Recent Comments

How to Keep Spiders as Pets

Spiders can make fascinating pets. Here are a few steps to get you started keeping spiders.

spider-550

Step 1: Catch a spider

Spiders are all around us, indoors and out, so they’re not hard to find. Some species can bite and a few are venomous. Learn about dangerous spiders in your area before heading out. It’s easy to safely catch a spider by using a small jar. Gently coax it into the jar using the lid. Spiders will eat each other, so keep only one per jar.

Step 2: Prepare a cage

Large spiders do well in the inexpensive plastic terrariums available from pet stores. Smaller ones can be kept in jars or plastic containers if air holes are drilled into the lid or sides. Be sure the holes are small enough to prevent escape.

Potting soil makes good cover for the cage bottom. Sticks, dead leaves or artificial plants provide structure for hiding, climbing and webbing.

Step 3: Water

Depending on the size of the spider, anything from a plastic bottle cap to a small bowl can serve as a water dish. Spiders also drink water sprayed on webbing, but you should never allow the cage to become damp.

Step 4: Feeding

Offer insect prey once or twice a week. Crickets are available from pet shops, or you can collect insects outdoors if no insecticides have been sprayed in the area.

Step 5: Observing

Watch your spider and take notes on its behavior. You won’t believe what happens in the spider’s web until you’ve visited it yourself!


PREFERRED PETS

Not all spiders do well in captivity. Active hunters are usually easier to keep than web builders. Here are a few that make good pets.

Tarantulas: Some species exceed 10 inches in legspan. They’re by far the most popular pet spiders and can be bought in pet stores.

Wolf Spiders: Some can be more than three inches in legspan. Large specimens do best in terrariums with lots of floor space.

Jumping Spiders: Although small and rarely exceeding half an inch, their jumping ability is amazing. Many species are brightly colored and can easily be kept in jars.

Fishing Spiders: In captivity, these large spiders appreciate vertically arranged pieces of bark for climbing. They’re very fast, so use caution when capturing them.

Grass Spiders: These spiders build funnel-shaped webs in grass, bushes and on buildings. In captivity, they will build extensive webs inside their cage.

LEARN MORE: Click here to see photos of a spider expert’s seven favorite spiders

21 Comments on How to Keep Spiders as Pets

  1. younblessman // November 7, 2012 at 1:32 pm // Reply

    I have a jumping spider

  2. I just caught a Wolf Spider. Put him in a mason jar, drilled holes in the lid, put in leaves and dirt. He’s not harmful right? I have two little ones and a couple dogs.

    • hey spider dumb the wolf spider is harmless their bite is no worse than a bee sting unless u have an alergic reaction then you should seek medical help ASAP

  3. I’ve got a spider that jumps all around my container. I can’t tell if it is a ‘Jumping Spider’ or a ‘Fishing Spider’? Can you guys tell me? Thanks!

  4. i just fond a wolfspider thanks for the info

  5. house spider // October 8, 2012 at 1:10 am // Reply

    I have one as a pet, she LOVES egg yolks.

  6. I had a funnel maker in a old hermit crab tank it did fine

  7. Found a wonderful Regal jumping spider in the grass near my pump house, it is so cute and we have kept it in a clear cookie jar for 2 weeks now, we have a bowl filled with marbles to put the water in….just to prevent accidental drownings. We add fresh insects like grasshoppers and moths nightly.

  8. Unknown Spider? // September 18, 2012 at 2:10 pm // Reply

    I found a very strange spider and i cant identify it. I searched multiple sites online. it has a gray butt, black head and orangish redish legs. I found it in my house so i do know it is some kind of house spider. Anyone know what kind of spider it is or have any suggestions for me to research? Thankyou

  9. Just housed two large Wolf Spiders (3- 1/2″). Huge spiders for our area. They are super cool and they’re very curious. I found them in a grain field a month ago when the heat of the day here peaked. I was surprised to have seen them in the day light, although harvest had just taken place around that time. I’m still a little leary leaving these in my home

  10. hi i really love spiders and i want to take care of one barn spider. But i dont know how to take care of it, got any tips?

Leave a Comment

Please don't use your real name.