06/26/2026
100% and so well written!
We need to talk..
Breeding spiders is a complex undertaking that requires significant experience, specialized knowledge, and a long-term commitment to the welfare of the animals. It is an expensive “Hobby” not a career. And the very little money you do make is months and months—literally 5-6months before the spiders are old and strong enough to sell humanely—before you can even make a couple bucks back. Feeders are expensive, enclosures are expensive, and your time is the biggest expense.
Unfortunately, there has been a recent surge in individuals—often those with minimal experience—who are attempting to breed their spiders after acquiring a gravid female or through impulsive decisions. This trend is concerning because, without a deep understanding of genetics, proper husbandry, and the ability to provide for hundreds of spiderlings, the practice can lead to poor outcomes for both the offspring and the hobby as a whole.
The reality of breeding jumping spiders is far from the "cute" or simple endeavor often portrayed on social media. It requires careful planning, dedicated space, and a substantial financial investment to ensure that each spiderling is housed, fed, and monitored correctly. When inexperienced individuals enter the market, with “oopsie babies” or wild caught mamas/babies it often results in a saturation of low-quality or potentially genetically compromised stock, which can negatively impact the health and longevity of the species within the hobby.
Furthermore, many novice “breeders” underestimate the sheer volume of work involved in raising spiderlings to a stage where they are ready for new homes. At least i6 is the commonly “acceptable” age to where it is more humane/reasonable to send them off to a new home, especially when shipping is involved. Which usually it is—at least at some point—for everyone.
Prioritizing the welfare of these creatures means recognizing that breeding should be reserved for those who have invested the time to master their care, rather than treating it as a casual hobby or a quick way to gain social media attention and a quick couple dollars. By approaching the hobby with patience and prioritizing education, health, and quality over mass production, enthusiasts can help ensure the jumping spider community remains ethical and sustainable. This is how you gain respect in the hobby. Be humble and do your research.
Stop relying on asking others in noob groups to teach you. They are noobs too. Do actual research and learn for yourself. Don’t skimp out on putting the time in. If you do, the good ones in this community will know, and you will not go far.
Being a breeder right now is not a fashion statement. You are working with LIVING ANIMALS and you MUST put them first and have respect for them above all else. And that means being a responsible keeper long before you think about becoming a breeder. Ask any respected breeder how long it took them to get where they are at today. It doesn’t happen overnight and if it does, you’re doing it all wrong.
You need to think about everything that goes into shipping the spiders too. How much the boxes cost, and how to do it legally, legitimately, respectfully and responsibly. There are so many little details no one thinks about. I teach this stuff all day long. No one thinks about all the details prior to pairing a spider, or taking on a mama spider or a clutch or purposely breeding because you think it will be fun or to kill some time or cure your boredom.
Don’t do it for any of those reasons. Or you are part of the problem. Please do your research. Please educate yourself. Please put the spiders wellbeing above all else. Please contribute good to the community, &stop pairing spiders “because you can.”
Regals are special, &I don’t like seeing them being sold at i2/i3 for 10$ because you were irresponsible.
Thanks.
-Kittywebs 🖤🕷️✨
