Having a pet grasshopper, although rare in Brazil, is a great alternative to animals that require more care, such as dogs and cats. Help your child learn responsibility by letting him have a bug like that. Although the grasshopper is less work than other types of animals, it still needs to be monitored and fed daily. The following guidelines will help you take care of your grasshopper, regardless of the animal's type.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Feeding Grasshopper “Pups”
Step 1. Place the food next to them
Grasshopper “pups” (also called chrysalis) are small and fragile. They don't move that much, so they can only eat what's next to them. Place the food as close as possible to the animals so that they can access it.
Step 2. Don't try to catch them
Chrysalis are so small and delicate that even the gentlest of touches can hurt them. Keep them close but don't try to catch or hold these critters until they're bigger and stronger.
Step 3. Feed them tender plants
Grasshopper chrysalis prefer this type of vegetable because they can digest it more easily, unlike venous plants. Some examples of good plants for these insects are clover and grasses.
Part 2 of 3: Feeding Adult Grasshoppers
Step 1. Research what grasshoppers like to eat
They prefer plants like alfalfa, wheat, corn and barley. These types of vegetables are more easily digested and therefore naturally consumed.
Step 2. Give your grasshopper a variety of foods
These insects have special chemicals in their stomach and saliva that allow them to break down carbohydrates in drier plants and use them for energy. Try giving them tree leaves and other green plant materials.
Step 3. Use the leftovers of your vegetables
Grasshoppers also eat lettuce, cabbage, and other vegetables you might have in the kitchen; Instead of throwing the rest of the salad away, give it to your pet.
Make sure you wash the vegetables well before feeding them to the grasshopper to remove pesticide residues
Step 4. Learn to avoid locust eating behaviors
When these animals “get together” in the same space, a chemical reaction occurs and they grow more than normal, in addition to laying more eggs. That's what happens when locusts turn into locusts. At this stage, they are able to band together and consume almost any vegetation they find.
To prevent this from happening, make sure your grasshopper has plenty of room to explore and grow – no matter what container it's kept in. Don't put too many insects in one place. As long as they have such a space and don't feel too close to each other, they won't turn into locusts
Part 3 of 3: Taking care of your grasshopper
Step 1. Make sure there is enough air for the grasshopper
They need to breathe; so don't put them in an unopened jar and expect them to survive. You should at least make a few holes in the lid of the container or put something pierced on top of the object.
Step 2. Give the grasshopper some branches
Try to make the animal's “house” look like a real structure. In addition to leaving food nearby, put some branches and some grass in the area. Support some of these branches against a wall so they are relatively straight up. This will give the grasshopper something it can climb and jump over – just as it would in the wild.
Step 3. Put some sand on the spot
Female locusts need to lay eggs. They prefer to do it on the sand; that's why it's important to include this material in the environment. The sand needs to stay moist (locusts won't lay eggs in dry sand), so you'll need to check it every day or two to see if you need to add water.
Attention: the sand must stay wet, not wet or muddy.
Step 4. Light the grasshopper
They are insects and therefore do not have the ability to regulate body temperature like mammals. They need a light source close to their home so they don't freeze. Keep a lamp or light fixture close to where they are for about 16 hours a day.
Step 5. Be gentle when handling them
Adult insects can be caught and held by humans, provided care is taken. Gently pick them up by the chest (the insect's torso). Make sure you don't try to grab them by the paws – or you could end up pulling them off.
Tips
- Change food frequently.
- Check the grasshopper daily.
Notices
- Do not give other insects for the grasshopper to eat; he is herbivore.
- Don't force them to eat. Leave the food in the container and the animal will eat if it wants.
- Remember that locusts are insects. Don't expect to be able to predict their behavior – and don't expect them to “like” being stuck.