Crickets are insects that belong to the Order Orthoptera and the Class Insecta. Crickets are an important part of the ecosystem as they assist 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 bred and used as bait for fish and as food for some pets. The Chinese also use crickets in medicines. They are popularly used as a sport like 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 helps in reproduction. Another reason is that the nutrition from the cricket’s diet is passed on to the pets, which are each of these crickets.

Crickets are omnivorous, feeding on almost anything, usually organic materials, plant decay, grass, fruit, seedlings, mushrooms, and even meat. Crickets need a good diet, otherwise they tend to feed on each other. Cricket food is commercially available in feed stores. There are also specific brands of cricket food. For a few crickets, tropical fish make good food, although it would be expensive. Rolled oats with fresh fruits and vegetables are an ideal food for crickets. You can also give cornflakes, bread and digestive biscuits. Crickets also enjoy fruits like apples, bananas, and grapes, and vegetables like 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 food 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 on the ground. This container must be cleaned regularly to prevent the formation of mold.

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 bowl of water to prevent crickets from drowning. Raising crickets is very easy.