Red Trapdoor Spider-Idiops sp.

[jwb121377]

I was thinking of buying a red trapdoor from Kelly Swift and wonder what the best setup would be? A deep substrate I assume. Any help is much appreciated.

[Alex S.]

I suggest using a large glass jar filled with 9" to 10" of peat or peat/potting soil mix. You can try to encourage the spider to construct the burrow by slightly creating a hole, or by putting half a clay pot in the enclosure. You may also want to put a dark colored piece of plastic wrap around the jar so the spider doesnt web the transparent side of the burrow, although this doesnt always work.

Alex S.

[jwb121377]

I'm going to give them a try. I'll use your tips and hope the spider acts as planed. Thanks for the help Alex.

[Alex S.]

No problem, good luck jwb121377.

Alex S.

[Wade]

If you set it up in the jar the way Alex describes, you can also bury a smaller jar or other cylinderical object right in the center. This means the substrate is around the sides, forcing the spider to dig it's burrow near the glass.

Wade