The Beginner’s Guide to Invert Care: Tips for New Exotic Pet Owners

Invertebrates are some of the most fascinating exotic pets you can own, offering unique behaviours and stunning appearances that make them stand out in the animal kingdom. But like any pet, they come with specific care requirements that need to be understood and respected. Whether you’re new to the hobby or just looking to expand your knowledge, this beginner’s guide will cover the essentials of invert care to help you provide the best possible environment for your new eight-legged friends.

1. Research is Key

Before bringing any invert into your home, it’s essential to do your homework. Each species has unique needs, from habitat setup to temperature and feeding requirements. For example, a jumping spider (Phidippus regius) thrives in a small, well-ventilated enclosure with plenty of climbing space and enrichment to web up,  while velvet spiders prefer dry environments with lots of moss where they can spin their intricate webs undisturbed.

Take the time to read care guides, watch videos, and join online communities to learn from experienced keepers. The more you know about your chosen species, the better equipped you’ll be to care for them.

2. Setting Up the Perfect Habitat

A proper enclosure is crucial for your invert’s health and wellbeing. Here are some key factors to consider:

Size and Ventilation

• Ensure the enclosure is appropriately sized for the species. Jumping spiders, for instance, do well in smaller enclosures (around 20 x 20 x 30 cm), while tarantulas or scorpions may require larger spaces once they are an adult.

• Good ventilation is critical to prevent Mold growth and maintain proper airflow.

Substrate and Decor

• Choose a substrate suited to your invert’s needs. Coconut fiber, topsoil, or sand can work depending on the species.

• Add climbing structures, hides, or other enrichment items to mimic their natural habitat.

Lighting and Temperature

• Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the enclosure’s temperature and humidity.

• Most inverts don’t require additional lighting, However Jumping spiders do.  

3. Feeding and Hydration

Feeding your inverts is one of the most enjoyable parts of ownership. Watching a jumping spider stalk its prey or a tarantula catch its dinner is endlessly fascinating.

Make sure to get the correctly sized food and know how regularly they need feeding.

Most inverts require a misting or a water bowl to ensure hydration.

Diet

• Feed live insects such as fruit flies, Locusts, mealworms, or roaches depending on the species and size of your invert.

• Jumping spiders prefer flying prey, while tarantulas or scorpions may prefer ground dwelling insects.

Water and Hydration

• Provide fresh water at all times. Small bottle caps or shallow dishes work well for most species.

• For species like jumping spiders, lightly mist the enclosure occasionally to maintain humidity.

4. Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced keepers encounter challenges, but being aware of potential issues can help you avoid them:

• Overfeeding: Inverts have small appetites, and overfeeding can lead to uneaten prey causing stress or Mold in the enclosure.

• Poor Ventilation: Always ensure good airflow to prevent Mold and bacterial growth.

• Handling Stress: While some inverts tolerate gentle handling, most prefer to be left undisturbed. Watch for signs of stress, such as excessive hiding or refusal to eat.

5. Species-Specific Care Tips

Jumping Spiders (Phidippus regius)

• Enclosure: A small, well-ventilated tank with climbing spaces.

• Diet: Live fruit flies for spiderlings; larger prey like crickets for adults.

• Behavior: Curious and active, making them beginner-friendly and fun to watch.

Velvet Spiders (Gandanameno sp.)

• Enclosure: A small, quiet setup where they can build their webs undisturbed.

• Diet: Small crickets or fruit flies.

• Behavior: Shy but fascinating, they create intricate webs and prefer minimal disturbance.

Future Species:

• Tarantulas and Scorpions: As Occult Exotics grows, I’ll be adding species like D. diamantinensis dwarf tarantulas and H. silenus scorpions, each with their own unique care requirements. Stay tuned for future care guides!

6. Continuous Learning

One of the best things about keeping invertebrates is that there’s always something new to learn. Each species has its quirks, and part of the joy of ownership is discovering their unique behaviours and preferences. Whether you’re experimenting with new enclosure setups or observing how your spider interacts with its environment, the experience is endlessly rewarding.

Conclusion

Caring for invertebrates is an exciting and fulfilling journey, and with the right knowledge, anyone can enjoy these fascinating creatures. If you’re considering adding an exotic pet to your collection, or if you’re a beginner looking for guidance, I’m here to help.

Check out the available inverts at Occult Exotics or get in touch if you have any questions about care—I’m always happy to chat and share advice. Together, let’s make the world of exotic pets accessible, fun, and rewarding for everyone!