Essential Supplies

Before bringing home a jumping spider, it's important to have the proper setup ready. A well-prepared enclosure helps reduce stress, encourages natural behaviors, and provides a safe environment for feeding, molting, and exploration.

The good news? Jumping spiders require far less equipment than many traditional exotic pets. With a few carefully chosen supplies, you'll be ready to provide excellent care from day one.

The Must-Have Essentials

Appropriate Enclosure

A secure, well-ventilated enclosure is the foundation of successful jumping spider care.

Your enclosure should provide:

  • Adequate ventilation

  • Vertical climbing space

  • Secure locking or magnetic closure

  • A dry, mold-resistant environment

  • Easy access for maintenance

Jumping spiders spend most of their lives above ground, making vertical space more important than floor space.

Hydration Source

Unlike many pets, jumping spiders do not drink from water bowls.

Instead, hydration is typically provided through:

  • Light misting

  • Water droplets on enclosure walls

  • Moisture stations where appropriate

Fresh water should be available regularly without creating excessively wet conditions.

Climbing & Anchor Points

Jumping spiders build silk retreats and molting hammocks.

Providing plenty of anchor points allows them to exhibit natural behaviors.

Examples include:

  • Artificial foliage

  • Cork bark

  • Branches

  • Decorative hides

  • Natural climbing structures

A bare enclosure often results in a stressed or inactive spider.

Feeder Insects

A healthy spider requires a reliable food source.

Common feeders include:

  • Fruit flies

  • Bottle flies

  • Mealworms

  • Small roaches

  • Other appropriately sized insects

Feeder size should never exceed the spider's ability to safely capture and consume prey.

Temperature Monitoring

Most commonly kept jumping spiders thrive in typical household temperatures.

Recommended range:

70–80°F (21–27°C)

A simple thermometer can help ensure conditions remain stable throughout the year.

Recommended Upgrades

These items are not always necessary but can improve your husbandry experience.

Digital Thermometer & Hygrometer

Allows you to monitor:

  • Temperature

  • Humidity

  • Seasonal fluctuations

Especially useful for intermediate and advanced species.

Natural Décor

Natural materials can create a more enriching environment.

Popular options include:

  • Cork bark

  • Preserved moss

  • Leaf litter

  • Branches

  • Seed pods

Always ensure materials are safe and free from pesticides.

Feeding Tongs

Helpful for:

  • Offering prey

  • Removing uneaten feeders

  • General enclosure maintenance

Particularly useful for larger species.

Maintenance Tools

Basic cleaning tools make routine care easier.

Examples:

  • Soft paintbrush

  • Feeding tongs

  • Spray bottle

  • Cotton swabs

Supplies You Don't Need

New keepers are often surprised by how little equipment is actually required.

In most cases, you do not need:

  • Heat lamps

  • Heat rocks

  • Large terrariums

  • Powerful lighting systems

  • Water dishes

  • Complex heating equipment

Simple, consistent husbandry is often more successful than overly complicated setups.

Tiny Coven Starter Checklist

Before your spider arrives, make sure you have:

☐ Appropriate enclosure

☐ Climbing décor

☐ Hydration method

☐ Feeder insects

☐ Thermometer

☐ Spray bottle

☐ Safe location away from direct sunlight

☐ Time to observe and enjoy your new spider

Tiny Coven Recommendation

Focus on providing the essentials first.

A clean enclosure, proper hydration, reliable feeders, and stable environmental conditions will contribute far more to your spider's success than expensive gadgets or elaborate equipment.

The goal isn't to build the most complicated enclosure—it's to create a safe and comfortable home where your spider can thrive.