A Guide To Jumping Spider ICU

Before you jump to conclusions, make sure you have ruled out molting. Disturbing a spider while molting can be detrimental to their health. If your spider has been in their hammock for days, even weeks, they are most likely molting. Continue misting and watching for movement.

Spiders will most likely become lethargic due to low moisture, hunger or a toxic substance. If your spood is not molting and is acting strange, here are some things to try:

First, offer your spood water. You can soak a Q-Tip or cotton ball with water, or a mixture of honey or sugar and water. Bring the source to the spider and they should normally hop on for a drink.

If your spider hasn't eaten in a while, try to offer up some food. You can try watermelon or fresh killed prey. If your spooder doesn't budge, gently rub some bug guts on their palps and fangs. This should hopefully force them to clean it off and eat a little.

If nothing changes, try moving them to a smaller enclosure or deli cup on a soft, damp cotton face round. Repeat the previous steps every day until your spood is back to normal.

We want all of our jumpers to live a full life. Sometimes, however, unexpected events occur. 

While you should never disturb a spider while they are molting, sometimes there is a life or death situation that you can help with.

One sign of a Mismolt is your spider molting outside of their hammock, or if they have fallen out of their hammock while molting. If this happens and you don't see the spider actively molting or moving, gently move the spider to a soft, damp cotton face round. Increase warmth and humidity if you can, or place in a hot, steamy bathroom to see if this helps.

Another sign of Mismolt is if the exoskeleton is still attached to the spider. First try to help by placing the spider on a damp face round and increasing the warmth and humidity in a hot, steamy bathroom. If the molt is hanging on by just a tiny bit, you can try and gently remove it with a damp paintbrush or Q-Tip. If there is a significant amount of molt still attached, you'll do more damage than good trying to remove it. 

Either scenario, after the spider has been placed in the hot steamy bathroom, be patient and let the spider complete the process on their own. They may take a drink of water if you offer it, but other than that, all you can do at this point is let them be.

If your spider pulls through, they'll need some extra special attention to make sure they are eating and drinking well. 

Sometimes spiders will have an internal Mismolt. They will make it out of the exoskeleton fine, but will not return to their usual selves. They may have trouble climbing and eating. All you can do is offer extra care and pay attention to make sure your spider is eating and drinking. Hopefully they return to their old self next molt.