Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Scott W · Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 9:46 pm Post subject: Locust

As requested Wink

Basically you need to stick to simple things, firstly temp, basking temp up to 40-45c, background temp 30-35c. ( a thermal gradient in the cage is good)

Provide plenty of suface area, I use egg carton and each box produces about 1200-1500 5th's (over 2000 4ths or just 500 adults).

Food, fresh spring greens daily and dry bran twice weekly, they never run out of either.

Humidity...DON'T ALLOW ANY!

Water - NONE needed, they get it from the greens.

Egg laying, anything so long as it's about 10cm deep. Incubation 28c, around 10 days.

I can get egg to adult in around 4-5 weeks, then eggs again after another 10 -14 days.

Mine are also kept in TOTAL darkness....not that that's needed but just makes me laugh to think of desert animals thriving in the pitch black 24/7 their whole lives Laughing

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Please DO NOT pm orders for reptiles, send email instead scott@captivebred.co.uk

beardie barmy · Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 9:57 pm Post subject:

thanks mate have you gotta pic for me if its not to much to ask pal Very Happy

Geordiegirl · Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:14 pm Post subject:

I've never tried to breed them before but it sounds fairly simple, thanks for the info.

I think I'll keep some of mine back the next time I get a big order in and give it a try. It sounds like they will breed as readily as the crickets do. Smile

Rickeezee · Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:37 pm Post subject:

To be honest I find locusts easier to breed than crickets. My crickets can be a bit hit and miss at times. Since my herp collection has grown I need to rethink my insect feeder breeding programme as I keep running out of everything and its beginning to get costly.

I have a few colonies of lobster roaches on the go that I wont touch for ages yet so that I can ensure I have enough to feed and breed from.

I think I need to do the same with the crix and locusts buy a load more in and leave 50% just for breeders and leave them untouched for a long time till I can build up a good continual supply again.

it was all going well till the herp collection grew!

Any advice or tips to help with the above please post all help appreciated cheers.
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www.rickslivefood.co.uk

beardie barmy · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:39 am Post subject:

rick have you got any pics of your colony's mate

Rickeezee · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 8:50 am Post subject:

Rickeezee · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 8:54 am Post subject:

Same set up as in pics for crix to Lee.

Ideally a larger container would be better, but I have tried with large plastic tubs with snap on lids that I hve drilled for ventilation but the tubs get to moist and they hate moisture. So I will look into trying to find some proper livefood bins.
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www.rickslivefood.co.uk

Siebren · I've settled in... Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 38

Scott W · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 1:00 pm Post subject:

I use habistat heat pads, one per box.
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Please DO NOT pm orders for reptiles, send email instead scott@captivebred.co.uk

Siebren · I've settled in... Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 38

Wow, that looks pretty productive.... Surprised

In terms of housing; how do you prevent locusts from jumping all over you rep-room? (As I can imagine catching a couple of animals to feed would result in one jumping mass of locusts... Shocked

)

Do you keep all ages together in the same container or are they sorted by size?

Siebren (curious...)