All spiders are predators and eat only live food. Spiders readily accept grasshoppers and other insects, or smaller spiders, all of which may be caught with a sweep net. You may also try sifting through forest litter for smaller creatures that can be given to spiders as food. Spiders need to be fed only once every 3-7 days.

Moisture is a more critical factor for the survival of spiders in captivity. One of the ways to keep the container moist without drowning the spider is to place a small potted plant inside the cage; another way is to place a ball of cotton wool or a folded filter/toilet paper which can be wetted with a few drops of water every day.

Unless you intend to watch the courtship and mating of spiders, you should not put more than one spider in the same container as the smaller ones will usually end up as food for the larger occupant.