Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Peter Parrot · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 8:22 pm Post subject: Locust Nymphs

I have never bothered breeding locusts before but recently gave it a bash. Today I have had my first MASS hatching.

This might seem a stupid question, but does everyone here that breeds them feed the Nymphs the same diet as the adults, it`s just that the nymph`s jaws don`t look strong enough to cope with the leafy greens that the adults munch. They have fish flake and bran available too but I haven`t seen any feeding yet, or is it normal for them not to feed straight away?

Any advice appreciated.
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Rickeezee · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 8:53 pm Post subject:

Congrats; I feed mine the same as adults. Let them settle and the food will soon disappear, when they hit about two/three weeks old their appetites become voracious! Big time!

I keep their tanks on heat mats, and provide lights 20watts halogens from homebase, goose-neck clamp lamps £3.99 each. This all helps stimulate their growth rate and appetite. Very Happy

Happy locust rearing!

Rick
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Peter Parrot · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:04 pm Post subject:

The mrs is sat there watching them fascinated! Smile

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INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACES
www.btcv.org
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Rickeezee · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:10 pm Post subject:

I must admit that I get as much pleasure from breeding my own insects as I do the Reps etc. it's the whole amazing life cycle thing. Roughly how many hatched, in how many days, in what egg laying medium?

Rick
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Rickeezee · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:13 pm Post subject:

,,,,,,,,,,,,
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Peter Parrot · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:28 pm Post subject:

Got to be about fifty odd there, only started hatching in the last three hours literally. Most of them are still a very pale light green I can just see a couple turning dark now.

Erm, I am ashamed to say I don`t know exactly how long they took to hatch but it`s at least ten days. They were in peat, which I think may have been a tad dry so the next batch cooking are in a slightly moister tub of peat.

Yep, I find them pretty fascinating. Much more fun then the stick insects I had as a kid.
_________________
YSBRYDOLI POBL, GWELLA LLEOEDD
INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACES
www.btcv.org
Visit our website - Gwelwch ein Gwefan
www.btcvcymru.org
Llinell Gymorth / Helpline: 08702 40 48 41

Peter Parrot · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:32 pm Post subject:

Great picture Rick! Smile

How many "Bins" do you have running. I`ve got two for now but I think I will need at least two more so as to have plenty of various sizes at any one time.

I am building up my "Farm" BEFORE I get back into my chams.
_________________
YSBRYDOLI POBL, GWELLA LLEOEDD
INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACES
www.btcv.org
Visit our website - Gwelwch ein Gwefan
www.btcvcymru.org
Llinell Gymorth / Helpline: 08702 40 48 41

Rickeezee · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:32 pm Post subject:

10 days seems about right. I HAVE STARTED TO USE PEAT BUT AM FINDING IT HARD TO KEEP IT MOIST. wAS USING BLOODY CAPS SOZ.

Was using vermiculite held the moisture better. I shall see how it goes with the peat for a while.

They soon toughen up Very Happy

Rick
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www.rickslivefood.co.uk

Rickeezee · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:34 pm Post subject:

Running about 8 bins. x3 for various size young. x5 xtra large for semi adult and adult breeders. Rick
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www.rickslivefood.co.uk

Peter Parrot · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:38 pm Post subject:

Were they hatching ok in the vermiculite? What made you switch to peat?

Yes it does seem a bit of a struggle to keep the peat moist . Confused

_________________
YSBRYDOLI POBL, GWELLA LLEOEDD
INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACES
www.btcv.org
Visit our website - Gwelwch ein Gwefan
www.btcvcymru.org
Llinell Gymorth / Helpline: 08702 40 48 41