Crickets are insects that belong to the Order Orthoptera and the Class Insecta. Crickets are an important part of the ecosystem as they help in the decomposition of plant material. They are also an important food source for other animals such as small owls, spiders, birds, mice, shrews, snakes, frogs, raccoons, and opossums. There are many species of crickets: house crickets, field crickets, ground crickets, cave crickets, mole crickets, camel crickets, snowy tree crickets, and mole crickets.
Crickets are farmed and used as bait for fish and as food for some pets. The Chinese also use crickets in medicine. They are popularly used as a sport such as cockfighting. Crickets are also believed to bring luck. Raising crickets is very easy as they tend to eat anything. Providing a nutritious diet to crickets is very important as it aids in reproduction. Another reason is that the nutrition from the cricket diet is passed on to the pets, which are each of these crickets.
Crickets are omnivores, feeding on just about anything, usually organic materials, decaying plants, grass, fruit, seedlings, fungi, and even meat. Crickets need a good diet, otherwise they tend to feed on each other. Cricket foods are commercially available on the market at feed stores. There are also specific brands of cricket food. For a few crickets, tropical fish are a good meal, although it would be expensive. Oatmeal with fresh fruits and vegetables is an ideal food for crickets. Corn flakes, bread and digestive biscuits can also be given. Crickets also enjoy fruits such as apples, bananas, and grapes, and vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, and cabbage. Laying hen mash is also a good cricket feed and is cost effective for feeding large numbers of crickets. Some dietary supplements such as alfalfa, calcium supplements, and raw vegetable scraps can also be added for additional nutrition. Food can be placed in a shallow, open container that is firmly set in the ground. This container should be cleaned regularly to prevent mold growth.
Crickets also need a good supply of water. However, keep water away from food to keep it dry and fresh. Insert cotton swabs into the container of water to prevent crickets from drowning. Raising crickets is very easy.