Tarantula keeping has exploded in popularity recently, with enthusiasts around the world breeding these fascinating eight-legged pets.
When a female tarantula produces an egg sac, you might suddenly find yourself with dozens or even hundreds of tiny spiderlings!
Separating these miniature crawlers is a delicate art that can make the difference between thriving babies and, well, spider heartbreak.
Properly timing spiderling separation techniques ensures a higher survival rate for young tarantulas.
When to Separate Your Spider Babies
The best time to separate tarantula slings (baby spiders) is after they reach their second instar. This means after their first molt.
I learned this lesson the hard way when I tried separating my first batch of Brazilian Black babies too early. Talk about a rookie mistake! It was like sending kindergarteners to college – they just weren’t ready for the solo life yet.
Studies show that waiting brings better results:
- 85-95% survival when separated at 2nd instar
- Only 60-70% survival when separated at 1st instar
“The biggest mistake new breeders make is rushing the separation process,” says Tom Moran, a well-known tarantula expert. “Patience saves lives.”
Different spiders need different timing:
- Brachypelma hamorii (Mexican Red Knee): 5-7 days after hatching
- Grammostola rosea (Chilean Rose): 10-14 days after hatching
My Red Knees always seem to develop faster than my Rosies – kind of like how some kids walk at 10 months while others take their sweet time!
Tools You’ll Need
Proper tools help keep your spider babies safe. Get these items ready:
- Soft paintbrushes (the best tool with only 0.5% injury rate)
- Small forceps or tweezers (be careful – 4.2% injury risk)
- Small deli cups (1-2 oz size works best)
- Coconut fiber substrate
- Ventilation mesh
- Water dishes (bottle caps work well)
- Good lighting
- Sphagnum moss for humidity
Last month, I used my girlfriend’s expensive makeup brush for separating spiderlings when I couldn’t find my regular one. Let’s just say that relationship drama was worse than any tarantula bite I’ve experienced! Stick to dedicated spider tools, folks.
Step-by-Step Separation Process
Getting Ready
- Set up your work area in a small room with no drafts
- Prepare all individual sling housing before you start
- Use low lighting (bright lights stress spiders)
- Make sure room is warm (75-80°F is best)
Think of it like setting up a nursery before bringing home a newborn – you want everything ready to go before the big day! I like to play some gentle music too, though I can’t prove the spiders appreciate my spider-themed playlist featuring “Itsy Bitsy Spider” remixes.
How to Separate Them
Tarantula keepers use these steps for safe spiderling separation:
- Open the egg sac or container gently
- Use a soft paintbrush to guide each baby into its new home
- For stuck babies, try the water droplet technique (97% success rate)
- Move quickly but carefully – stress is bad for babies
The first time I separated spiderlings, I was as nervous as a cat at a dog show! My hands were shaking like I was defusing a bomb instead of moving tiny spiders. Now it feels as natural as sorting M&Ms by color.
“I’ve separated thousands of tarantula offspring in my career,” says Richard C. Gallon from the British Tarantula Society. “The paintbrush method is always safest for both the spider and keeper.”
Housing Your Baby Spiders
Each spiderling needs its own home to prevent spider cannibalism. The Tarantula Keepers Guide and American Tarantula Society recommend:
| Housing Item | Best Choice | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Container | 1-2 oz deli cup | 95% success rate |
| Air holes | 5-8 pin-sized holes | Prevents drying out |
| Substrate depth | 1-2× leg span deep | 15% higher survival |
| Humidity | 75-85% | 92% survival rate |
After watching the new Spider-Man movie last weekend, I came home and noticed my spiderling containers looked like a miniature apartment complex. I even caught myself calling it “Spider-Man’s neighborhood” when showing friends my collection. No spider powers detected yet, but I’m keeping an eye out!
Feeding Your New Babies
Wait 5-7 days after separation before the first feeding. This timing shows 88% success – much better than feeding too soon.
Good first foods:
- Fruit flies (best choice – 99% success!)
- Cricket pinheads (very tiny crickets)
- Pre-killed small insects
Use proper humidity and keep the substrate a little damp. A drop of water on the side of the cup is enough for drinking.
I call feeding day “The Hunger Games: Spider Edition.” It’s amazing how something so tiny can pounce on prey with the enthusiasm of a labrador seeing its dinner bowl. Nature’s mighty hunters, just fun-sized!
Common Problems and Fixes
If you have a premature egg sac rupture, don’t panic. You can still save many babies:
- Keep them together with the egg material
- Increase humidity slightly
- Wait until they naturally separate a bit
- Then follow normal separation steps
I had an egg sac rupture during that big thunderstorm we had in January – talk about bad timing! But I managed to save about 80% of the babies by staying calm and following these steps. Sometimes in the spider world, you just have to roll with the punches.
The Arachnoboards community discussion forum has many helpful tips from tarantula breeders who have faced these problems.
Keep Track of Your Spiders
Smart tarantula hobbyists keep records. Write down:
- Hatch date
- Separation date
- Number of babies
- When they eat
- When they molt
This helps you learn what works best for your tarantula breeding projects.
My spider journal has become thicker than my college textbooks! My friends tease me about being a “spider accountant,” but when they want to know which bloodline their new tarantula came from, guess who has all the answers?
Final Tips
Breeding success with spiders takes practice. Remember:
- Separate at the right time (second instar is best)
- Use gentle tools like paintbrushes
- Keep good air flow but high humidity
- Don’t handle more than needed
- Start with easier species like Brachypelma or Grammostola
With good care, you can expect 85-95% of your tarantula hatchlings to survive. That’s much better than the low survival rates in the wild!
Last week, a local elementary school teacher asked me to give a virtual presentation about tarantula breeding for Science Week. The kids were fascinated! One little girl asked if spider babies call their mom “Mama Long-Legs” instead of “Mama.” Out of the mouths of babes!
Remember that each species is different. Join groups like the American Tarantula Society to learn more about your specific tarantulas.
