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Tips for Breeding Your Own Feeder Insects

feeder insects

When it comes to making reptile pets successful in captivity, feeder insects are something you can’t ignore. What your pet eats and the abundance of that resource in the wild can make or break their quality of life. Breeding the insects that your reptile eats gives you the power to give them a better experience.

Not to mention, breeding insects can be educational and very fulfilling. After reading this article, you’ll be ready to begin your journey into raising feeder insects.

Setting Up the Right Environment

Start by providing the right temperature and choose an area with little to no direct sunlight. Insects do best in a controlled, stable temperature in the range of 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels between 50-70%. The enclosure should be airtight and contain a substrate, such as vermiculite or coco-fiber, to provide an area for the insects to burrow and thrive.

Place mesh or wire mesh over the substrate for a smooth crawling surface. The enclosure should also provide a source of moisture and insect food in the form of fruits and vegetables. Feeder insects like buffalo beetles can be encouraged to breed by providing a variety of dark places to hide and lay eggs.

Design the Environment for Your Liking

When you are thinking of breeding feeder insects, it is important to ensure that the environment is designed to your liking. First, you should consider the size of the environment, as it needs to be large enough for the insects to thrive and breed comfortably. Segregate the breed feeder insects by size, ensuring larger and smaller larvae are kept separate to avoid cannibalism.

Next, consider the substrate and decorations that can be added to the environment. Adding substrates like soil, peat moss, and coco coir, as well as plants, can make for a thriving environment for the feeder insects.

Clean and Sterilize the Container

Begin by wiping down the container with a disinfectant or soap and water mixture, followed by a thorough rinse. Adding a bleach-water mixture and letting it sit for a couple of minutes can kill any harmful microorganisms and bacteria. Rinse the container with soap and water after the bleach water treatment, and then dry before use. If the container is glass, boiling the container could sanitize it and let it cool before use. These practices will foster a healthy environment to successfully breed your insects.

Monitor the Environment

Monitoring the environment is essential for the successful breeding of feeder insects. Precise temperatures, humidity, and lighting levels should be maintained for the insects’ health and viability. Consider using an electronic thermometer, hygrometer, and photometer to measure these conditions to optimize the environment for breeding.

Breeding Feeder Insects Properly

Breeding your own feeder insects is a rewarding challenge and a great way to save money. Be sure to own the proper supplies, do regular maintenance to remove debris and unhatched eggs, and feed the insects properly. Through consistency, you can effectively produce and support large colonies of feeder insects. With the right supplies and knowledge, you can become a successful reptile owner by breeding your feeder insects. Why wait? Start breeding today!

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