How to breed Locusts

[grumpyoldtrout]

We have 2 boxes of crix out in a shed ATM, 24 X 24 X 18, too noisy to have in the house, using the boxes you get crix and locusts from the pet shop as laying tub, I have got 2 boxes of sand and 8 of soil that should have eggs in them. Aldi had an offer of a pollen mesh for hay-fever sufferers to put over there open windows, I have that as the top, lets light in and moisture out.

I would rather breed locusts though, everything seems to prefer them. So..... thanks for this, my next project seems sorted.

[tryme]

can babys be kept with adults after hatching?

[monty2004]

good advice

[lil_jo84]

Do you have to have separate tubs for adults... can they all live in the same viv from babies up

[lil_jo84]

Also is there a difference between male and females and if so what is a good ratio for a breeding colony?

Sorry if this seems dumb but only just started researching in to breeding locusts as I am currently going through 150 of various sizes a week

[GAD58Y]

this is also a good site about breeding locust and its got some good pictures
Locusts
hope this helps

graeme

[Emily&Uluru]

Wow that's some really good info, thanks.My 3(soon 2 )Locusts were all dead/dying very sad.

[jennlovesfrogs]

cheers for this! might give it a go sometime save me buying huge supplies all the time.

[cat500]

I followed the instructions on page 1, and it worked a treat. I thought I'd share the experience, and add a few details.

I have a glass tank (2 x 1 x 1.5 feet) bought from the local fish centre for £30. I have placed it on 2cm blocks (I used my kids lego), above a full size heat mat. This keeps the temperature at about 28 Celsius, and prevents the glass from overheating. I have a 40w heat lamp at one end. I have a lid made from a wooden frame, with mesh glued securely all the way round. I added a couple of sticks and some egg carton. Locust can climb glass tanks fairly easily, and they enjoy hanging from the mesh.

I put the heat lamp on manaully in the morning, and switch it off at night. The heat mat runs 24/7.

I bought some adult locust, but they were rubbish. I recommend buying 5th stage nymphs and growing them on (I put 15 in my tank). Most of mine were adults in 5-10 days. The adults live for ages (4 weeks). They need a week or so to mature before they start mating. Not sure on the male/female ratio, I just trust nature to get it right. What are the chances of all 15 nymphs being the same sex ??

The really important thing is the sand box for laying eggs. This MUST be at least 12cm deep, as the locust can stretch it's body a lot when laying. I bought some plastic storage containers, and cut them to size. I tried using a smaller box, and nothing ever hatched.

I used kiln dried sand, as I've heard that builders sand is not sterile enough for eggs to hatch. Kiln dried sand is £3 for 10Kg at the local garden centre.

Once I had moistened the sand and put it in the tank, all I did was squirt some water onto the top (through the mesh lid) every day or so. One thing I did notice was that the adult locusts would drink any splashed water. So don't get paranoid about a few drops missing the sand box

So far I have 50+ babies jumping round the tank with the adults. BEWARE the badies are small (obviously), and can escape, so make sure your mesh lid has no gaps. The babies are hard to catch, so I'm waiting till they grow a bit before moving them into a new home.

Food: Oats, Bran, Green Leaves & Fresh Cress (which I grow myself).

Hygene: I've just left the tank to fill up with all the crap. When the adults die I take them out. The tank is dry from the heatmap & lamp, so there really is no chance of mould/fungus breaking out.

Summary: It's easy. Just relax and the locust will look after themselves.

[polly3000]

hi there , do you have any photos of your locust breeding setup as i am wanting to have a go at breeding to try and save a bit of money. thank you