Pets

Small pet spiders are ideal pets in terms of storage and habitat creation, as they are most comfortable even in tiny boxes, with air holes. Small pet spiders, such as the cobweb spider, or the Araneus variety of orb-weaving spiders or even the dewdrop spider, range from 2 – 5 mm in size, and can be a little difficult to handle. Small pet spiders are not an extremely popular pet spider category, and these species can be found in abundance in almost all homes.

The only drawback of small pet spiders is that they can be easily lost, especially if you own a small jumping spider. Also, even in the tightest of boxes, it is difficult to pierce the right sized air holes, which though allowing air into the container, do not let the spider escape. But there are several advantages to keeping small pet spiders as well.

You do not have to shell out a lot of money to obtain these spiders, as most are found around the house, or in your garden. To catch a spider, use a small jar, now instead of trying to make a grab for it, you might end up squishing it; gently coax the spider into the jar, using your hand as an aid. Also, you do not need expensive terrariums to place these spiders in, though there is no harm in getting one if you want to. This also helps as most of these spiders are web weavers, and often trap prey using their webs. Now most spiders eat each other, so don’t place more than one spider in one container.

It is important to remember that not all spiders are suited for captivity, and some of them might die. Avoid getting the same kind of spider back, and try and get hunting spiders more than web builders, as they adapt better to living in captivity. Regarding feeding, insects are the best food for spiders, but in the case of small pet spiders it is very important that you do not place overly large insects into their enclosure, with flies and small moths being ideal. Also, you need to make sure the insects have been well fed, before introducing them to the spider, or they just might end up eating your spider instead.

For small pet spiders, water needs can be met by using a wet sponge, or a small bottle cap of water. Make sure the water container is not too big, or the spider might drown in it. In the case of web weaving spiders, you have another option of spraying the web with water once a week or so. Make sure the enclosure does not become too damp as this can lead to development of bacteria and fungi, harming your small pet spider.