If you’ve ever needed a steady supply of feeder insects for your pets—or you’re just curious about alternative protein sources raising crickets at home might be a great option. It’s surprisingly easy, doesn’t take much space, and can even be kind of fun once you get the hang of it.
Why Crickets?
Crickets are a popular choice because they’re high in protein, easy to keep, and reproduce quickly. They’re ideal if you have reptiles, amphibians, or fish to feed. And yes, some people raise them for human consumption too—cricket flour, anyone?
Getting Started: The Basic Setup
You don’t need anything fancy to start. A large plastic storage bin with a lid will do—something around 10 to 20 gallons works well. Cut some holes in the lid for ventilation, and cover them with fine mesh to keep the crickets in and pests out.
Inside the bin, add some empty egg cartons or toilet paper rolls. These give the crickets places to hide and climb, which helps reduce stress and fighting.
Keeping the Right Conditions
Crickets like it warm—somewhere between 80°F and 90°F (27–32°C) is ideal. I use a simple heat mat under one side of the bin. That way they can move to the cooler side if they want. Humidity should stay around 50–70%. I mist the bin lightly once a day or every other day, just enough to keep it from drying out.
Feeding Your Crickets
They’re not picky eaters. I give them a mix of fresh veggies (carrots, lettuce, apple slices) and dry food like oats or commercial cricket feed. For water, don’t just leave a bowl—crickets drown easily. Use a shallow lid with a damp sponge or cotton ball instead.
Breeding: Let Nature Do Its Thing
If you’re planning to breed them, add a small dish filled with moist coconut fiber or soil. This is where the females will lay their eggs. After a few days, take the dish out and keep it somewhere warm and slightly moist. In about 7–10 days, you should start seeing tiny baby crickets (called nymphs) hopping around.
Keeping the Colony Healthy
Don’t let the bin get overcrowded—things can go south fast with too many crickets in a small space. Clean out old food, waste, and dead crickets at least once a week. If it starts to smell bad or you see mold, that’s a sign something needs adjusting.
Harvesting Crickets
Once they’re about 6–8 weeks old, they’re full size. To harvest, you can gently shake them into another container. If you’re feeding pets, use them live. If you’re storing them or using them for food, freezing is the most humane way to kill them.
Some Quick Tips
- Always keep extra egg cartons handy—they’re the best cheap “furniture” for crickets.
- Don’t overfeed with wet foods like fruit; it can attract mold.
- If you see tiny bugs crawling around, you might have mites—clean the bin and start fresh.
Final Thoughts
I started raising crickets just to save money on pet food, but it quickly became a little side hobby. They’re low-maintenance, and once you get into a rhythm, it’s pretty straightforward. Whether you’re doing it for your pets, for sustainability, or just out of curiosity, it’s definitely worth trying.
