What and how often
Offer appropriately sized feeders — roughly the size of the spider's abdomen. Slings eat every few days; juveniles weekly; adults every 1–2 weeks. A plump abdomen means a well-fed spider. Always remove uneaten prey within 24 hours.
Recognizing a pre-molt
A tarantula entering pre-molt often refuses food, darkens in colour, and may seal itself away. Stop feeding and never disturb a spider that has flipped onto its back — it is molting, not dying.
After a molt, the new exoskeleton is soft. Wait at least a week (longer for large spiders) before offering food again so the fangs can harden.
