The Spoodery NC
Welcome to The Spoodery NC! We raise and rehome happy, healthy jumping spiders in North Carolina, giving each little spood a strong start before finding their new home.
BASIC CARE GUIDE
Congratulations on your new friend!This is not a complete guide, but a
general collection of information
to help you get started. It should
not replace doing your own research.I recommend that every spider owner continue learning and stay up to date on current care recommendations so they can provide the best possible care of these amazing creatures.
ENCLOSURE
Slings should be in enclosures no larger than 4x4, with holes that are noticeably smaller than your spider's head. Cross ventilation is needed to keep airflow moving.Bigger is not better when it comes to jumpers. If the enclosure is too large, your sling may struggle to locate food. A small, secure, well-ventilated sling enclosure is perfect. You can upgrade to a larger enclosure as they grow. Check for gaps before putting your new spider in the enclosure.Jumping spiders typically build their hammocks in the upper area of their enclosure, so it's recommended to use an enclosure that opens from the front or bottom. A top-opening enclosure will create unnecessary stress for your spider every time you open it by destroying their webbing.
DECOR
Jumping spiders need things to climb on and places to hide toward the upper part of the enclosure. Things like fake aquarium plants, ledges, and hides provide enrichment and security. Avoid decor with sharp edges. Items should be secure so your spider won't accidentally fall or have anything fall on them. Live plants can also be used but care should be taken to avoid plants with thorns or sharp edges. They should be free of pests and pesticides. Please do your research on appropriate plants before adding them to your spider’s enclosure.The bottom of the enclosure should be a soft place, just in case of a fall. I personally use a layer of reptile substrate with a thin layer of moss on top. This not only gives them a soft landing, but it also helps regulate humidity.
WATER
Lightly mist one corner or side of the enclosure so there are small droplets available for them to drink from. Water bowls should not be used for slings, as they can accidentally become trapped or drown in standing water. Small droplets from light misting are a safer way to provide drinking water.The general recommendation for humidity is around 50–70%. You do not need to keep at an exact number. Good ventilation is important.How quickly your enclosure dries will depend on your home, ventilation, and temperature. Depending on where you live, you will need to adjust how you maintain humidity in the winter and summer. I recommend a thermometer and hygrometer for easy observation, placed in the upper area of the enclosure for more accurate readings. (I sometimes have these available if needed for an extra cost.)This is where good ventilation comes into play! Constantly wet, stagnant enclosures can create a poor environment for your spider. Mold and mildew are never your friend! Let things dry between mistings.
FOOD
Appropriately sized flies are ideal, but pinhead crickets and mini mealworms work well for juvenile jumpers. Graduating to larger prey as they grow.Prey should be no larger than your sling and offered every 2 to 3 days based on your spider's abdomen size. If your spider still looks full, skip a feeding and check again in a day or two. A hungry sling will have a slim abdomen and may actively hunt. A full sling will be plump.Generally, their abdomen should be slightly larger than their head when full and noticeably smaller than their head width when ready to eat again.Remove dead or uneaten food daily!If using live mealworms or crickets, NEVER leave them unattended with a spider, especially while the spider is molting. Mealworms and crickets can bite. Crushing or squishing the head first removes that risk. I recommend doing this to avoid accidents during feeding.
MOLTING
Jumping spiders make silk hammocks to sleep, rest, and molt in. You may notice your spider makes a hammock right away, or they may settle in for a few days before doing so. It is highly likely that the rehoming process will stress your spider out, and you may notice them hide and go into molt right away! My first male went straight into his new enclosure and locked himself away for the first two weeks after he arrived! I didn’t get to meet him until after.When preparing to molt, they will make a thicker hammock, stay hidden, and refuse food. Do not bother them in their hammock! Continue misting the enclosure as normal, avoiding spraying directly into or onto their hammock, and be patient!Molting is a vulnerable time. Afterwards, their new exoskeleton and fangs need time to harden before hunting again. This can take several days. It is recommended to wait a few days before offering food or handling your spider after their molt.Your spider will push their molt out of their hammock when ready. Try not to disturb it until they throw it out.
HANDLING
Let your new baby settle in first. Give them time to get to know you and be patient!Sit somewhere safe and low to the ground with a soft surface. Keep children and pets away. Let the spider walk onto you rather than grabbing it. Move slowly and be patient! It took several attempts over several days and several hours before my first spood even touched my finger, and then SHE RAN AWAY 😂They are extremely fragile, and it takes time to build that trust. Some spiders never want to be held, and that is perfectly okay! Every spider will have their own unique personality.Never handle your sling after using perfume, cleaning chemicals, creams, sprays, or anything else that may transfer onto them. If you must handle them after using one of these items, wash and rinse your hands thoroughly first and make sure there is no soap residue left behind.
MAINTENANCE
Spot-clean poo, dead feeders, and anything moldy as needed. Do not rip out their webbing! This is what helps them get around the enclosure safely. Hot water works very well to rinse off decor. Do not use chemicals to clean your enclosure!Please have everything ready before your baby arrives. If you can set it up a week or two beforehand, even better! This gives you time to regulate the heat and humidity before your spood is at your door.Welcome to your new friend and adventure! I'm always available if you have more questions. 🕷️
Meet The Mamas
Every little spood has a story, and theirs begins here. These beautiful ladies arrived at The Spoodery NC carrying egg sacs, giving us the opportunity to raise their spiderlings from the very beginning. I'm committed to giving each baby a healthy start, with attentive care, proper nutrition, and plenty of time to grow before finding their forever home.
LUMI
Regal Jumping Spider
Phidippus regius
Lumi is one of my original mamas and the proud mother of her very first clutch (with another in the works!). She’s a curious girl with plenty of personality, and her tiny babies have been quite the adventure to raise!
ABITHA
Regal Jumping Spider
Phidippus regius
Abitha joined The Spoodery NC unexpectedly, but she quickly became a beloved addition to the family. She surprised me with a beautiful clutch of babies that came with her on her trip to me. She also already has another clutch growing in her nest! These girls keep me busy!
Contact Us
Let’s Talk! 🕷️
Have a question about the spiders, care, availability, or the adoption process? Send a message. 🕷️I'm always happy to chat, answer questions, and help you find the right spood for you. Whether you’re a first-time keeper or a seasoned spider lover, you’re welcome here. 💜