Has your tarantula just performed its death-defying backflip, only to emerge with a shiny new outfit? That’s molting—the critical process where tarantulas shed their old exoskeleton to grow.
This vulnerable time turns feeding into a life-or-death decision for your eight-legged friend.
Feeding at the wrong time can be fatal, but with the right approach, your tarantula will thrive after each molt. Let me show you exactly when and what to feed your newly-dressed spider companion.
Hydration is more critical than food in the early recovery stage of enhancing tarantula molting success.
Understanding the Molting Process
Molting (or ecdysis) is basically a tarantula’s version of extreme makeover: spider edition! They shed their old exoskeleton to grow bigger, kind of like how I have to buy new jeans after the holidays. During this time:
- The spider lies on its back (talk about spider yoga!)
- The old skin splits open (spider Houdini escape act)
- Your tarantula slowly wiggles out (imagine trying to take off skinny jeans when you’re sweaty)
- The new exoskeleton is soft and needs time to harden (just like waiting for nail polish to dry—but way more important)
This whole process leaves your tarantula about as tough as a wet paper towel. Its fangs (or chelicerae) need time to harden before it can eat again, or it’ll be like trying to eat a steak with rubber utensils—impossible and potentially dangerous!
When Is It Safe to Feed Your Tarantula After Molting?
You must wait before feeding your spider after a molt. Feeding too early can hurt or kill your pet, and nobody wants that kind of heartbreak.
| Spider Type | Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Small species (Avicularia) | 7-10 days |
| Medium species (Grammostola) | 10-14 days |
| Large species (Theraphosa) | 14-21 days |
Look for these signs of readiness (I call it the “spider traffic light system”):
- Darkened exoskeleton (not pale or white)
- Active movement around the terrarium
- Dark-colored fangs (not white or clear)
Dr. Amanda Rodriguez, an arachnid expert with 15 years of experience, says: “The number one mistake new tarantula keepers make is feeding too soon after a molt. Always check that the fangs have darkened completely before offering food.”
I once waited nearly three weeks for my Goliath Birdeater to be ready for her post-molt meal. Talk about testing my patience! I was like a nervous parent waiting to feed a newborn.
Best Foods for Post-Molt Tarantulas
After molting, your tarantula needs the right prey items—think of it as spider comfort food after a major life event:
Size Matters
For the first meal, offer prey that is smaller than usual—about ⅓ to ½ the normal size. This is easier for your recovering spider to handle. It’s like how you’d probably prefer a small sandwich over a five-course meal when recovering from surgery.
Good Food Choices
- Small crickets (the spider equivalent of chicken soup)
- Baby Dubia roaches (like spider smoothies—easy to digest!)
- Small mealworms (spider finger food)
- Tiny superworms (for larger tarantulas only—their spider burgers)
Pre-killed vs. Live
Using feeding tongs to offer pre-killed prey is safest for the first 1-2 meals. This prevents the prey from possibly injuring your tarantula’s still-soft body.
It’s like the difference between ordering delivery and wrestling an alligator for your dinner—one is clearly safer when you’re not at your best!
Feeding Guide by Tarantula Age
Spiderlings (Baby Tarantulas)
- Wait at least 5-7 days after molt
- Feed very tiny prey (pinhead crickets)
- Feed every 3-5 days after recovery
These little guys eat like teenagers—constantly and everything in sight!
Juvenile Tarantulas
- Wait 7-14 days after molt
- Feed small insects (half-grown crickets)
- Feed every 5-7 days
Middle schoolers of the spider world—always hungry but getting pickier.
Adult Tarantulas
- Wait 10-21 days after molt
- Feed appropriate-sized prey
- Feed every 7-10 days
The distinguished diners of the arachnid world—they know what they like and they’re not in a rush.
Common Feeding Problems After Molting
Sometimes your tarantula might have feeding refusal after molting. This is normal! My Mexican Red Knee once gave me the cold shoulder for three weeks after molting. Here’s what you can do:
- Wait another week and try again (spider version of “I’m not hungry right now, ask me later”)
- Offer a different type of prey (spider food FOMO)
- Make sure the temperature in the enclosure is right (75-80°F)
- Check that humidity levels are correct for your species
Tom Wilson, who has kept Theraphosidae (tarantula family) for over 20 years, explains: “After a molt, tarantulas can be picky eaters. Don’t panic if they refuse food for up to a month—this is perfectly normal spider post-molt behavior.”
Hydration Needs Post-Molt
A water dish is super important after molting. Your tarantula needs water more than food right after molting, just like how we humans get told to stay hydrated when we’re under the weather.
- Always provide fresh water (no spider wants day-old water—they’re fancy like that)
- Slightly increase humidity (think spider spa day)
- Avoid spraying directly on your tarantula (nobody likes surprise showers)
Last summer during that crazy heat wave, I actually added an extra water dish to all my tarantula enclosures. Better safe than sorry when it comes to spider hydration!
Feeding Schedule After Molting
Once your tarantula starts eating again, follow this plan:
- First meal: Small, pre-killed prey (the spider appetizer)
- Second meal (7 days later): Small live prey (spider entrée)
- Third meal: Return to normal prey size if all goes well (full spider buffet)
- Return to normal feeding frequency (regular spider dining schedule)
Special Tips for Success
- Watch for hunger signs like more activity at night (spider midnight munchies)
- Use gut-loading (feeding insects nutritious food before giving them to your tarantula—like meal prepping for your spider)
- Remove uneaten prey item after 24 hours (nobody likes old takeout left around)
- Never disturb your tarantula during or right after molting (would you want someone poking you during a wardrobe change?)
- Save the shed skin (exuviae) to check your tarantula’s health (spider medical records)
My friend Jake actually framed his tarantula’s molt—talk about weird but cool spider art! With the current trend of exotic pet keeping booming on social media, tarantula molts have become quite the conversation piece.
For more detailed information on tarantula species and their specific needs, visit the American Tarantula Society. They have great resources for both new and experienced keepers.
You can also learn about setting up proper feeder colonies for your tarantula at Arachnoboards, the largest online community for tarantula enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Taking care of a tarantula after molting requires patience. The waiting period might seem long, but it’s crucial for your pet’s health. Your spider’s digestive recovery and exoskeleton hardening timeline are natural processes that can’t be rushed, much like how you can’t rush a good cup of coffee or getting over a bad breakup.
By following this guide, you’ll help ensure your tarantula has a safe recovery after every molt, leading to a healthy, long life for your eight-legged friend!
And remember, in the spider world, good things come to those who wait—especially when it comes to dinner time after a brand new outfit!
