Cricket Care

Despite being a rung lower on the food chain, caring for crickets isn’t too much different then caring for your other pets. Provided a suitable environment, warmth, food and a water source they will thrive, won’t smell, and be will be ready to provide a tasty treat for your pet. The following is based on how we care for the little buggers on the farm. There are several sources on the net which offer greater detail and other options if you are interested.

We use a 30 gallon plastic storage bin. Don’t use the clear plastic ones as with any heat they tend to give off an odor which can be toxic to the crickets. The bin needs to be well vented, as crickets are extremely sensitive to any fumes or gases. Cut out a large window on three sides as well as the lid. Using a hot glue gun, glue fine screening to the outside of the windows. Screening is available at most hardware stores in various size rolls. On the inside of the bin, use shiny packaging tape to make a boarder around the top as well as around the window cutouts. While crickets are renowned for their escape abilities they can’t walk on shiny packaging tape. Finally crickets need a lot of surface space to roam around on. Using a hot glue gun, glue several egg cartons or egg flats together creating a cricket condo and stand it upright in the bin. Laying it flat will form pockets that may trap dead ones and the gases they give off which can lead to more dead crickets. The house is now ready to move in.

The temperature the crickets are raised in has a direct impact on their metabolism and in turn their rate of growth. They will do well in temps ranging from the low 70’s to the high 80’s. They tend to live longer and flourish with less stress when the temp is around 75.They don’t seem to care if its day or night so lighting isn’t a concern.

Crickets seem to have a huge appetite and a colony can make a large romaine lettuce leaf disappear in a matter of minutes. As a primary diet staple we use a high protein, calcium enriched chicken laying mash. One could also use a multi-grain cereal or dry cat food. We supplement that with cut up potato which provides another water source as well as numerous vitamins and minerals. They also love carrots, lettuce and bread.

As with any pet, crickets require a safe and constant supply of water. Crickets tend to drown easily in open water. They think they can swim but can’t. There are several watering dishes available but whatever used it is essential that a sponge or pebbles be placed in the dish so that they can access the water without taking a dip. Open water is where bacteria can grow which can lead to a very unpleasant odor and it must be changed frequently. We use jelled water that is made from a super absorbent non-toxic polymer that the crickets can suck the water off of.

Basically that’s it. The key to odor control is to keep the bin as dry and as clean as possible. Every few days clean out the dead crickets, which should be minimal. If you find a number dead with their feet in the air they died from outside causes such as fumes or gas. Ensure they are kept away from any pesticides or cleaners. Keeping the crickets healthy will ensure not only that you got your monies worth but that your herp did as well.