How to Keep Crickets in a Tank

Some pets such as snakes and lizards require live food, and crickets are usually top of the menu. Pet stores turn a tidy profit selling live crickets, but with a little effort it's possible to save money raising your own. As an added bonus, because you choose their diet, the crickets you feed to your pet will be more nutritious and will keep your pet healthier.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon tank
  • Sand
  • 6 to 8 jar lids
  • Dry dog food
  • Cotton balls
  • Egg cartons or paper towel rolls
  • Plastic container, 2 inches deep
  • Dirt
  • Aluminum wire mesh
  • Wire cutters
  • Large rubber band
  • Thermometer
  • Adhesive tape
  • Scissors
  • Heat lamp
  • 30 crickets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pour a layer of sand into the bottom of the tank about 1 1/2 inches deep.

    • 2

      Place several jar lids upside down in the tank. Fill half the lids with dry dog food and the other with water-soaked cotton balls. Do not fill the lids with open water or the crickets will drown. Fresh fruit and vegetable slices should be added every few days to supplement the cricket's diet.

    • 3

      Cut egg cartons along the seam. Stack a few haphazardly along with a few paper towel rolls around the tank. Crickets prefer secluded living conditions.

    • 4

      Place a 2-inch-deep plastic container in one corner.This is where the crickets will lay their eggs.

    • 5

      Fill the plastic container halfway with pesticide-free dirt. Add 1/2 inch of water to the dirt. The moist environment is ideal for breeding crickets. Re-moisten the soil every few days to ensure it stays damp but not water logged.

    • 6

      Cut a piece of mesh to cover the top of the tank. Add 2 inches to all sides. Cover the tank with the mesh and fold over the ends. Secure it in place with a large rubber band.

    • 7

      Secure a thermometer to one side of the tank with adhesive tape.

    • 8

      Position a heat lamp over the tank. Keep the temperature in the tank at about 85 degrees during the day. The temperature shouldn't be allowed to dip below 70 degrees or go above 95 degrees.

    • 9

      Position the tank on a steady surface, and then add about 30 crickets to their new habitat.