FEEDING |
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Most types eat bramble (blackberry) leaves.
The Latin name for bramble is Rubus discolor. Many stick insects also
eat eucalyptus. The Indian stick insect (the most common variety) also eats
privet and ivy leaves. Peruvian Fern stick insects only eat fern. Spray leaves
every day or so with water. Do not get the stick insects wet. |
HOUSING |
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The
cage needs to be tall (51cm, 20") so they have room to grow.
It
needs mesh sides so the insects can get a good grip. Stick insects have
claws on their feet and need to hook them round a rough surface to climb. Many
stick insects like lots of air and so must be kept in a cage with
ventilated sides. The ELC cage is great for stick insects. This cage has
two sides full of specially made holes, allowing the stick insects to
breathe and climb easily. Keep it clean by lining the base with
a ELC Liner, changed weekly. |
HANDLING |
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Many
stick insects are good to handle. Lift adults by the middle of their bodies and
medium-sized insects by their tails. It's best not to touch baby stick insects
as they are delicate. |
TEMPERATURE |
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Stick
insects do not need heated cages. They do well in a room that is
comfortably warm in the day and cooler at night. Avoid putting the cage on a
windowsill as the insects may overheat in the summer and get too cold in the
winter. |
FURTHER INFORMATION |
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A
good book to read is "Keeping Stick Insects" by Dorothy Floyd. She is
Britain's stick insect expert and writes with enthusiasm. Find out about the
different species, breeding, practical tips, lifecycle information etc.
"Keeping Stick Insects" has colour photos, lots of
illustrations and has already been reprinted four times! Order it direct from
www.small-life.co.uk or by phoning 01733
913480. |
These Care sheets are produced by Small-Life Supplies to
generate more interest in the hobby and are copyright free. Please print
this sheet if you need more copies. |