Jumping spiders don’t naturally outgrow enclosures the way reptiles do — but the wrong enclosure at the wrong life stage creates real problems. Knowing when to upsize is part of good husbandry.
📏 The General Rules
The goal is always an enclosure that’s appropriately sized for the current spider — not too small to limit movement, and not so large that prey becomes difficult to locate. A spiderling in an adult enclosure will spend most of its energy searching for food it can’t find and catch.
⏰ When to Upgrade
The best time to move a spider is immediately after a successful molt, when the new exoskeleton has hardened and the spider is at its most resilient. Avoid moving a spider that’s showing pre-molt signs — the stress of relocation during this period can cause complications.
When upgrading an enclosure, take a piece of the old decor that has the spider’s hammock silk on it. Place it in the new enclosure. This gives the spider a familiar scent reference and significantly reduces resettlement time.