Substrate for spiders

[shelliebear]

Can I use aspen bedding for spiders? Or does it depend on what type of spider it is? I am waiting for photos to load in my email so I can upload them, but I wanted to use aspen for this spider I just found in his little sterilite container. Will it work ok do you think?

[WRITESHOPROBERT]

I don't know, I just wanted to use something clean and sry that would make a good background for photos, I used Pictachio shells. Before I have Sunflower seed shells, I cleaned them of the salt first.

[Ungoliant]

It probably depends on the spider to a certain extent. If your spider burrows or lives on the ground, you may have to be more careful.

Aspen is probably OK. A lot of people use it for snakes, and I've read that some people use it for insects. Unlike cedar, I don't see anyone claiming that aspen is dangerous. I would, however, consider mixing it with something softer, like peat moss or coconut fiber.

Some hobbyists recommend not using any kind of mulch as substrate. Cedar, pine, and other woods with volatile oils are reputed to be harmful to rodents, birds, and reptiles. I don't know if any studies have been done on invertebrates (some people use cedar oil as insect repellant), but it's probably best to play it safe and avoid those.

Personally, I use a mixture of peat moss and gravel. I decided to try peat moss on a whim, because we always have some for gardening, and it's working out well. A lot of other hobbyists use peat moss too. (I could probably do without the gravel, but it doesn't seem to be causing problems for my web-spinners.)

[Kellyjay]

right on ungoliant!