Spider Enclosures
(This chapter is under construction)
Phids are easy to house in a variety of enclosures from simple and cheap to elaborate. Phids need very little to survive, though enriched environments may have benefits, as well as being an attractive way to show off your spiders.
Considerations
Heat and Humidity
Phids are well adapted to temperate environments, but if you are keeping a phid in a climate far removed from its native one, you may need to provide extra heat and humidity. For example, P. regius live are native to Florida, so you may want to monitor your temperature a bit to make sure it's within their range, which it usually is indoors unless you're own dwelling is chilly or drafty. In that case a heating pad can provide extra heat (see appendix).
Also you'll want to consider the humidity. Do you heat with forced air that makes your indoor air dry? Are you keeping spiders from a more humid climate like P. Regius in a dry place like Arizona? You might want to then monitor humidity (see appendix) and increase it, either through daily misting or keeping your spider in a terrarium with live plants.
Light
Most spiders are nocturnal or avoid light, but jumping spiders are the exception.
CAUTION!
Spiders may enjoy direct sunlight occasionally, but it should be used with EXTREME caution and careful temperature monitoring due to spikes in temperatures that can occur, which can cause damage to their exoskeleton leading to dehydration, loss of limbs, and often death. I know many people who have lost spiders due to placing them in direct sunlight.
See the chapter on medicine for more information on heatstroke.
Enrichment
Openings
A major consideration is that almost all phids will build their nests on the top of any enclosure you give them, so enclosures that open at the top should not be used. If you have one that's otherwise suitable but opens at the top, see if you can turn it on its side.
Types of Enclosures
Simple Deli Cups
Simple deli cups can easily be modified to house spiders, which is especially useful for raising spiderlings. I use a tack to make 10 or so breathing holes around the side. I use scissors to cut a small hole in the lid and then cover that with duct tape for easy feeding access – just stick a funnel in there to funnel in fruit flies or once they start eating flies I just stick the fly in there. The lid part is used as the bottom, so that they can build their nests on the top and not have their nest disturbed when feeding. I start out withthese 4 ounce ones(http://amzn.to/2o2Ejnb) for the smallest spiderlings and gradually move them to larger deli cups as they grow. For enrichment I tape a bit of accordion folded paper to the top, they usually build their nests there.
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Modified Display Cases
Modified acrylic display cases used for action figures are a popular way to house smaller spiders. You'll want to purchase them with vents (see appendix) or drill holes in them yourself.
Terrariums
Terrariums can provide an excellent way to house adult spiders and easily control the temperature and humidity of their environment. I highly recommend the Exo Terra Nanos, as they are high-quality and open in the front for easy access without destroying their nests.
Substrate
Substates are not necessary, though they allow you to put live plants in your spider terrarium if you are interested in doing that, as well as maintain the humidity if you live in a dry climate and are keeping a spider that is adapted to another more humid climate.
If you chose to use one I recommend using substrate that is made for pets, such as the Exo Terra Plantation Soil, as soil from outside may have parasites or other unwanted creatures and gardening soil may contain harmful additives.
Light
If you are using sunlight, indirect is best, and make sure to monitor the temperature because enclosed spaces can get MUCH hotter than people can often imagine due to the greenhouse effect.