Did you know that tarantulas literally unzip their entire body to grow bigger?
It’s one of nature’s most incredible processes, but it’s also when these fascinating creatures are most vulnerable.
As a tarantula owner, understanding how to handle feeding during molting isn’t just helpful – it’s essential for your pet’s survival.
Whether you’re a new spider parent or an experienced keeper, this guide will show you exactly when to feed, when to wait, and how to keep your eight-legged friend safe during their most delicate transformation.
Feeding a tarantula too soon after molting can be dangerous. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a safe recovery after a molt
Quick Facts About Molting
Just like how we outgrow our favorite jeans, spiders outgrow their exoskeletons. Here’s the timeline:
- Baby spiders molt every 1-2 months (growing faster than my grocery bills!)
- Young spiders molt every 3-4 months
- Adult spiders molt 1-2 times each year (talk about a yearly makeover!)
How to Know Your Spider Will Molt
Your tarantula will show these clear signs before molting (it’s like their version of putting on sweatpants and refusing to go out):
- Stops eating for 2-4 weeks (just like me before beach season!)
- Gets darker on its belly
- Makes a web mat to lie on (their version of a spa day)
- Moves around less than usual
- Drinks more water (staying hydrated is key, folks!)
Dr. Sarah Thompson, spider expert, says: “The most common mistake new owners make is trying to feed their tarantula when it’s preparing to molt. Always watch for these signs.”
What to Do Before the Molt
When you see these signs, here’s your game plan (and yes, it’s easier than teaching my cat to use Instagram):
- Remove all food from the cage (no midnight snacks allowed)
- Keep fresh water available (spa water, if you will)
- Raise the humidity to 65-75% (think tropical vacation vibes)
- Don’t disturb your spider (seriously, they need their beauty sleep!)
During the Molt: Hands Off!
The actual molt takes 1-4 hours. During this time (imagine trying to wiggle out of a full-body wetsuit – underwater – while doing a handstand):
- Don’t feed your spider
- Don’t touch your spider
- Don’t make loud noises
- Keep the cage somewhere quiet (not next to your teenager’s drum set!)
Tom Wilson, professional tarantula breeder, explains: “Molting is like taking off a tight suit. It’s hard work, and your spider needs complete peace and quiet.”
After the Molt: Feeding Schedule
| Time After Molt | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Days 1-5 | No food, just water |
| Days 5-7 | First small meal |
| Days 7-14 | Slowly return to normal feeding |
First Meal Tips
When feeding your spider its first post-molt meal (think of it as their version of brunch after a long night):
- Wait at least 5-7 days
- Use prey 1/4 the size of your spider (size matters!)
- Choose soft insects (no crunchy tacos yet!)
- Remove uneaten food after 24 hours (nobody likes leftovers)
Warning Signs of Problems
Get help if you see (because even spider superheroes need backup sometimes):
- Spider stuck in old skin
- Spider not moving after 24 hours
- Parts of legs still stuck
- Spider lying on its back for more than 6 hours
Success Rate and Safety
Following these rules gives your spider a 90% chance of a good molt.
Feeding too early raises the risk of death to 20% (those are worse odds than me trying to parallel park!).
For more detailed information about tarantula care, visit the American Tarantula Society.
Need emergency help? Check out Arachnoboards, where expert keepers can answer your questions faster than you can say “spider-emergency”!
Remember: A hungry spider is better than a dead spider. When in doubt, wait longer before feeding. Just like my grandma always said about cooking pasta – better safe than sorry!
