allows for burrowing and hiding places such as cork bark or leaf litter.
Jumping Spiders: Despite their small size, rarely exceeding half an inch in body length, jumping spiders are incredibly captivating pets. Their exceptional jumping ability, combined with their often bright and iridescent coloration, makes them a joy to observe. Many species are quite bold and curious. Jumping spiders can be easily kept in small jars or containers, making them ideal for beginners with limited space. They are visual hunters and require a habitat with vertical elements for climbing and exploring.
Fishing Spiders: Fishing spiders are large and impressive spiders that are often found near water sources in the wild. In captivity, these spiders appreciate vertically arranged pieces of bark or cork bark for climbing. They are known for their speed and can be quite fast-moving, so caution is advised when capturing or handling them. While they are called “fishing spiders,” most species do not require a water feature in their enclosure, but high humidity and a water dish are important.
Grass Spiders (Funnel-Web Weavers): Grass spiders, also known as funnel-web weavers, are fascinating to keep if you are interested in observing web-building behavior. In the wild, they construct distinctive funnel-shaped webs in grass, bushes, and on buildings. In captivity, they will readily build extensive funnel webs within their enclosure if provided with suitable structures and space. They prefer a drier environment compared to some other pet spider species and appreciate a substrate that allows them to create the base of their funnel web.
By following these steps and understanding the specific needs of your chosen species, you can successfully learn how to keep a spider as a pet and enjoy the unique experience of observing these remarkable arachnids in your own home.
