How to Keep a Cricket

Although crickets may seem like an unlikely choice for a pet, they have actually been kept as pets by many people for thousands of years. In several countries, such China and Japan, it is believed that crickets bring good luck. Others choose to keep crickets as pets because of the chirping sounds the males make by rubbing their wings together. Crickets are low-maintenance pets, as they do not require affection or handling in order to thrive. Your pet cricket will be content living inside its enclosure, as long as you provide food and water.

Things You'll Need

  • Small aquarium with wire mesh lid
  • Coconut fiber
  • Rocks
  • Twigs or fake plants
  • Aquarium thermometer (optional)
  • Heating pads (optional)
  • Sponge
  • Assorted fruits and vegetables
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the enclosure for your cricket. If you are only keeping one cricket, a 1-gallon aquarium will provide ample room. Fill the bottom of the aquarium with two to three inches of coconut fiber. Coconut fiber has a pleasant aroma that will neutralize the foul odors typically associated with crickets. Arrange some rocks, twigs or artificial plants in the enclosure, providing plenty of hiding spots for your cricket.

    • 2

      Set the enclosure in a warm place to prevent the cricket from becoming too cold. Although crickets can survive at room temperature, they thrive best when kept warm between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to keep the enclosure warmer, place heating pads beneath the aquarium, and use an aquarium thermometer to monitor the temperature in your cricket's enclosure.

    • 3

      Place the cricket in its new home. You may choose to keep a wild cricket, or you can purchase one inexpensively at any pet store that caters to reptiles and other exotic pets.

    • 4

      Water your cricket once every few days by placing a small, damp sponge in the enclosure. Do not place a water dish or any kind of standing water in the tank, as crickets cannot swim and drown easily. Check the sponge every few days to make sure it remains damp for the cricket to drink from.

    • 5

      Feed your cricket every few days or so. Crickets are herbivores that will eat any fruit or vegetable you choose to give them. Grate or chop up the ingredients to make it easier for your cricket to eat. Some foods to consider feeding to your cricket include carrots, potatoes, lettuce, apple, banana and bread. You may also consider adding ground up dog or cat food to provide protein. A well-rounded diet will keep your cricket healthy. Remove any uneaten food before it rots.

    • 6

      Clean your cricket enclosure once a week. Wipe out any excrement and make sure there are no pieces of rotten food in the enclosure. This will help keep odors to a minimum.