If you want to keep insects as pets, grasshoppers are one of the perfect choices for you. These intriguing creatures are not only cost-effective—often free to obtain—but they also thrive without too many requirements. However, like other pets, they still need basic needs. Here is how to take care of grasshoppers.
But before that, we suggest you have an overview look at grasshoppers.
Getting a grasshopper
The easiest way to have a grasshopper is to buy it at pet stores. Or you can easily get it in your garden, in the field, long riverbanks, or any place where there’s plenty of grass and leaves for it to eat.
If you live in a warm area, you can find these species year-round, but in colder regions, they’re typically only around in warmer months. The best time to catch grasshoppers is in the morning when they’re less active and can’t jump as quickly. If you can’t find any in the morning, try again in the middle of the day when they’re more active.
To catch a grasshopper, you can use a net or a blanket. Lay the net or blanket on the ground and walk towards it, causing any grasshoppers in your path to jump onto it. Then, quickly cover the grasshopper with a glass jar to trap it.
Grasshopper Habitat Setup
Enclosure: You can start with a glass or plastic terrarium with a secure mesh top is ideal. The size of the terrarium should be at least three times the length of your grasshopper. A 10-gallon tank is a good starting point for one or two insects. The enclosure should be well-ventilated, with a fine mesh top to allow air in while keeping your grasshopper safe inside. Make sure the enclosure is escape-proof, as grasshoppers are adept jumpers and can squeeze through small spaces.
Temperature and humidity: The temperature should range between 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Humidity levels should be moderate, around 40% to 60%, to prevent dehydration and aid in molting.
Substrate: A mix of organic potting soil and sand works great, and it’s chemical-free. If you want to keep the soil moist but not too soggy, toss in some peat. Make sure the soil is deep enough, around 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) should do.
Plants: You can add a variety of plants (preferably those that your grasshopper can eat), and branches for climbing.
Light: Like other species, this insect needs light to survive. However, don’t let the cage under the direct sunlight, which can cause overheating. Instead, you can use UVB light for around 12 hours a day mimicking sunlight in the wild. It’s important to position the light source effectively to avoid overheating and provide shaded areas for the grasshopper to retreat.
During the dark cycle, all lights should be turned off to replicate natural day-night changes. If you find it hard to remember, you can use a digital thermometer and an automatic timer can help maintain consistent lighting conditions.
Feeding grasshoppers
What to feed:
Grasshoppers are primarily herbivorous. You can feed them vegetation, such as grasses like alfalfa, and leafy greens like romaine lettuce, kale, and dandelion leaves. They also like fresh fruits and veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples, cut into small pieces. This gives them the nutrients they need and helps keep them hydrated. You can also provide a bottle cap of clean water in their enclosure for hydration.
How often to feed:
The feeding schedule of grasshoppers depends on their species, size, age, and the temperature of their environment. As a general rule, adult grasshoppers should be fed fresh food every day. Nymphs may require more frequent feeding, up to two to three times a day.
You can change this feeding plan depending on how your grasshopper acts and how healthy it is. Just keep an eye on how much it eats and adjust accordingly to keep your pet happy and healthy.
Tips for feeding grasshoppers:
- Give them a variety of food.
- Make sure the food you give them is pesticide-free and chemical-free. Wash all the food well before feeding them. This keeps your grasshopper safe from worm parasites and insecticides and helps keep them hydrated.
- Be careful with fruits because they have a lot of sugar. Too much sugar can cause health problems for grasshoppers. So, give them fruits sparingly.
- Some grasshopper species may need a special diet. If you get your grasshoppers from a pet store, ask the staff about what they eat and how to take care of them.
- Feed them regularly during the daytime. This keeps them healthy and happy.
Handling your grasshopper
Handling and interacting with your grasshopper can be a delightful experience, allowing you to closely observe these fascinating insects. However, you have to be careful to ensure the safety and well-being of both you and your grasshopper pet. Here are some tips for handling and interacting with grasshoppers:
Be gentle: Grasshoppers are delicate creatures, and their legs, in particular, are prone to injury. When you pick up a grasshopper, do so gently, allowing it to walk onto your hand rather than grabbing it. This reduces the risk of causing harm to its limbs. It’s advisable to handle grasshoppers over a soft surface, such as a table covered with a cloth, to minimize injury if they fall.
Limited handling time: While it might be tempting to keep your grasshopper out for extended periods, it’s important to limit handling time to reduce stress on the insect. A few minutes a day is sufficient for your grasshopper to become accustomed to your presence without causing undue stress.
Environmental conditions: Ensure that the room’s temperature is suitable for your grasshopper before handling. Also, avoid handling your grasshopper outside to prevent accidental escapes or exposure to predators.
Observation: Sometimes, the best interaction is observation. Grasshoppers are intriguing to watch as they go about their activities. By observing your grasshopper’s behavior in its enclosure, you can learn a lot about its preferences and natural behavior, including feeding habits and movements.
Recognizing signs of stress: Be attentive to signs of stress in your grasshopper, such as attempts to escape, reduced feeding, or lethargy. If you notice any of these behaviors, give your grasshopper some time to rest and acclimate to its environment without further handling.
Remember, the key to successful interaction with your grasshopper lies in patience and gentle handling. By respecting your grasshopper’s space and comfort levels, you can enjoy a harmonious relationship with your fascinating pet.
Upkeep
To keep your grasshoppers healthy and happy, it’s essential to maintain a clean environment for them. Start by changing their water every day and removing any leftover food to prevent mold, which can make them sick.
For a thorough clean, do this once or twice a month, especially if you have lots of grasshoppers. First, transfer them to a temporary container with air holes and some hay. Then, empty and clean their tank. Avoid using regular household cleaning products, as they can harm insects. Instead, opt for a vinegar spray or mild dishwashing liquid, and be sure to rinse well.
Finally, if you have other pets, make sure they can’t disturb the grasshopper’s home. Stress from predators can harm their health, so keep their enclosure safe and secure.
