If you’re a new tarantula owner, it’s absolutely normal to be freaked out and nervous the first time you see your tarantula flip over on its back and shed its exoskeleton – a completely normal and routine part of a tarantulas’ life cycle called molting.

I think one of the biggest mistakes we can make as new tarantula owners is being far too eager to intervene when our tarantulas are more than capable of going about their weird spider business with no help. Now of course, there is always a chance during a molt that things will not go well (it’s an intense process) and you might need to help out. However, more often than not your tarantula is having a perfectly normal molt. In those cases, here’s what you should do:

Nothing. I know this is the hardest thing to hear. But doing nothing is a really important part of tarantula care. Tarantulas have been around forever, and I even consider them in some ways to be perfectly evolved creatures, kind of like sharks! They are ancient, and only they know their inner workings. So, I know sometimes not getting involved is the hardest thing to do, but it can be the most important. Here’s why:

After a molt, your tarantula is the most FRAGILE they’ll ever be.

They are soft, they are weak and exhausted. They just shed their entire body (including eyes and fangs). You would be exhausted, too! They need to rest. So do NOT touch them during or after their molt (unless an unlikely emergency happens). Don’t try to turn them over if they are on their back – this is completely normal and your tarantula will turn over when they are ready! Touching your tarantula could really hurt them.

Do not do anything to startle them. Don’t open the tank for any reason, unless to refill their water dish (water is critical after a molt). If you must open the tank, be VERY careful and quiet so as not to startle them.

The only thing that should be offered to them is water. Do NOT try to give them food for several days after their molt, because their fangs will be too weak and soft to eat it, leaving them vulnerable and unable to protect themselves. Wait until your tarantulas’ fangs have hardened and turned black, usually about a week to 10 days after the molt is complete.

You don’t have to take the molt out. Your tarantula will be fine if you leave it in – and you should if taking it out or opening the enclosure will disturb or scare your spider. Some tarantulas even like to consume their molts or cuddle with them (mine do lol). You can always remove the molt after they have had a few days to move away from the molt or gain their strength – the molt won’t hurt them.

It’s ok if your tarantula does weird stuff after a molt. They are getting used to their new bodies (they just went through spider puberty lol) and will be stretching out in weird positions to get used to their new long legs. My tarantulas love to do spider yoga and stretching is a part of their recovery.

Your tarantula might look different. Your tarantula might be bigger, and different colors. It’s very common for tarantulas to get dull before a molt, and have more vibrant coloring after a molt. They might also look a little slimmer in their abdomen due to dehydration and the shedding of their premolt body. If you have a male, he might get his final tibial hooks, signaling maturity.

Your tarantula might act different. Along with changes in appearance, many tarantula owners report a change in temperament after a molt. My usually sweet, calm rose hair can act like a crazy bug-killing machine for a few months after a molt because she’s hungry and has more energy. Many others report that their spiders have these mood switches, too.

I hope this is helpful to you! To learn more about tarantulas and how to care for them, check out my full tarantula guide!