Keeping Locusts

Introduction
Materials Required
Basic setup
Feeding Your Locusts
Feeding Out locusts To Your Herps

Introduction
Locusts are a great feeder insect, suitable for use as a staple for larger lizards and a good treat. They will be readily accepted by a large number of your Herps, and make no noise at all. Removing the jumping legs before feeding is advised as there are spikes on the outside edge, which become more apparent and more damaging as the locust grows. If they were to kick out as your animal takes it then it could cause an injury. They require very dry conditions, so plenty of ventilation is required to keep them dry, and immediate removal of dead insects will prevent disease which seems to spread very easily. The use of vermiculite on the bottom helps to absorb excess moisture and keep the enclosure drier for longer. .

Materials Required
The materials required for a basic setup are as follows:

• Large plastic container with ventilated lid, such as the ones used for transporting small animals

• Fine mesh sieve

• Vermiculite

• Egg 'flats'

• Heat pad (optional) - medical types available at most drug stores work well

• Food tray. Take-out tub lids work well.

A Description of the Basic Setup
Cut a hole about 3 inches square on two opposing sides or the container, about half to one inch up from the bottom. If the container is rectangular, it is preferable that the holes are on the "short" sides. Remove the mesh from the sieve, and flatten it out. Cut two squares approx half an inch larger all round than the holes in the box, and fix them in place over the inside of the holes. This ensures any stray wires or sharp edges are on the insides - the locusts wont cut themselves somehow, they seem to have more sense. Fix them in place with epoxy such as araldite, or other fast setting alternative. Once it has completely dried, rinse it to remove and residue, dry thoroughly and put a layer of vermiculite in the bottom up to the level of the bottom of the vents. Stand a few egg flats upright to provide cover and hiding places, making sure not to obstruct the vents and leaving enough room to place a plate or tray of food at one end. Securely attach the lid and you're done! If you choose you can place the container on a heat mat to provide a low heat but if kept at room temperature this shouldn't be necessary.

Feeding
You need to gutload your locusts before feeding them to the herp, so provide a variety of fresh salads and vegetables. If this is unavailable, commercial gutloading formulas are known to work but I dont have much experience with them. If you choose to go down this route ask around to find out which are the best ones. The general rule is not to feed anything to the locusts that you would not feed to your herp. Not spoiled food, or anything that should be going in the bin. Remove any old food immediately to prevent spoiling. Water can be provided in a small dish with soaked cotton wool, but is usually not necessary.

 Feeding the Locusts to Your Animals
When the time comes, simply scoop them out and apply any vitamins/calcium required and feed out to the animals. The easiest way to pick them up is by their back legs, and if they are adult or very large then squeezing them sharply at the knees with cause them to drop off, preventing injury to your animal if the locust were to kick out at an inopportune time. .